Veneers Offer a Natural-Looking Way to Reshape Your Smile
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, and they can be placed on a single tooth or across several to create a more even, balanced smile. Dr. Ken Wachs, DDS, and Dr. Jennifer Wachs at Family Dentistry of Yorktown use veneers to address a range of cosmetic concerns, including small gaps, teeth of uneven length, chips, and stubborn discoloration that does not respond to professional teeth whitening. Veneers can also improve the look of teeth that are slightly crooked or mildly out of line, and they can change the overall size or shape of a tooth. Because each veneer is designed to match the color and contour of your surrounding teeth, the result looks natural rather than artificial. For minor flaws, we may also discuss more conservative cosmetic bonding so you can compare your options.
Curious whether veneers are right for you? Call Family Dentistry of Yorktown at 914-245-9881 to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Ken Wachs.
What to Expect During Veneer Placement
Veneers cover the front of the tooth surface and slightly wrap around the sides and biting edge of the tooth. In most cases, each tooth receiving a veneer will be carefully prepped prior to the veneer fabrication and placement. This preparation involves removing a thin (usually less than one millimeter) layer of enamel from the natural tooth in the areas that will be covered by the veneer. This allows the veneer to fit seamlessly with the contours of the natural tooth. The veneers are attached using a thin but strong bonding material. The material hardens when cured by a specialized light.
There are several types of veneers:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most aesthetically pleasing type of veneer. They are created in a lab to the exact specifications of the dentist and mimic the look of natural enamel, using multiple thin layers of porcelain. The size, color, shape, and fit are fully customized.
Composite Veneers
Made using composite resin, these may be made in the dental office or in a dental lab and are less expensive than porcelain veneers. They can alter the appearance of tooth color, size, or shape and can be an effective solution for less extensive cosmetic improvements. They are fully customized as are the porcelain veneers, but the composite material is somewhat susceptible to staining and does not last as long as porcelain.
Instant Veneers
Prefabricated resin veneers are not customized to the shape and fit of your teeth, although they do come in different sizes and shapes. We do not recommend instant veneers because they do not provide the appearance, quality, or durability of custom veneers.
