Everything You Ever Wanted To Know about Porcelain Veneers (Part 1)

This is part 1 of a question and answer article that explains everything you ever wanted to know about porcelain veneers.

Q. What exactly are dental veneers? Where can I get them in NYC?

A.You may have heard the word veneer used before in reference to furniture made from thin slices of wood glued to particleboard. The word veneer is also used to describe thin slices of porcelain that are glued to the teeth with a special kind of dental adhesive. These are usually used for cosmetic purposes, but they also protect the tooth from decay and staining. Once the secret to a beautiful smile known only by movie stars, models, famous singers, and other celebrities, porcelain veneers are rapidly gaining popularity among people who simply want to have a beautiful smile. For dental veneers in NYC, look for an experienced cosmetic dentist who can provide before and after photos of actual patients.

Q. What happens during my first appointment with a cosmetic dentist?

A. Most cosmetic dentists will first conduct a smile analysis to find the defects in your smile that can be improved upon with cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers in NYC can provide a solution to many common problems such as enamel erosion, chipped teeth, decay, discolored teeth, misshapen teeth, and misalignment. If veneers are determined to be the correct solution for you, the dentist will first make impressions of your mouth.

Q. What happens when I get impressions made?

A. There are different methods of making dental impressions. One of the oldest methods is to use a metal tray filled with a flavored kind of “goop,” which is placed into the patient’s mouth for 2 - 5 minutes. When the tray is taken out, the patient’s teeth marks remain in the “goop.” A newer and more accurate method used by state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry clinics is the digital impression method. Many patients prefer digital impressions because they are made instantly, without the potential for gagging the patient. The impression is then used to create the temporary veneers that the patient will wear while waiting for the permanent porcelain veneers to be made.

Q. How will the veneers match the color of my other teeth?

A. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable steps involved in getting veneers is the step of choosing the most appropriate shade of white. If all of your teeth are going to be covered with veneers, you may want to have a bright “movie star white” smile. However, if you are only having veneers placed on a few teeth, it will be extremely important to match the color of your other teeth as closely as possible. Cosmetic dentists are trained in picking the most appropriate color, so you won’t have to worry about picking the wrong color.

Q. How are my teeth prepared for the veneers?

A. So that your teeth will not end up too thick when the veneer is placed, a small amount of your enamel will be removed to make room for the veneer. The amount of enamel that your dentist will remove depends on what brand of veneer your dentist uses, the current health of your teeth, which teeth will be getting veneers, and the method that your dentist uses to place the veneers.

Q. Does the procedure hurt? How long will it take?

A.A few minutes before your teeth are prepared for the veneers, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic. This way you will be alert and conscious during the procedure, but you will not feel any pain or discomfort. Your teeth will be contoured, and after the surface of the tooth has been removed more impressions will be made. Traditional impressions take about five minutes, and digital impressions are made instantly. These impressions are sent to the ceramicist where your porcelain veneers will be made in NYC.