Dental veneers are one of the most popular options for patients interested in correcting multiple imperfections with their smile. Visit our Long Island dentists today to find out whether veneers could be a good choice for your smile.
A beautiful, healthy smile can be an important asset. It portrays your confidence and positive attitude, which are two critically important characteristics for your personal life and professional aspirations. But if you have stubborn discoloration, chipped teeth, or asymmetrical teeth, you might hesitate to show off your smile.
Here at Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we firmly believe everyone deserves a smile that makes them feel more confident. One of the cosmetic enhancements we offer is dental veneers, which provides rapid, long-lasting results.
Dental veneers: What they are and how they work
Long Island cosmetic dentists Drs. Nick and Elliot often recommend veneers to individuals who have any of the following:
- Stubborn discoloration that doesn’t respond to teeth whitening
- Worn down, chipped, or broken teeth
- Irregularly shaped or asymmetrical teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth
- Teeth with gaps between them
Veneers fix these problems by camouflaging them. They consist of wafer-thin sheets of material, typically porcelain, that are securely adhered to the visible sides of the teeth. Dental veneers are a long-term solution, although they won’t last forever. Veneers last an average of 10 years. With good care, they may last even longer.
How dental veneers are applied
The process starts with a consultation at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot will do a thorough examination and talk to you about your aesthetic preferences. If you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, you’ll have impressions taken of your smile. These are used to custom-fabricate your veneers.
When your new veneers are ready, you’ll return to the office. A small amount of enamel will be carefully removed from the outer layer of each tooth to be treated. This is to make room for the veneers. Then, the veneer is firmly affixed to the visible side of the tooth. You’ll leave the office with a beautiful smile you’ll love!
Types of veneers
Dental veneers made from porcelain are among the most common type. These are highly durable. Other veneers may be made from composite resin or acrylic materials. Regardless of the type of material used, your dental veneers will be custom-fabricated to fit your smile perfectly. They will also mimic the natural shade of your teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference. Before securely adhering the veneers to your teeth, Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot will adjust their shape as needed.
Dental veneer alternative: Lumineers®
Lumineers® are similar to dental veneers. When you visit the cosmetic dentists on Long Island, you can ask whether this treatment or regular veneers would be best for you. Lumineers® perform the same function as veneers. The difference is that Lumineers® are even thinner than veneers, which means little to no enamel needs to be removed prior to their application. Some people may prefer this as a less invasive option.
Caring for your veneers
Your new dental veneers are quite durable, but you still need to take extra care of them to help them have a long life. Just like your natural teeth, you’ll need to brush them at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brush strokes. You’ll also need to floss at least once daily.
To prevent the new veneers from chipping, you should avoid chewing on ice and anything inedible, such as pens and nails. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you can talk to your dentist about wearing an oral appliance to protect your veneers and teeth. You should also wear a mouth guard while playing contact sports.
Dental veneers are an investment in your self-confidence. They can also be more affordable than you might think.
Affordable dental veneers in Huntington, Long Island
While your Long Island dental insurance plan might not cover veneers because they are an elective cosmetic procedure, the friendly staff at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry in South Huntington can help you explore your flexible payment options. We accept most insurance plans, as well as CareCredit, Lending Club, and Citi Health.
Schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Nick or Dr. Elliot in Huntington Station, Long Island. Call (631) 212-8024 today!