Porcelain Veneers on Long Island NY

In the past few decades, porcelain veneers have become immensely popular, but they originated nearly a century ago in the film industry’s infancy. Famous Hollywood dentist, Dr. Charles Pincus, devised dental veneers as an option for actresses and actors to improve for their smile on the screen. He temporarily placed false fronts to the teeth of the actors and actresses to perfect their smiles for their time on the screen. It did not take long before his temporary dental veneers to become a Hollywood staple.

At this time, being able to permanently place porcelain veneers was not possible. In the 1960s, the adhesive dentistry era began due to Dr. Michael Buonocore. He used a mild acidic solution to lightly etch the teeth. This resulted in a surface that allowed for stronger bonding for dental restorations and sealants. In 1982, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia used the techniques introduced by Dr. Bunocore for porcelain veneers. At this time, everyone was able to achieve the flawless smiles that were once only available to the Hollywood elite.

Dental Veneers Today

Dental veneers have become more convenient and lifelike than they have ever been due to the advancements in dental technology over the last 30 years. The new types of porcelain that dentists use reflect light and are stronger, making them much like natural dental enamel. The digital imaging systems that are available make it possible for dentists to create restorations the same day that are nearly identify to the patient’s natural teeth color and shape. Dentists can combine dental crowns, teeth whitening and other advanced dental treatments with porcelain veneers to provide beautiful smiles and comprehensive cosmetic results.

The real question is: are you unhappy with your teeth and want them to look better? If so, then porcelain veneers might be the perfect solution for you.

Porcelain veneers offer you a chance to fix just about any aesthetic issue you might have with your teeth. Do you have a single off-color tooth surrounded by healthy-looking ones? Are your teeth grey or yellow and you just can’t seem to get them white? Are they slightly crooked, even after having braces, and you don’t want to try braces again? In all of these cases, porcelain veneers can provide the solution you need to feel confident with your smile again.

Those who are interested in porcelain veneers are usually considering them for several cosmetic or structural teeth issues, such as:

• Cracks or chips
• Minor misalignment
• Gaps between the teeth
• Discoloration

Patients should meet the following criteria to have porcelain veneers placed:

• Have good overall oral and periodontal health
• Know what their cosmetic goals are, have realistic expectations and be able to relay their goals to their dentist
• Be able to maintain good oral hygiene and care after receiving porcelain veneers
• Have enough healthy enamel on their teeth since a thin layer is typically removed before dental veneer placement

Are Veneers Right for Me?

This question can be answered by scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Can Someone with Dental Decay or Gum Disease Get Veneers?

Patients should have good periodontal and dental health before getting dental veneers. These issues may not automatically disqualify patients, but the conditions have to be treated before cosmetic procedures are done.

Opting for veneers will not be for everyone. Sometimes, it is even unnecessary to achieve specific results. However, if you think you are the right candidate, the possibility is worth exploring and you need to be well-informed.

Since the mouth is such a prominent part of the body, having imperfections can draw in attention. That fact can leave you having less than pleasant thoughts about yourself.

Ultimately, your cosmetic dentist will need to work diligently with you to address any issues you have and to plan for the outcome. Because every mouth is different, and the result will be as well. You will need to have them sized correctly to fit the general shape of each tooth.

These factors can make you a great candidate:

• Gapping between teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Smaller than average-sized teeth
• Chips, breaks, or cracks
• Crookedness and alignment issues
• Self-confidence issues related to tooth appearance

If one or many of these factors apply to you, consulting with your dentist regarding the procedure may be beneficial.

Many are concerned with the fear that if you opt for veneers, this will ruin your natural teeth. During the process of veneer placement, the dentist reshapes your natural tooth to fit the veneer over the tooth. This process shaves off portions of the tooth to better suit the veneers positioning.

The veneers are then placed on the natural tooth and bonded to fuse the porcelain veneer to the tooth. While they do not ruin your natural teeth, the process is irreversible.

However, instead of ruining the natural tooth, veneers actually enhance the natural tooth by making the aesthetics of your smile more symmetrical and presentable.

Due to sensitivities of the tooth from enamel removal, you will always need to have crowns or veneers over the natural tooth to keep it protected after you opt for the procedure.

