Veneers are a dental restoration option that can fix a variety of flaws, from enamel discoloration to a tooth that’s too short. If you have a crooked tooth or two, but not enough to warrant orthodontia, chances are veneers can fix them, too.
At Riverdale Dental Arts, Dr. Sheldon Kupferman and his staff specialize in placing veneers for their patients in the Bronx, New York who have a variety of dental flaws, including crooked teeth. This quick and easy dental restoration can help transform your smile. Here’s how.
Veneers, or laminates, are wafer-thin shells that we bond to the front surface of your tooth, often on the upper front teeth that are highly visible when you smile. They’re able to change the tooth’s size, shape, length, or color, and they also seal cracks, cover stains, and smooth out misshapen teeth.
Veneers are an affordable alternative to dental crowns, a restoration option that sits on top of your tooth, and they require that we shave only a minimal amount of the surface enamel to place. Veneers resist both acid and decay, so they contribute to your overall oral hygiene while also giving your smile a boost.
Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or resin, but we use porcelain because it’s more stain-resistant than resin, it’s stronger, and it mimics your natural teeth both in color and in its light-reflecting properties.
Veneers are ideal for patients seeking a permanent solution to both cosmetic and oral health concerns, and they look so natural, no one will know you’ve had work done. You’ll also have clean, even teeth to make your smile gleam.
When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Kupferman first administers an anesthetic to eliminate sensation in the tooth or teeth that will be receiving veneers.
Next, he shaves away a small portion of your tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. It’s only a small amount, since the veneer is so thin. He then uses the PlanmecaⓇ system to make a digital impression of the exact size and shape of the prepared tooth. He sends this information to the lab that will create the veneer; while you wait, he places a temporary veneer to cover the area.
When the veneer comes back from the lab, you make a second appointment. At this time, Dr. Kupferman checks the veneer for appearance and fit, and he makes any minor adjustments necessary prior to cementing it in place.
Since veneers require the removal of some tooth enamel, they’re considered a permanent treatment. However, despite their durability, they have a lifespan of about 10-20 years, meaning you’ll have to replace them at some point. You can extend their life by avoiding habits like chewing on ice or using your teeth to open bottles and bags.
Getting replacement veneers is as simple as getting the first set. Dr. Kupferman removes your existing veneers, checks your teeth and prepares them for the new set. Then, he repeats the process of cementing the veneers into place.
If you’ve got a crooked tooth or two, or any of a variety of other minor dental flaws, veneers may be able to fix them for you easily and cheaply. To learn more, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Kupferman, contact Riverdale Dental Arts by calling the office at 845-479-6927, or booking online with us today.
