Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Porcelain Veneers (Part 2)

This is part 2 of a question and answer article that explains everything you ever wanted to know about porcelain veneers.

This is part two of a Q & A that explains everything you ever wanted to know about dental veneers in NYC.

Q. What happens after my teeth are prepared for the porcelain veneers?

A. Your cosmetic dentist or dental assistant will make a set of temporary veneers for an acrylic material. The temporary veneers will consist of one piece of material, so you will not be able to floss between each tooth while the temporaries are on. They will be cemented to your teeth using a temporary dental cement. In order to keep your teeth clean while wearing the temporary veneers, you will likely need to use a special instrument such as a hydrofloss. While wearing the temporaries, you will not be able to eat hard foods or meat, and your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold. This is because the temporary material is not protective and durable like your actual porcelain veneers will be. They are also not stain resistant.

Q. How long will I have to wear the temporary veneers?

A. In most cosmetic dentistry clinics, you will likely have to wait about one to two weeks for your porcelain veneers to come back from the ceramicist. When your custom-made veneers arrive, you will go back to the dentist for the final procedure.

Q. How are the permanent veneers placed onto my teeth?

A. The temporary veneers will be removed and you will be given a local anesthetic so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Your dentist will then likely place the porcelain veneers onto your teeth without any cement at first, just to check for proper fit, defects, and overall appearance before making them permanent. You may want to inspect them as well to make sure that you like the appearance of each tooth. After this final inspection, your dentist will clean your teeth with a solution called acid etch. This solution roughens the surface of your teeth so they will adhere to the dental cement better. This protects you from the possibility of a veneer falling off. The cement will then be applied to the front of your teeth and the back of the veneer.

Q. Will the veneer protect my tooth from sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as decay?

A. Yes. Unlike the temporary veneers, the porcelain veneers in NYC will protect your teeth from decay, as well as sensitivity to hot and cold. You will be able to bite into candy apples and steak as well, because the veneers will be durable. With porcelain veneers, you will brush and floss just as you would without them.

Q. Are porcelain veneers resistant to stains from coffee and soda?

A. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but it will still be important to brush properly after drinking coffee, soda, tea, and other beverages that may stain teeth. This will keep your veneers looking great for years to come.