5 Problems that Veneers Resolve

Most people don't have perfect teeth. Some of that comes down to genetics — they’re uneven or too small or have small gaps between them. Some of that is also due to your environment — they’re stained from eating, drinking, or smoking; or maybe you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth.

Whatever the reason, dental veneers can cover up the problems and give you a bright and joyful smile again.

At Riverdale Dental Arts, located in Riverdale, the Bronx, New York, Dr. Sheldon Kupferman and his team specialize in placing dental veneers for their patients with less-than-perfect smiles. And the good news is, not only are they cosmetically appealing, they also improve your oral health. Here, the team addresses five problems veneers can resolve.

All about veneers

Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells the dentist bonds to the front surface of your tooth to change its color, size, shape, or length. They need less shaving of surface enamel than dental crowns, and they’re an affordable alternative to them.

Veneers, by themselves, don’t improve your oral health, but because they’re resistant to both acid and decay, they contribute to your overall oral hygiene while giving your smile a boost. 

Dental veneers can be made with either porcelain or resin composite materials, but Dr. Kupferman chooses porcelain because:

• It resists stains better than resin
• It’s stronger than resin
• It looks more like your natural teeth in terms of color and how it reflects light

Dental veneers are great for patients who want a long-term solution to cosmetic dental concerns but who don’t respond well to other treatments, such as teeth whitening or orthodontia. They can be placed fairly quickly, and they’re one of the less expensive restoration options. 

Most dental veneers last 7-15 years, after which you can get them replaced.

5 problems that veneers resolve

Besides being a quick and natural-looking option, veneers solve five oral health problems:

1. Prevent tooth damage

Since veneers are permanently bonded to the tooth surface, they cover up chips and cracks, preventing both decay-causing bacteria and food debris from penetrating into the inner pulp chamber. They also strengthen weak enamel, making the tooth more acid- and decay-resistant.

2. Fill in gaps and spaces

Gapped teeth might have a certain aesthetic charm, but the gaps can attract plaque, debris, and decay-causing bacteria. Gaps may also create bite misalignments and structural stress, leading to tooth fractures and even tooth loss. Veneers effectively bridge the gaps, giving you a strong, closed surface and an even bite.

3. Restore tooth color and shape

Teeth often become stained over time due to dark-colored and/or acidic food and drink. In addition, as you age, your enamel thins and reveals the yellow-colored dentin beneath. Veneers both cover up the discoloration and brighten your look. And if you have a tooth that’s shorter than those around it, veneers can bring it in line with the rest of your teeth.

4. Provide stain resistance and natural brilliance

In addition to covering up stains, the veneers themselves, when made of porcelain, are highly resistant to common sources of staining, such as tea, coffee, soy sauce, and dark berries. And the veneers are custom-shaded to match the clean tooth enamel of your other teeth, giving you a high-wattage smile.

5. Make maintenance easy

Veneers not only look like your natural teeth, but they act like them, too. Yes, you need to brush and floss every day, just like you always did, and you should visit Dr. Kupferman twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups, but they don’t need any special handling.

Got cosmetic concerns about your teeth? Dental veneers can help you address them. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kupferman, call Riverdale Dental Arts or book an appointment online with us today.