As we discussed before, porcelain veneers are not permanent. On average, they last 10 – 15 years before replacement is needed. The good thing about replacement is that they won’t need to be replaced all at one time, especially if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This can help make replacement costs more affordable when that time comes.

The veneer is loose

If a veneer is loose, it can allow bacteria and particles to come in between the veneer and your natural tooth. That can cause issues with the natural tooth’s health if it isn’t addressed appropriately.

The veneer is cracked or damaged

While incredibly durable, porcelain veneers may still crack, just like real teeth. If this happens, it will need to be replaced to protect your other teeth from damage or decay.

There is decay in the natural tooth

Your veneer will only cover the front portion of your teeth, the back is still exposed. Decay or build-up can happen around the gum line and on the natural tooth. If this happens, the issue with the natural tooth will need correction, and the overlaying veneer will need a replacement.

Staining of neighboring teeth

While they are made to be stain resistant so that you can keep the white, alluring smile you so longed for. However, neighboring teeth may not share that same sentiment. Over time, neighboring teeth can stain, making a noticeable contrast. If this happens, the veneer would need replacement to adjust and level the tooth color.

Because all these issues are unlikely to occur in unison, replacements can happen on an as-needed basis. That can eliminate some worry when considering both upfront and future costs associated with it.

Porcelain veneers are essentially shells that go over your teeth that have the look and feel of real teeth. They cover the front teeth and hide imperfections and stains that you would not want the outside world to see. Veneers are applied with a bonding agent, so they stick to the front of the teeth. They are custom-fitted and colored so that they look like the surrounding teeth, which creates a natural look. 

In most cases, getting dental veneers means making several visits to the dentist for diagnosing issues, planning, and the final treatment. You can have more than one tooth covered by a veneer, so your options are endless when it comes to what you can hide and how you can hide it. 

On the first visit, your dentist will ask you what your goals are in getting veneers. Your dentist will want to examine your teeth to see the staining and damage that you want to cover up and assess the overall health of your mouth. Veneers are not appropriate for everyone, and your dentist will determine whether the process is right for you. This could involve taking x-rays and making impressions of your teeth to determine suitability. If veneers are not a viable option, then your dentist may recommend something else.

The focus of the next dental office visit will be on planning and preparing your teeth for a veneer. This means that your teeth might have to be reshaped to accommodate the veneer. In general, a tooth needs to be pared down by the approximate thickness of the veneer so that your teeth won’t be overly large when it is applied. You may need a local anesthetic for this part since reshaping your teeth can cause pain and discomfort. After your teeth are reshaped, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to create a model from which a veneer manufacturing laboratory can build your veneer. Within 2-4 weeks, your veneers will be ready and shipped to the dentist. In the meantime, you can get temporary veneers that are not custom-built to cover up the unsightly spots you want hidden. 

The next time you visit the dentist, it will be time to bond the veneer to your teeth. Before adhering to it permanently, the dentist will place it against your teeth to see how it fits and if the color matches the rest of your teeth. If needed, they will trim the veneer and adjust it to make sure that it fits properly. The dentist will also apply color adjusters to get the shade just right so that it looks as natural as possible. Once they achieve the right fit and color, your teeth have to be prepared to be cemented to the veneer. Every affected tooth gets a cleaning and polishing. Then, they are roughened up so that the adhesive will bond better to the tooth. The cement is then applied to the veneer, and it is adjusted until it is perfectly in place.

A light beam is used to boost the bonding action of the cement so that it will harden and cure quickly. Any cement that is left over is scraped away. The dentist will have to test your bite to make sure that everything is properly in place, and will make any final adjustments as needed. You may have to have one more follow-up appointment just to make sure that your gums aren’t irritated or negatively affected by the veneer. 

Long Island Porcelain Veneers

It’s important for veneers to appear the way you envision and to fit properly. Dr. Brayman will work with you to choose the type and color of the veneer. Then when the veneer is ready, you’ll be able to see how it looks before it’s permanently attached.

Dental veneers can be made from composite resin, but porcelain is preferred for correcting color and shape. Porcelain veneers look more natural, resist stains better, and last longer compared to resins. After you’ve decided which type of veneer to use, Dr. Brayman will prep your teeth, then make an impression of your mouth and send it to the dental lab to make the veneer. You’ll wear a temporary covering until the new veneer is ready. After making sure the new veneer fits, it will be cemented to the tooth.

