Porcelain veneers in Hudson Valley

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells made up of plastic or other materials that are placed over patients’ teeth to protect them from surface damage or to improve their aesthetic appearance. Depending on their structure, veneers may be directly built up in the patient’s mouth or fabricated elsewhere and later bonded to the particular teeth.

And because they are intended to improve the overall appearance of the patient’s teeth, veneers are made to resemble the color and composition of natural teeth as closely as possible. At Family Dental Group, veneers are one of the leading techniques that are being used to improve a patient’s smile.

Why should I consider getting porcelain veneers in Hudson Valley?

Over the years, veneers have garnered considerable reputation as one of the most important tools in cosmetic dentistry. With veneers, restoring a single tooth or multiple teeth that are damaged, discolored, or disproportionate to the rest of the patient’s mouth, has become easier and more convenient for many people. Veneers can cover up unwanted spaces in between teeth, lengthen teeth that become shortened because they have been worn down, restore symmetry in the patient’s smile, or even simulate straighter teeth. Nowadays it is very common for veneers to cover up cracked, broken, or chipped teeth without the need for extraction. Permanently stained teeth may also be effectively concealed with this procedure.

What should I expect when getting veneers?

Getting dental veneers would require multiple visits to the dentist’s office. During the initial visit, the dentist will conduct a thorough check of the patient’s teeth and formulate a diagnosis that will support the use of veneers to improve the patient’s overall oral health. To help facilitate this process, x-rays of the mouth will be taken, as well as impressions of the patient’s teeth so that the dentist can formulate an effective treatment plan that would achieve the results that both the patient and the dentist are aiming for. The patient has to be very clear on the outcome that he is expecting in order for the dentist to build the treatment plan around his expectations.

The next appointment would potentially involve the preparation the patient’s teeth for the veneers by trimming down a portion of the enamel from the indicated tooth surface. Prior to this procedure, the dentist may administer a local anesthetic to desensitize the patient and lessen discomfort. The amount of enamel that will be trimmed off is going to be the same thickness as the veneer that will be applied onto the tooth. If the veneers are being fabricated elsewhere, then temporary veneers will be given to the patient to wear, until the time that the custom-made veneers are ready to be bonded onto their teeth.

When the veneers are ready, the receiving teeth will be cleaned, polished, and surfaces will be etched in order to make the surface rough and allow for a stronger bonding process. The veneers will then be cemented onto the teeth and adjusted to achieve optimum appearance. A curing light will then be applied to the dental veneers to activate a specific chemical reaction in the cement that will cause them to harden quickly.

Finally, the patient’s bite will be assessed and adjustments will be made to remove any excess cement.

What results should I expect from getting veneers?

Most patients that get veneers are completely satisfied with the results. Smiles have been instantly transformed with the use of veneers and the results are generally long lasting. Because of advancements in dental technology, veneers can now last anywhere between 10 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.