Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures performed at The Practice at Maxwell Place. Hoboken cosmetic dentist Dr. Frank DePaola often recommends porcelain veneers as part of a smile makeover to help you achieve the beautiful results you desire.
The best way to find out whether porcelain veneers are right for you is to speak with Dr. Frank in person. Please call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your consultation at our Hoboken cosmetic dentistry office.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain which get bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask a variety of aesthetic flaws with your smile. Your porcelain veneers can be color-matched to the shade of your neighboring teeth, and the dental porcelain used for your veneers will mimic the translucent properties of tooth enamel. As a result, your porcelain veneers will blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Dr. Frank often recommends porcelain veneers to address a variety of common cosmetic dental problems, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Crooked teeth
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Porcelain dental veneers are made to mimic the natural appearance of enamel. The shells that are crafted for you are made to correct some type of flaw, such as severe staining, a chip, or other imperfection. You may be a good candidate for dental veneer treatment if you want to improve the appearance of your smile, yes, but your dentist will also check your teeth and gums to make sure your oral health can sustain the effects of cosmetic treatment. To be an ideal candidate for veneers, your teeth should be moderately straight and dense enough for the veneer to adhere successfully to the enamel. If you have a habit of clenching or grinding, or you tend to chew on hard objects, your veneers may not last as long as they could. Your dentist may make a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your teeth. This is only worn when you sleep, so cannot alleviate the stress of biting on objects. That is a habit you'll need to quit before getting veneers.
Are There Any Foods or Drinks I Should Avoid After Getting Veneers?
Part of the veneer process is wearing "temporaries". These short-term veneers protect your teeth from becoming too sensitive or sustaining damage while you wait for your final veneers to be ready. During that time, which may last about two weeks, you should avoid hard foods, including raw vegetables and popcorn, sticky foods, foods that stain, and foods that are hard to chew, such as steak.
Once your final veneers are bonded to your teeth, you will want to take care to avoid damage. You can eat pretty much any food because the bonding process is very efficient. However, you should limit alcohol consumption when you have veneers because alcohol can degrade that bonding material. It can also cause stains around the margins of veneers. To prevent staining from other beverages and foods, like coffee and tea, you can rinse your mouth with water after snacks and meals. To preserve the tightest bond between your veneers and your enamel, avoid biting into very dense or chewy foods. Instead, cut food into small bite-sized pieces that can be chewed with your back teeth.
How Should I Care for My Dental Veneers?
Your new dental veneers don't require much more care than you give to your natural teeth. The goal is to maintain the bond between your teeth and the veneers and to minimize the risk of damage and staining. Porcelain is quite stain resistant, but it is not guaranteed to remain radiant and white if continually subjected to stain-causing substances. To maintain your veneers in the best condition over time,
- Brush your teeth twice a day as demonstrated by your dentist or hygienist.
- Floss your teeth every day to remove debris from the veneer margins.
- Tell your dentist if you clench or grind your teeth! You may need to wear a mouthguard when you sleep.
- Maintain twice a year dental checkups and cleanings.
- Rinse your mouth after meals and snacks, especially after consuming products that could stain.
Are There Any Risks from Getting Veneers?
Dental veneers pose no risk to your teeth, your gums, or your health. There are risks associated with treatment, but they revolve around potential damage to the veneers themselves. If you follow your dentist's instructions and take good care of your teeth, your veneers should remain in good condition for years.
Is the Veneer Procedure Painful?
It isn't painful to get porcelain veneers. However, because the surface of some teeth needs to be reduced slightly, you might experience short-lived sensitivity. Once your final veneers are set in place, your normal sensations should return. You can manage tooth sensitivity by using a special toothpaste or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
Porcelain Venners Before and After Results
See more Porcelain Venner smile transformations in our gallery!
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer you many important benefits, including:
- Minimally-invasive procedure
- Beautiful, natural looking results
- Resistant to staining
- Durable, long lasting results
- Restores strength and functionality to your teeth
- Customized to address your unique aesthetic goals
- Can be completed in just two office visits
- Able to correct multiple cosmetic flaws with one procedure
- Improves confidence in your smile
Your Porcelain Veneers Procedure
Dr. Frank will customize your porcelain veneers treatment to address your unique needs. He can do as few as one veneer or as many veneers as it takes to overhaul your smile. Dr. Frank works with Williams Lab in the construction of your porcelain veneers, due to their reputation for delivering exceptional quality restorations. We use E.Max and Empress Veneers, which are made of the strongest, most beautiful materials available. Your porcelain veneers will be hand-crafted by a highly trained ceramist to ensure the best possible results.
At your first visit, Dr. Frank will prepare your teeth to accommodate the veneers. An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to Williams Lab for use in the construction of your porcelain veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth while your permanent ones are being created. Once your porcelain veneers have been crafted, you will return to our Hoboken cosmetic dentistry office to have them bonded to your teeth.
For additional information on the porcelain veneers procedure, please read our Questions about Dental Veneers page.
Learn if you are a Good candidate for Porcelain Veneers.
Please contact The Practice at Maxwell Place using the form at the right side of the page or call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your initial porcelain veneers consultation. Dr. Frank DePaola serves patients in Hoboken, Jersey City, and throughout Hudson County, New Jersey.
