Porcelain veneers in Florida

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneers are composed of thin ceramic layers that mimic tooth enamel. They adhere to the tooth surface, creating a new outer shell for your tooth and improving minor issues in appearance. Veneers can smooth out chipped teeth or appear to lengthen teeth that have been shortened through tooth grinding, also called bruxism. They even can adjust the overall shape of your teeth to complement your features better.

If you have a tooth that’s misaligned or small gaps between your teeth, but you don’t want or need braces, veneers can fix those problems as well.

Perhaps best of all, if your teeth aren’t as white as they once were, or if you have a tooth that’s discolored or particularly resistant to whitening treatments, veneers can brighten your smile. Smoking, medications, beverages such as coffee and tea, and even age all contribute to yellowing or discoloring our teeth. With veneers, you can choose a shade that looks natural but takes years off your appearance. Our dentist can even consult with you before you undergo treatment to show you how your smile will look with veneers.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Both veneers and crowns are made from lifelike dental porcelain that mimics tooth enamel and are adhered to your underlying teeth. Both also can change the color, shape, size, and overall appearance of your teeth.

However, instead of adhering to the front of a tooth, a crown replaces the entire external part of the tooth down to the gums. Installing a crown (sometimes called a cap) involves removing more of your exterior tooth enamel – at least 2 mm – making this the recommended option when a tooth has lost a lot of its structure because of decay, trauma, grinding, clenching, or age. Crowns also are preferred for problem molars because of their strong biting force.

Otherwise, a crown is custom-made to fit your teeth, just like a veneer, and has the same permanence. In fact, adhering a crown to a previously weakened or damaged tooth actually helps strengthen the tooth’s structure.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are designed to be long-wearing—some last more than 20 years! Of course, their durability varies depending upon proper care, your lifestyle, and the brand of veneers used. But if you treat them as well as your natural teeth by brushing and flossing daily, they should last for decades.

What Are Lumineers®?

Lumineers® are a specific brand of veneers that are known for being ultra-thin. They require little to no reduction in the surface enamel of your natural tooth, yet are remarkably durable. Lumineers® also are highly translucent, so they look like your natural teeth.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

For the most part, you’ll care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth: by brushing and flossing gently each day. But even though veneers can be tough, they can’t weather everything. If you have veneers on your front teeth, your dentist might recommend that you don’t rip open packages with your teeth or bite into hard foods, such as candy apples. Also, if your veneers cover teeth worn from clenching or grinding, you’ll likely need to wear a custom-made night guard. Just be mindful of situations that might be tough on your veneers, and they’ll keep your smile radiant for a long time.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Florida Today

If you have additional questions about whether veneers are right for you, we’re glad to help you. Call any of our offices in Florida to set up a consultation with one of our dentists today.