Porcelain Veneers in Middletown, NY

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneers cover the front of a tooth with thin ceramic layers, discretely improving the look of your smile. Here are some ways they can help you smile with confidence:

• Brighten Teeth: Food and drink, aging, smoking, and medications all can take a toll on our teeth over time. Veneers can make teeth that stubbornly resist other whitening treatments bright again so they’ll blend in with your natural teeth. Want to go even brighter? Veneers come in a variety of shades, so you can choose just how bright you’d like your smile to be.
• Size and shape: Veneers can smooth out chipped teeth and lengthen teeth that have been shortened through bruxism, or tooth grinding. If you’ve always felt self-conscious about the shape of your teeth, finding them too big, too square, too round, or too small for your face, veneers also can adjust the shape of your teeth to best complement your features.
• Alignment and spacing: Do you dread wearing braces when you’re beyond your teen years just to fix a tiny gap between your teeth? With porcelain veneers, you can make minor adjustments in spacing and alignment without the longer treatment that braces involve.

Crafted from a material that mimics tooth enamel, a porcelain veneer actually adheres to the surface of your tooth. It’s custom-made from a mold of your teeth. Depending on the brand and type of veneers used, our dentist in Middletown might have to reduce a small amount of your natural tooth’s enamel (less than 1 mm of the surface) so the veneer fits snugly and naturally against your tooth. But once it’s adhered in place, it’s your secret. It won’t move or stain, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Both veneers and crowns can improve the appearance of teeth dramatically by changing the color and shape. But a crown (sometimes called a cap) covers the entire tooth, down to the gums. A veneer acts like a shield on the front of the tooth.

Veneers enhance healthy teeth that have minor cosmetic problems. A crown is the better option when a tooth has been severely damaged by decay, age, trauma, clenching, or grinding. Crowns also are recommended for back teeth because they can handle a stronger biting force.

Just like veneers, crowns are custom-made to fit your teeth, and both are made from the same material that mimics natural tooth enamel. To place a crown, a dentist must remove more of the exterior enamel – at least 2 mm. But once adhered in place, a crown has the same permanence and durability as a veneer.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are known to last decades, depending on the brand used, proper care, and your lifestyle. They’re designed as a permanent option for improving the appearance of your teeth, so barring any accidents to your teeth, they should keep you smiling beautifully as long as you’re good to them.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a specific brand of veneers known for being ultra-thin, highly translucent, and yet highly durable – they can last more than 20 years! Because of their thinness, Lumineers^® need little to no reduction in your tooth’s enamel to be applied. They not only look feel comfortable and resist staining but also look natural.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

Veneers like a gentle touch. Although they can be quite strong, your dentist in Middletown likely won’t recommend your biting into very hard foods, such as candy apples, with teeth covered with veneers – or using these teeth to snip price tags or rip open packages. If you have an underlying issue such as clenching or grinding your teeth, it’s best to wear a custom-made night guard to protect your veneers. Otherwise, care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth by brushing and flossing gently each day.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Middletown Today

If you have additional questions about whether veneers are right for you, our caring staff is glad to set up an appointment for our dentist in Middletown to evaluate your smile. Please give us a call at (845) 512-1246 today.