Porcelain veneers in Western Massachusetts

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Made from ultra-thin ceramic layers, porcelain veneers act as a shield for your teeth, taking the place of enamel by adhering to a tooth’s outer surface. They are as lasting as a filling or crown and can repair a host of aesthetic concerns including:

• Spacing and alignment: A gap between your front teeth will disappear under veneers that also can fix other tooth alignment issues. This corrective treatment will work if you want to avoid braces or if your situation doesn’t require them.
• Color: You can have brighter teeth and finally whiten that stubborn tooth resistant to other whitening treatments. Veneers come in several natural-looking shades, so you can match the color of your teeth or take them a few steps whiter.
• Size and shape: Veneers will cover a chipped tooth making it look like new. They also can lengthen teeth that have been shortened by tooth grinding, also known as bruxism. And, if you’ve been concerned your teeth are too round, too square, too big, or too small, veneers are capable of altering the shape of your teeth to better complement your features.

Our dentist can show you what you’ll look like with veneers before your treatment begins. Prior to placing your veneers, the dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a proper and comfortable fit. Depending on the brand of veneers chosen, a small amount of your tooth enamel may need to be removed before they are applied. Once they have bonded to your teeth, you won’t need to worry about the veneers staining or shifting while you eat or talk. Just be ready to smile wide without fear.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Crowns and veneers are comprised of material that mimic tooth enamel and bond to your natural teeth. These dental treatments also can change the color, shape, size, and appearance of your teeth.

Though both corrective treatments improve your smile, each focus on different concerns. Crowns structurally fix a tooth that has been compromised due to trauma, grinding, clenching, age or decay. Veneers cover minute imperfections on your teeth and is considered a cosmetic dental procedure. The veneer bonds to the front face of your tooth, whereas a crown (often called a cap) covers the full tooth down to the gum line. For a complete repair, a crown will require removing exterior tooth enamel, but once in place, it will strengthen the tooth underneath. And because crowns will tolerate the biting force between your molars, it is the preferred treatment for cosmetic and structural concerns affecting those teeth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers are designed to be a permanent fix in the improvement of your teeth. Their endurance varies depending upon daily upkeep, your lifestyle, and the brand of veneers applied. If brushed and flossed regularly, your veneers should last for several decades.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a particular brand of veneer that is translucent and super-thin. This brand is unique in that they require little to no reduction in the enamel on the surface of your natural tooth, yet they remain very durable. You can expect Lumineers to last more than 20 years and similar to other veneers, they look natural, are comfortable, and resist staining.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

If your veneers are repairing teeth worn from clenching and grinding, to protect your new smile, our dentist will likely suggest you wear a custom-made night guard. Beyond that, care for your veneers as you would your natural teeth with gentle daily brushing and flossing.

Yes, veneers are durable, but they aren’t invincible. Keep your smile looking good by not biting into hard food such as candy apples, or opening packages with your teeth.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers Today

Still undecided if veneers are the best option for you? Call us at today to schedule your appointment or book an appointment online.