If you are looking for a long-lasting way to transform your smile without extensive dental reconstructive and cosmetic work, veneers may be a good option for you. Every year, thousands of Americans choose veneers to give them a beautiful smile while still preserving their natural teeth. 

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin coverings that are custom fit over the front surface of the natural teeth. Veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin, with each material having their pros and cons. Instead of procedures like crowns or implants that aim to repair the underlying teeth, veneers offer a simple yet transformative way to give patients a dazzling smile without extensive dental work.

Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Almost anyone who just wants to correct cosmetic issues with their visible smile may be a good candidate for veneers. Veneers are designed to fit snugly over the front surfaces of the teeth, camouflaging cosmetic issues such as:

• Gaps 
• Uneven teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Discoloration
• Chipped teeth

Average Lifespan of Veneers

With proper daily care, lifestyle changes, and regular visits to the dentist, veneers can have a lifespan of 10-15 years. This includes brushing and flossing twice each day plus after each meal, regular exams with a qualified dentist to assess the health of the underlying teeth, and occasional polishing to remove surface stains. Additionally, patients with veneers should avoid eating or drinking anything that could potentially stain the veneers, including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark foods like berries. Smoking and foods that are high in sugar or acid content should also be avoided. Not caring for veneers properly will significantly lessen their lifespan.

So why do some people say that veneers are permanent? While a set of veneers may only last 10-15 years, they can be easily swapped out for a new set once their lifespan is over. This is usually when the veneers become stained or damaged and cannot be repaired. This means a patient can use veneers for their entire life, just not necessarily the same set.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

No, veneers do not ruin your teeth. In order to fit the veneers over the teeth, your dentist will remove a small amount of the teeth’s natural enamel. The enamel removal is permanent, but it does not affect the function of the teeth.

Do I need to brush veneers?

Yes, veneers must be brushed, flossed, and otherwise cared for exactly the same as your natural teeth for optimal longevity.

Long-Lasting Veneers on Long Island’s South Shore

Are you ready for a smile that turns heads? Veneers are a great cosmetic option to cover up minor imperfections in the visible front teeth. At Elite Family Dental Care in Merrick, NY, we offer high-quality porcelain, composite, and instant veneers that will transform your smile from average to amazing in just a few easy visits. Schedule a veneers consultation with us today by calling 516-608-0001 or requesting an appointment online.

Dental veneers provide an instant makeover for imperfect teeth and smiles. Using thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth, dental veneers can whiten, reshape, align, and resize teeth. They can even close small gaps between teeth leaving you with a brilliant, perfectly aligned smile. Read for everything to know about how dental veneers work.

Are Dental Veneers the Right Cosmetic Treatment for You?

Dental veneers are a very popular cosmetic dental treatment. The reason? They can completely transform your smile, eliminating a variety of imperfections. Dental veneers are best suited for patients in good oral health, who desire aesthetic improvements including:

• Teeth that are even in length
• Correcting slightly crooked teeth teeth
• Whiter, brighter teeth
• Enlarging small teeth
• Closing small gaps between teeth
• Restoring chipped teeth 
• Covering dull teeth 
• Widening narrow teeth

Getting Started with Dental Veneers: What to Expect

If you’re considering upgrading your smile with dental veneers, you’ll begin by scheduling a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist. You will have an oral health examination to confirm that you are free of gum disease or other oral health conditions that need to be addressed before getting veneers. 

If you are approved for dental veneers, the next step will be preparing the teeth for placing the veneers. The teeth that are receiving veneers will have a thin layer of enamel removed, to create space for the veneer. Your dentist will remove this thin layer, and lightly etch the teeth for a secure bond.

You’ll have a series of digital impressions and digital images taken, which will be sent along with your custom treatment plan to the lab to create your veneers. Your dentist may also use advanced software to show you a preview of what your smile will look like once the veneers have been placed. You’ll leave the appointment with temporary veneers to wear. 

Dental Veneer Placement: What to Expect

Once your veneers have been received by your dentist, you’ll return to have them placed on the teeth. Your dentist will ensure that each veneer fits perfectly, and will make adjustments as needed. The veneers will cover the entire visible portion of your teeth, wrapping slightly around the sides and bottom of the teeth. 

Once the veneers are perfectly positioned, a strong bonding agent will be applied to the teeth to secure the veneers. A special curing light will be used to harden the adhesive. 

Although the entire procedure is non-surgical, you may experience sensitivity in the first few days after having veneers placed. The veneers may feel unusual, but most people get accustomed to how they feel very quickly. 

Best Practices: Caring for Your Dental Veneers

Once your permanent dental veneers are placed, you’ll need to make sure that you keep them looking their best. To care for your dental veneers:

• Practice excellent hygiene habits (2x/daily brushing, daily flossing)
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush only
• Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients (charcoal, baking soda, etc.)
• See your dentist every six months for exams and cleanings
• Avoid chewing on hard foods or objects (candies, ices, pens, fingernails, etc.)
• Use a custom night guard if you have a history of clenching or grinding

Should you develop a toothache, bleeding gums, or any other oral health condition, make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Veneer 

What are alternatives to dental veneers?

Yes. Elite Family Dental Care provides comprehensive cosmetic dental care. Depending on your needs, alternative treatments may include any combination of treatments such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, cosmetic bonding, or dental crowns. 

How long will porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable. With excellent oral hygiene and regular dental care, many people find their veneers last ten years or longer before needing to be replaced.

Schedule a Consultation for Dental Veneers in Merrick, NY

Elite Family Dental Care provides custom dental veneers for those who wish to improve the appearance of their teeth and smile. To schedule a cosmetic dental consultation with our Google 5.0-star reviewed dental practice, call 516-608-0001 or book your appointment online.

Dental veneers create a beautiful appearance in an easy, affordable package. They can correct multiple cosmetic issues simultaneously, saving you time and money.

Veneers are long-lasting and highly effective.

Composite veneers may last from four to eight years, while porcelain veneers could last up to 15 years if you care for them properly.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin sheets of tooth-colored material that a dentist bonds to teeth. To start the process, the dentist takes impressions and plans the final desired look.

The dentist removes a very thin layer of tooth enamel to apply the veneers and takes more impressions to ensure the new veneers fit properly.

After the veneers return from the dental lab, the dentist bonds the porcelain or EMAX veneers to the teeth.

Advantages of Veneers

Simplicity

Veneers can replace procedures like teeth whitening, minor orthodontic care, chipped teeth repairs, and many others. Rather than going through multiple steps to correct minor, aesthetic problems with your teeth, veneers can cover them all at once. This procedure saves you time and money.

Durability

Veneers can withstand wear and tear and provide a trouble-free experience when cared for properly.

Beauty

Veneers can make your teeth aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain veneers, in particular, produce stunning results.

Options for Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most attractive option. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and look the most like natural teeth.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain and they provide excellent results but are not as translucent. 

Tips for Helping Your Veneers Last

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene and keep all scheduled dental appointments
• Wear mouthguards if you grind or clench your teeth or play contact sports
• Exercise caution with hard foods like candy and nuts
• Avoid biting non-food objects like ice or pens
• Avoid using teeth as tools, such as to open packages
• If you have composite veneers, use caution with staining or highly pigmented foods and beverages

Exploring the Possibilities of Veneers

Dental veneers can make cosmetic dental improvements quick and easy. In just a few short steps, you will have a bright, improved smile with fewer obvious flaws.

Call Elite Family Dental Care

If you want to know more about veneers and how they can improve your smile in just a few easy appointments, call our Merrick, NY, office at 516-608-0001  to schedule a consultation. We can consult with you to develop a plan to straighten and brighten your smile.