Porcelain veneers – A natural-looking way to disguise imperfections in the teeth
Dr. Ravi Shah and Ocean Shore Dentistry design smiles that make a big, positive splash in the lives of our patients in the Ocean Township, New Jersey area. Porcelain veneers represent one of the most powerful ways that Dr. Shah transforms stained, chipped, crooked, gapped, and otherwise “imperfect” teeth.
How do porcelain veneers fix imperfections?
Each veneer is made from an ultra-thin shell of dental ceramic. Porcelain is one of the most popular materials for veneers because it is strong and looks an awful lot like natural tooth enamel. It doesn’t stain like natural enamel, however. After each shell has been perfectly made to look and feel like tooth structure, it is secured to the front surfaces of stubbornly stained, chipped, or slightly cracked teeth. Or, it may be applied to cover up spaces between teeth. It can even be applied to alter the shape or size of irregularly-contoured, worn-down, or short teeth. Once the veneer is fixed in place, imperfections are disguised. They remain hidden behind these smooth, white, and natural-looking porcelain coverings.
Can everyone with these flaws get veneers?
Many people with these and other cosmetic concerns are good candidates for porcelain veneers. However, it all depends on what Dr. Shah finds during an evaluation. For instance, you may need to undergo treatment for gum disease before moving forward with veneers. Or, Dr. Shah may find that your teeth require restorative dentistry treatment. Sometimes, cavities can cause visible imperfections in the teeth, and may be mistaken for purely cosmetic discoloration when the decay actually needs to be treated with a filling or another restoration to stop it from progressing and hurting your tooth further. Additionally, Dr. Shah may recommend restorations or other treatments for more severe examples of cosmetic concerns, such as bigger cracks that threaten the tooth’s health.
Are there alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?
Yes — and Dr. Shah will always recommend the option that makes the most sense for your smile, your timeline, and your budget. The most common alternative to veneers is dental bonding.
Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin applied directly to the tooth surface. It can fix many of the same concerns as veneers — chips, gaps, discoloration, and irregular shape — in a single visit and at a lower cost. No lab work is required, which means nothing is sent out and nothing is waited on.
The tradeoff is longevity. Porcelain veneers are fired ceramic shells that resist staining and typically last 10–20 years with proper care. Bonding, while excellent for the right candidate, is more susceptible to chipping and staining over time and may need touch-ups every 5–7 years.
A few questions help determine which is right for you:
- How extensive are the changes you want to make?
- Are multiple teeth involved, or just one or two?
- Is permanence and stain resistance a priority?
- What is your timeline and budget?
For patients who want a dramatic, long-lasting transformation across several teeth, veneers are typically the stronger investment. For patients addressing a single tooth or looking for a faster, more affordable fix, bonding may be the smarter starting point — and the two can even be combined in a smile makeover plan.
The best way to know which option is right for you is a consultation with Dr. Shah. He’ll evaluate your smile, walk you through the options honestly, and help you decide what makes sense for your goals.
How are veneers made?
Very carefully! No detail is left unconsidered when designing and fabricating your veneers. We consider your unique features and also discuss your personal preferences and goals. All details must be accounted for, because even the smallest subtleties can make a big difference in the appearance, comfort, and stability of the final result. Patients’ satisfaction with veneers, in turn, very much depends on the level of skill and the attention and care put into treatment on the part of the dentist. Dr. Shah understands the desirable shade, size, shape, and other nuances – information that is used by our lab to precisely make your veneers. Modern veneers are also so thin that very little enamel is removed from the teeth to accommodate them. Since they require minimal removal of tooth enamel, veneers are a comfortable procedure associated with little to no sensitivity. We can discuss ways to keep you comfortable if tooth sensitivity is a concern.
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What happens after my veneers are made?
Veneers are generally completed over two appointments. Once your veneers are ready, you will return to our office for a second appointment. During this visit, you receive your permanent veneers. These veneers are bonded or fixed securely to the teeth using special bonding agents and advanced techniques that ensure the strongest grip between porcelain and enamel. Minor adjustments are also made because it is essential for the veneers to look and feel natural.
Can I get my porcelain veneers in a single appointment?
Porcelain veneers are generally completed over two appointments. During your first visit, Dr. Ravi Shah evaluates your smile, discusses your goals, and gathers the information needed to design your custom veneers. They are then carefully fabricated by our dental lab. At your second appointment, the veneers are bonded securely to your teeth, with any necessary adjustments made to ensure a natural appearance, comfortable fit, and long-lasting results.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers can last for many years if you take good care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss with non-abrasive products. Maintain professional cleanings, so our hygienists can remove what your brushes and floss miss. If you grind your teeth, we can fit you with a custom nightguard to protect your veneers from damage. Basically, avoid anything that might chip, crack, or dislodge your veneers – from chewing fingernails to opening packages with your teeth.
This journey to a smile that you can be proud of starts by scheduling a consultation at the Ocean Township, New Jersey, NJ office of Ocean Shore Dentistry. Call (732) 466-3966 to speak with a member of our team today.
