Porcelain veneers in Lauderhill, Florida

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Veneers are composed of thin layers of dental porcelain that mimics tooth enamel and adheres to your tooth’s surface. They’re a good option to correct cosmetic issues in otherwise healthy teeth, such as:

• Tooth Color: Why let dingy or yellow teeth make you feel shy about your smile? Tobacco products, coffee, tea, medications, and aging all can discolor teeth over time. With veneers, you can bring back the natural brightness, focus on one or two teeth that have been particularly stubborn to other whitening treatments—or even make your smile a bit brighter.
• Size and shape: A chipped tooth can make you feel out of sorts, especially if you have a big event like a job interview or a class reunion pending. Because veneers cover the front of problem teeth securely and discreetly, they can smooth out chipped teeth and also lengthen teeth that have been shortened because of tooth grinding, or bruxism. They even can enhance your appearance by changing the overall shape of your teeth if you’ve always thought your natural teeth were the wrong size or shape for your face.
• Alignment and spacing: If having a gap-toothed smile still makes you feel self-conscious but you don’t otherwise need or want braces, let porcelain veneers correct those tiny gaps and other small adjustments in tooth alignment.

Our dentist in Lauderhill can discuss your needs and even show you how you’ll look with veneers before you undergo treatment. Before applying the veneers, the dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a custom fit. A small amount of your natural tooth’s enamel (less than 1 mm) might have to be removed, depending on the brand and type of veneers used. But once they’re in place, your veneers are won’t move around while you eat or talk, and they won’t stain. They’re as permanent as fillings or crowns and should feel as comfortable and look as natural as the rest of your teeth.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Veneers and crowns are made from the same material, adhere to the underlying tooth structure, and can change the color and shape of teeth, improving their overall look. But a veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth that is otherwise healthy, whereas a crown (also called a cap) fits over the entire tooth down to the gums.

For a crown to fit properly, the dentist must remove more of a tooth’s exterior enamel (at least 2 mm). That’s why they’re often recommended if you’ve lost a lot of tooth structure because of decay, age, or trauma, or because you grind your teeth. Once cemented in place, however, a crown actually helps strengthen a tooth.

Crowns also are a good option for back teeth that have structural or cosmetic issues because they hold up best under the biting force between your molars.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are designed to last for decades. Barring any accidents to your teeth, as long as you care for your veneers properly, your smile should look radiant for a long time.

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. Yet they’re quite durable – Lumineers^® are known to last more than 20 years! They’re also highly translucent, so they look as natural and as comfortable as they feel.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

If your veneers cover teeth worn from clenching or grinding, you’ll likely need a custom-made night guard to protect your new smile. Otherwise, care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth by brushing and flossing them gently each day. Keep in mind that as sturdy as veneers can be, they can’t weather everything.

Your dentist might recommend that if you have veneers on your front teeth, you not bite into hard foods such as candy apples, for instance. We’d also suggest not using your teeth to rip open packages or snip through plastic price tags on clothing, just as you wouldn’t with your natural teeth. But as long as you’re mindful of situations that might be tough on your veneers, your veneers should keep you smiling bright for a long time.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Lauderhill Today

Have additional questions about whether veneers are right for you? Give our friendly and caring staff a call at (954) 246-4835 to set up an appointment. We’re glad to help you.