Skip Menu
Woodstock General and Implant Dentistry on May 24, 2017

    Best Day and Time to Call


    Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells, which are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth and an extremely popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. They provide a versatile solution for addressing common cosmetic concerns such as staining, chips and cracks, or misalignment and are one of the most conservative approaches to changing the appearance of teeth.

    The procedure typically requires three visits to our Woodstock office – conveniently located to serve patients across Ulster County, Dutchess County, and the Hudson Valley area.

     

    Our Porcelain Veneer Procedure

    Your first appointment is a consultation. We’ll discuss how you’d like your smile to look, take photographs of your face and smile in our portrait studio, and take impressions.  Our laboratory can then create a “wax up” rendering of what your smile will look like once the procedure is complete. Then we’ll make the temporary veneers for the next visit.

    During your next appointment, we’ll conservatively shape your teeth and take a mold of them so that the laboratory can fabricate your permanent veneers. Only 0.5 – 0.8 mm of tooth reduction is needed for a porcelain veneer. Then, we place beautiful temporary veneers that you will have for two weeks. This is important as the temporary veneers serve to guide our dental lab in the creation of your permanent veneers. We apply a lot of attention to the temporary veneers to ensure the final result is what you want, and so you can smile and eat confidently while the lab is creating the permanents.

    On your third visit, we’ll finalize the color and securely bond the permanent porcelain veneers to your teeth. The veneers will blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth to create a natural, attractive result. And, because the veneers are resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and smoking, your new smile will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

    The 5 Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

    Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They immediately transform your smile, and they are one of the easiest cosmetic dental treatments. If you’re self-conscious about your smile and have been considering getting veneers, here are some benefits of porcelain veneers and why we recommend them.

    1. Porcelain Veneers Can Cover Up Chips, Cracks, and Discoloration
      Veneers are thin pieces of medical-grade porcelain and are custom-made for each patient. Veneers can fix small cosmetic issues in your smile. They can hide discoloration, chips, or cracks in your teeth giving you a brighter, whiter, natural-looking smile.
    2. Dental Veneers Can Last Up To 10 Years or Longer
      Often times, the longevity of porcelain veneers comes down to how the patient takes care of them after they have been placed. The key to making them last is to take care of your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Simple brushing, flossing, and visiting your dental hygienist every 6 months is a great way to make your veneers last.
    3. Veneers Require Minimal Enamel Removal and Are Less Invasive
      Veneers only require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from your natural teeth. We only remove 0.5 – 0.8 mm of tooth enamel. The veneers process is non-invasive and you may not need anesthesia at all.
    4. Dental Veneers are Low Maintenance
      While veneers are stain-resistant, you still need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to maintain good oral health. Veneers are actually able to resist cavities better than natural tooth enamel. However, it’s still important to get your teeth cleaned every 6 months like you would your natural teeth.
    5. Veneers Can Increase Your Confidence!
      Porcelain veneers are specifically made for you! They blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth and give you a brighter smile that is resistant to staining. Veneers look natural and you’ll able to smile and eat confidently!

    Porcelain Veneers Frequently Asked Questions

    What Exactly Are Veneers?
    Veneers are made up of super thin pieces of durable shells that are bonded to the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance.

    Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
    If you are looking to improve your smile due to cracks, chips, stains, or other flaws in your teeth, you may be a good candidate for veneers. If you have extensive tooth decay, we may not recommend veneers. Schedule a consultation to talk to one of our dentists to find out if you’re a good candidate.

    How Long Do Veneers Last?
    Veneers can last 10+ years depending on how the patient takes care of them. If you are consistent about taking care of your oral health, veneers could last longer than 10 years!

    How Many Veneers Would I Need?
    Our prosthodontists will assess your smile and determine how many veneers you require during your consultation.

    How Do I Take Care of My Veneers?
    You would take care of your veneers just like you would your natural teeth! Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dental hygienist for a cleaning every 6 months. It’s also helpful to avoid eating super hard foods that could cause your veneers to crack.

    How Much Do Veneers Cost?
    The cost of veneers can range depending on what you need so it’s important that you come in for a consultation.

    Does the Procedure Hurt?
    Typically, the procedure is painless once numbness takes effect. Patients should expect some soreness of the gums and possibly in the jaw.

    What Foods Should I Avoid?
    While you can eat most foods with veneers, you should avoid hard foods like almonds or cracking nuts with your teeth. Just like your natural teeth, your veneers can break or crack if you bite into very hard foods.

    Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

    Porcelain veneers can be used to address a range of cosmetic concerns, and because they require less tooth reduction than dental crowns, they offer you a conservative option for improving the color, size, or shape of your teeth. The technique is also more versatile than options such as teeth whitening or dental bonding. From concealing stains (even discoloration resulting from acne treatments or antibiotics) to masking teeth that are chipped or worn, porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for many people.

    Contact us to find out if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you.