Porcelain veneers are essentially an expensive make over for one or more of your teeth using tooth colored and textured shells that are placed over your original teeth. There are several cosmetic issues with teeth that can warrant the use of veneers like uneven teeth, misshapen teeth, worn down teeth, teeth that are spaced abnormally, teeth that are chipped, teeth that are not aligned properly and teeth with discoloration issues. The porcelain shell is actually bonded to your natural tooth adhesively with little or no tooth preparation that is considered to be invasive like placing a crown on a tooth. It is fairly unusual for insurance providers to contribute to the cosmetic dentistry prices of this procedure as it is rarely seen to be a necessary treatment. You should expect that the cost of each veneer on average to be between $900 and $2,500.

You may be wondering, “How much does it cost to get porcelain veneers?“. Or moreover, “How much do porcelain veneers cost on Long Island, New York?“. The expense may scare you away, but don’t let it. Quality comes at a price. First, it is essential to know why veneers are so expensive so you can get a firm understanding of the value you receive for the porcelain veneers price.

When it comes to porcelain veneers cost, it is associated with many factors. First, they are made with high-quality, specialized materials for longevity and worthwhileness. They can last for many years, and the average cost of porcelain veneers reflects that.

Also, they are customized to fit your teeth precisely. That is not a one-size-fits-all process. Because of the personal crafting and extensive time required to design them, it adds to the porcelain veneers price.

When it comes down to it, you want quality. If you want quality, the price usually follows suit. If they were cheaply made, they would not last as long, be as durable, or look as natural.

Extensive craft and precision go into tailor-making each veneer. In the end, many can contest that it is well worth the money paid.

Because of the associated cost, you may be wondering: “Are my porcelain veneers covered by insurance?“. While not entirely impossible, it can be tough finding dental insurance that covers the cost of porcelain veneers.

Since opting to have veneers put on, this is considered a cosmetic procedure. Most dental insurance will not cover it because cosmetic procedures are not considered necessities. While you may not be able to cover your porcelain veneers cost with insurance, you do have other options.

When it comes to financing options, your dental office can go over particular types of systems offered to get the coverage you need toward your porcelain veneer price. If having your porcelain veneers covered by insurance isn’t feasible, other options for payment include:

• Dental savings plans
• Out-of-pocket
• Discount options
• Payment plans
• Dental financing
• Personal credit card
• Small personal loan

As you can see, you have options and opportunities to break up that large dollar amount into lower payments. If you can’t pay for your porcelain veneers cost with insurance, explore some of these other options.

When it comes to the average porcelain veneers cost as a set, it will depend on exactly how many you get. Typically, a full set is composed of six or eight veneers. This would make the average range for a complete set of six veneers between $10,800 – $15,000. The full set of eight would range between $14,400 – $20,000.

While the price may seem out of budget or unaffordable, you may be surprised just how many options you have for payment. If you work with your dentist, you can develop a personalized financing plan that works within your budget and suits your needs. As a result, it won’t be as much of a commitment all at once.

Many credit facilities are willing to help in making this an affordable procedure for you. Cost should not be what holds you back from finally having the teeth you want or enjoying and living your best dream life. However, it is understandable as this may not be the best fit for all. 

At end of the day, you should not commit to something that jeopardizes your finances. So you must think it through thoroughly if this is the right fit for you. You should always make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your comfort level regarding your porcelain veneers cost with your dentist and ensure you are both on the same page.

As per the high costs associated with porcelain veneers, speaking with your dentist about this can really help to put it into a better perspective. You are bound to have concerns regarding pricing, durability, and many other issues. Having any cosmetic procedure done is life-altering and should be handled accordingly.

However, now that you have learned about the costs and prices related to getting porcelain veneers on Long Island, NY, we hope you have the clarity you need if porcelain veneers are a possible option for you. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any further questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment to discuss your requirements.

The short answer here is no. These veneers are not permanent. However, with proper care, they can last upward of 15 years.

When your dentist gets the initial mold of your teeth to have the veneer specially made, it requires they shave off some enamel for reshaping so that the veneer can have a suitable placement.

The process takes roughly six weeks to complete. Initially, your dentist examines your mouth. They will then go over if anything is needed in addition to the veneers, such as correctional braces or other oral health concerns.

