Porcelain veneers in Plantation, Florida

Veneers restore the outer appearance of teeth that are otherwise in good health. They’re a great choice to fix not only the size and color of your teeth but minor spacing and alignment issues as well.

Our dentist in Plantation will be happy to evaluate your needs and help you determine if veneers are right for you.

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. Because they adhere to a tooth’s surface, they’re a fairly simple treatment for minor cosmetic issues.

Veneers can appear to lengthen teeth that have been shortened through tooth grinding (also called bruxism), smooth out chipped teeth, and even adjust the overall shape of your teeth to complement your features better.

If small gaps between your teeth or a tooth that’s misaligned make you feel less pulled together than you like but you don’t want (or need) braces, veneers can fix those problems easily 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. Aging, certain food and drink, smoking, and medications all contribute to teeth becoming yellow, dingy, or discolored.

Veneers come in an array of natural-looking shades, so you can choose one that matches your natural teeth and take years off your appearance—or go a step or two brighter if you like.

Our dentist in Plantation can show you what you’ll look like with veneers to help you decide. Before applying any veneers, the dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a custom, comfortable fit.

The dentist might have to reduce a small amount of your natural tooth’s enamel (less than 1 mm), depending on the type of veneers used. But once your veneers are in place, they’re as permanent as a filling or a crown. They won’t move as you eat or speak, and they’re stain-resistant, so they’ll help you look your best for years to come.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Both veneers and crowns are made from the same material, adhere to the underlying tooth structure, and dramatically improve the overall look of your teeth by changing the shape or color. But they handle different needs.

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that covers only the surface of a tooth while a crown (also sometimes called a cap) can restore the beauty and function of a tooth that’s lost a lot of structure because of decay, age, trauma, grinding, or clenching.

A crown fits over an entire tooth down to the gums, and for it to fit properly, a dentist must remove more of a tooth’s exterior enamel (at least 2 mm). Crowns also are a good option for back teeth that have structural or cosmetic issues because they are strong enough to withstand the greater amount of bite force between your molars.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Barring any accidents to your teeth, as long as you care for your veneers properly, they should last for decades. Just remember to brush and floss daily, and be mindful not to use your teeth to open bottles, bags, or other items. These tasks can be tough on natural teeth, let alone teeth with veneers.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a specific brand of veneers. They’re 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 – they can 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?

For the most part, you’ll care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth: by brushing and flossing them daily. But if you have an underlying issue such as tooth clenching or grinding, you might want to wear a custom-made night guard to protect your veneers.

You’ll also want to be careful about certain foods and tasks, especially if they’re on your front teeth. Your dentist in Plantation might recommend not biting into hard foods such as candy apples, or using your teeth to rip open packages.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Plantation Today

Have additional questions about whether veneers are right for you? Give our friendly staff a call at (954) 246-4871 to set up an appointment. We’re glad to help you.