Veneers

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells which are designed to cover the visible surface of individual teeth. Unlike crowns, which are shells that encompass the entire tooth, veneers are only used to cover the front side for cosmetic purposes. They are typically crafted from porcelain or composite materials and permanently attached to the tooth. The best teeth veneers for each patient depend on the cost, as well as goals or needs which may vary from person to person.

Porcelain vs Composite Resin Veneers

The best veneers to get will vary from person to person, but each of the primary types have their own advantages. Porcelain dental veneers are popular because they are sturdy and last a long time. These are also typically the most realistic veneers, looking very similar to the surface of natural teeth. They are also stain-resistant, and likely to stay whiter for longer than composite resin veneers, which stain more easily.

Composite resin veneers, which will still give you a good-looking smile, do not have a surface that looks quite as close to that of a natural tooth. However, there are some advantages to this option – they are less expensive and may be applied in fewer dentist visits. Also, while porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable, composite resin veneers are easier to fix if damaged and can also be reversed if you are not happy with the results of your procedure.

Why get dental veneers?

In most cases, dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure performed to improve the appearance of the smile. They may be used to cover up teeth that are crooked, stained, chipped, or broken. Some people may only require a single veneer to cover up one tooth that is damaged or misshapen, while others may get a full smile makeover with veneers placed over several teeth to create a straight and even overall appearance.

How do you prepare for veneers?

As a leading practice for cosmetic dental procedures in New York City, we want to ensure that you are well-apprised of your options and get the best type of veneers for your needs. An initial consultation will cover your expectations for the procedure, and Dr. Chung will go over the available options and answer any questions that you may have about the process.

Once you have made the decision to proceed, a small amount of enamel will be removed from the front and sides of the affected teeth so that the veneer will fit naturally over the tooth without looking abnormally large. An impression will be taken of your teeth to craft well-fitted custom veneers, and additional preparations may be made to the surrounding teeth to ensure an even and seamless appearance.

It is also important that your teeth and gums are healthy before the veneers are placed, and your initial consultation will often include an x-ray to ensure that there is no serious decay that needs to be addressed initially.

What can you expect during application of dental veneers?

After the molds are taken during the initial consultation, it may take up to a couple weeks to receive your custom veneers, at which point you can set an appointment to have them installed. After ensuring a good fit and cleaning your teeth to remove all bacteria, Dr. Chung will use a special tool to roughen the texture of the tooth so that the veneer can bond more easily to its surface. The veneer is then adhered in place with dental cement, which is exposed to an ultraviolet light in order to harden. Local anesthetic may be used during this appointment if necessary.

Length of this process will vary depending on the number of veneers being applied, but this appointment will typically be over in less than a couple hours.

What is the followup and recovery like for teeth veneers?

The same day that veneers are applied, you will schedule a followup in a week or two to evaluate the success of the bonding and address any discomfort, unevenness, or other issues. Depending on the type of veneer, they will need to be replaced typically sometime between seven and fifteen years after being applied. It is important to continue brushing, flossing, and continuing all other regular maintenance of your veneers as though they were regular teeth.

Are veneers covered by dental insurance?

Insurance often does not cover dental veneers, as this is usually categorized as a cosmetic procedure.

Are there related services to veneers?

Dr. Chung is a leading NYC dentist for a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve the appearance of your smile, also including custom aligners and dental crowns.