Once you are all set and ready to go, the mold is made. Your dentist will have it sent to a lab for fabrication. During the wait time, you will have a temporary set that can give you a preview as to what you should expect.

The porcelain veneers are then placed, bonded and adjusted onto the teeth. You may then start aftercare, getting used to your new smile.

While they are not permanent, they are also irreversible. You may find certain ones need replacing over time. On the contrary, you may also find you never need to replace them. It will depend on care and circumstance.

Porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years, but they can chip or break if you bite down on something hard or they’re traumatized in an accident. Over time, your mouth can go through other changes that may affect veneers. For example, gum tissue may recede or the tooth under the veneer might move. When that happens, the veneers might need to be replaced.

Treat veneers just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and come in for regular dental checkups. Don’t ignore damages or changes in veneers because the underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay should a cracked veneer allow bacteria to gain access to the tooth.

Officially, porcelain veneers are not a permanent solution to discolored teeth. As mentioned, they can start wearing down at approximately twenty years. However, they do not always wear down, and some patients go the rest of their lives not having to replace their veneers. In most cases, however, they do need to be replaced at some point, especially if they reach the twenty-year point. 

While you will have to replace your veneers, you should also remember that you will always need veneers once you have them placed in your mouth. The reason for this is that once your natural teeth get filed down to accommodate the veneers, they cannot grow back. Your teeth will be permanently filed down, so unless you lose all of your teeth, you will need to have them covered by veneers. 

Filing teeth can be an uncomfortable thought for many patients, and some will decide that they do not want to get veneers. For these patients, there is also a more short-term solution. Lumineers can be placed in your mouth and removed if they are not right for you. They do not last as long, but they are an effective alternative for those who do not wish to file their natural teeth. 

There are some things you can do to help your veneers last longer. They are adhered very strongly to your teeth and can handle everyday, regular chewing. However, they may be affected when you are eating something that is particularly tough, or if you are using your teeth for non-eating things, like opening containers and packages. You should also make sure to keep all of your follow-up cleaning appointments with your dentist. They can make sure not just to clean the veneers, but also to catch any potential issues before they become big problems. Finally, make sure to follow good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. The number one reason that veneers fall out is tooth decay, so do whatever you can to prevent it. 

The purpose of porcelain veneers is to hide staining and imperfections. They are manufactured to take a beating and to last a long time. There are very few instances in which they can get discolored, but it is possible. 

One possible way for your veneers to get discolored is from your gums receding with age. They can start to pull away from the actual tooth, which leaves an exposed spot between the veneer and the tooth. The glue underneath can then start to get stained by things that you eat, such as coffee and wine, which can cause the veneer to look stained. There is no way to reverse receding gums, unfortunately. 

You may also have an issue if your veneer suffers any trauma. This can happen if you are struck in the mouth with something, like a ball, for instance. If the tissue of your teeth gets damaged, it can look yellow, which will show through the veneer, which will then look yellow itself. 

Finally, while veneers are very durable, they can start to wear down with age. At about twenty years, the surface can start to look worn and cracked. This is because, at that time, they were not often made with porcelain in use today. Plastic was very common, as was a type of porcelain that is porous and clings to things that might cause discoloration. 

Unfortunately, there is currently no method for whitening veneers. If you do have discoloration, then you may need to replace the affected veneers entirely. If the issue is from damaged dentin tissue, your dentist can use a whitening product on the tooth itself to cover up the damage. This will make it look white through the veneer. In some cases, a hygienist can polish your veneers to clean them up if you have light staining. If your veneers have gotten old and worn, and your dentist recommends replacing them, then they may also recommend whitening your natural teeth so that the difference between those teeth and your new veneers won’t be so stark.

Unfortunately, porcelain veneers are not covered by the vast majority of insurance plans.

It is unusual to find one that does because it is a cosmetic procedure. However, we can work with you on a payment plan to make sure that you get the smile you need to feel and look as confident as possible.

If having your porcelain veneers covered by insurance isn’t feasible, other options for payment include:

• Dental savings plans
• Out-of-pocket
• Discount options
• Payment plans
• Dental financing
• Personal credit card
• Small personal loan

As you can see, you have options and opportunities to break up that large dollar amount into lower payments. If you can’t pay for your porcelain veneers cost with insurance, explore some of these other options.

