Porcelain veneers in Miami, Florida

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

A porcelain veneer is like a new outer shell for your tooth. Composed of thin ceramic layers that mimic tooth enamel, porcelain veneers actually adhere to the tooth surface, improving minor issues in appearance and restoring their outer beauty.

Veneers can smooth out chipped teeth or appear to lengthen teeth that have been shortened through tooth grinding, also called bruxism. They also can adjust the overall shape of your teeth to complement your features better, good news if you’ve always thought your teeth were too large or too small for your face. If you have small gaps between your teeth or a tooth that’s misaligned, but you don’t want or need braces, veneers can fix those problems as well.

Perhaps best of all, veneers can brighten your smile if your teeth aren’t as white as they once were, or if you have a single tooth that’s discolored or particularly resistant to whitening treatments. Beverages such as coffee and tea, smoking, medications, 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—or even go brighter if you like.

Before you undergo treatment, our dentist can show you how your smile will look with veneers. To apply one or more veneers, the dentist first will take a mold of your teeth for a custom fit that looks natural and feels comfortable in your mouth. A small amount of tooth enamel – less than 1 mm of the surface – might have to be removed before adhering the veneer in place to ensure a snug fit, depending on the type of veneers used. But once attached, your porcelain veneer will be as permanent as a filling or a crown and virtually worry-free. While it might need replacing after years of wear or an accident, you won’t have to worry about it staining or shifting around as you eat or speak.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

A veneer is similar to a crown in that generally no one knows it’s there except you and your dentist. Both improve the overall look of your teeth by changing the color, shape, spacing, or size. Veneers and crowns are made from the same material and mimic the natural translucence and sheen of teeth. They also can be matched to your tooth’s natural shade or the whiteness you desire, and they also don’t stain or shift once cemented in place. But whether you opt for a veneer or a crown depends on the underlying health and condition of your teeth.

Because they’re designed to mask minor imperfections, veneers are applied only to the front of the tooth whereas a crown (also called a cap) fits over the entire tooth down to the gums. If you’ve lost a lot of tooth structure because you have dental decay, you’ve had a mouth injury, or you grind your teeth, a crown can reestablish the tooth’s function as well as its appearance. Crowns also are recommended for structural or cosmetic issues affecting the back teeth, which receive a greater amount of biting force.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Although their overall durability can vary depending on the brand of veneers used, your lifestyle, and proper care, veneers are known to last for decades. Just treat them as well as you would your natural teeth, and they’ll keep your smile brilliant for years to come.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a specific brand of veneers that are ultra-thin, so they require little to no reduction in the surface enamel of your natural tooth. Yet they’re so durable, they’re known to last more than 20 years. Like other brands of veneers, they’re also stain-resistant, and their translucency ensures they look as natural as they feel.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

Veneers like a gentle touch. If your veneers cover teeth worn from a habit such as clenching or grinding, you’ll likely need a custom-made night guard to protect them. But for the most part, care for veneers as you would your natural teeth, by brushing and flossing them gently each day.

Although you don’t need to baby teeth treated with veneers, you’ll also want to be mindful not to bite into very hard foods, such as candy apples, or use your teeth to open packages or rip off price tags. Our dentist in Miami can offer you other advice about your dental care once your veneers are in place.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Miami Today

If you have additional questions about veneers or think they might be right for you, call our friendly and caring staff in Miami to set up an appointment today at (305) 921-0511. We look forward to helping you.