Porcelain veneers in Cutler Bay, Florida

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneers essentially cover the front of a tooth or teeth with thin ceramic layers that mimic natural tooth enamel. They stay firmly in place, so no one but you and your dentist knows they’re there. They’re a versatile way to address cosmetic problems such as:

• Color: Smoking, certain medications, food and drink, and even aging all affect our teeth over the years, turning them discolored, dingy, or yellow. Veneers can make your teeth look white again, taking years off your appearance. A single veneer also can target a discolored tooth that might have been particularly stubborn to other whitening treatments.
• Size and shape: Have a tooth that’s chipped, or teeth that are shorter than their neighbors because of tooth grinding, also called bruxism? Veneers can smooth away those flaws. If you’ve always felt like your teeth looked like the wrong shape or size for your face, veneers also can adjust the shape of your teeth to better complement your features.
• Alignment and spacing: Closing small gaps between your teeth and fix other minor alignment issues with veneers, so you don’t have to bother with braces if you don’t otherwise need them.

To apply one or more veneers, our dentist first will take a mold of your teeth so the veneer has a custom fit that looks natural and feels comfortable. Depending on the brand and type of veneers used, our dentist in Cutler Bay might have to reduce a small amount of your natural tooth’s enamel (less than 1 mm of the surface) to ensure a snug fit.

But once attached, your porcelain veneer will be as permanent as a filling or a crown. You won’t have to worry about it becoming stained or shifting around as you eat or speak. Just enjoy the smile you’ve always wanted.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Both veneers and crowns can dramatically improve the overall look of your teeth by changing the color and shape. They’re made from the same material, and both adhere to the underlying tooth structure. But a crown (also sometimes called a cap) fits over the entire tooth down to the gums, whereas a veneer only covers the tooth’s front surface.

A veneer is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to handle small surface imperfections in generally healthy teeth. Crowns often are recommended if you’ve lost a lot of tooth structure because of decay, age, or trauma, or because you grind your teeth. For a crown to fit properly, the dentist must remove more of a tooth’s exterior enamel (at least 2 mm).

Once in place, however, a crown actually helps strengthen the tooth underneath and restores its proper function. Crowns also are a good option for back teeth that have structural or cosmetic issues because crowns are stronger under the greater biting force between your molars.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are designed to be long-wearing, durable options for enhancing the beauty of your teeth. Their durability varies depending upon the brand of veneers used, proper care, and your lifestyle, but barring any accidents to your teeth, they should last for decades.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a specific brand of veneers known for being ultra-thin, so they require little to no reduction in the surface enamel of your natural tooth. They’re highly translucent, so they look as natural and as comfortable as they feel. Yet they’re also quite durable – they can last more than 20 years!

How Do I Care For Veneers?

Care for veneers as you would your natural teeth: by brushing and flossing them daily. Even so, as tough as veneers can be, you’ll also want to be mindful about avoiding certain hard foods, such as candy apples, and tasks, such as opening packages, with teeth that are covered by veneers.

If you have an underlying issue such as tooth clenching or grinding, your dentist also might advise you to wear a custom-made night guard to protect your veneers while you sleep.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Cutler Bay Today

Have additional questions about whether veneers are right for you? Our friendly staff in Cutler Bay is glad to set up an appointment for you to discuss any concerns about using veneers and how they can fit into your dental care. Call us today at (786) 619-3434.