It is important for patients to receive porcelain veneer from an experienced dentist. This ensures a higher level of safety and quality.

Patients should look at the professional affiliations that the dentist has. Those who are an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have passed an oral and written exam. Those who an accredited fellow of this organization are the highest members. They have demonstrated excellence and strong ability in clinical practice. The dentist should also be American Dental Association Members.

It is generally recommended that patients look for a dentist that takes an artistic approach to porcelain veneers. Patients can look at photos of past patients to ensure that the dentist can provide what they want. Make sure that the results look natural and that the dentist offers the veneer type the patient prefers.

Patient Interaction

Artistic integrity and clinical excellence are imperative, but a good chairside manner is also essential. Dental veneers are highly personalized, so it is vital that the dentist is very welcoming of the patient’s opinions and input. The process of preparing for and placing the porcelain veneers should be a team effort between the patient and their dentist.

The Ceramist

Dentists may use CEREC technology to create their own porcelain veneers, or they might employ the services or a ceramist. Top-quality fabrication is vital, so patients should ensure that the people making the veneers are highly qualified and experienced.

How Long Does Placement Take?

Traditional veneers typically require two visits. The time depends on the individual patient and how many veneers are placed. It usually takes up to two weeks between the dental impressions and consultation, and the veneer placement procedure. For dentists who fabricate veneers in their office, this may all be done the same day within a few hours.

The Initial Consultation

Before receiving dental veneers, patients will undergo an initial consultation. During this time, the dentist will determine if the patient is a good candidate for porcelain veneers. This visit often includes discussing cosmetic goals, photographs, X-rays and dental impressions.

Mock-Up

Prior to the patient making the final decision, they will get to see how the porcelain veneers will look once they are in place via a mock-up. This may be done via three-dimensional computer images or wax-ups, depending on the dentist. Both provide an accurate representation of what the patient can expect once their porcelain veneers are applied to their teeth.

Preparing the Teeth

Before placing traditional dental veneers, there is an important preparation process. This ensures a strong bond and a natural look. The preparation process for porcelain veneers typically includes:

• Removing enamel
• Taking dental impressions
• Placing the temporary veneers

Fabricating the Veneers

Overall, the fabrication process is mostly the same no matter the type of porcelain used. The ceramist will take the impressions and make a working model. Multiple layers of porcelain are built up using intense pressure or heat. Painting may be done to ensure a lifelike appearance. CEREC technology is used for single-visit fabrication.

Veneer Placement

The dentist will start by inspecting the porcelain veneers to ensure the right appearance, color and shape. They can be fine-tuned before placement if necessary. The placement process includes:

• Etching the teeth
• Cementing the porcelain veneers into place

Results of Veneer Placement

Porcelain veneers are placed at the second appointment, so after this appointment, patients have a new smile. This may only take one day for patients who choose no-prep veneers.

Recovery

There is no recovery time for porcelain veneers. However, those who choose sedation should prepare to have a ride home. Minor discomfort for about a week is possible with enamel removal. During this period of sensitivity, it is best to avoid very cold or hot foods until the sensitivity goes away.

Durability

Porcelain veneers last for approximately 10 years. However, they can experience damage just like natural teeth. Should damage occur, patients should see their dentist promptly for reattachment or repair of their dental veneers.

Traditional porcelain veneers require a thin layer of enamel be removed before placement. With the no-prep type, little to no enamel needs to be removed. The no-prep type of porcelain veneers tends to have less impact on the tooth structure, and they are usually more convenient. However, these are not ideal for some patients, especially those with proportionally large teeth. They are also more transparent compared to traditional veneers.

When getting porcelain veneers, patients can choose to also have certain other treatments performed to enhance their smile. These might include:

• Teeth whitening
• Gum reshaping
• Restorative treatments to repair minor structural damage, such as bridges or dental implants

Once patients have their porcelain veneers placed, it is essential to see their dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene. This includes flossing, brushing and rinsing the teeth at least twice a day. Good oral hygiene may extend the life of porcelain veneers up to 20 years. The following is important:

• Preventing decay: It is important to remember that cavities can still occur in the underlying tooth structure. If a cavity occurs and is repaired, a new veneer may not be supported.
• Avoiding excessive force: This could lead to chips, cracks and dental erosion, all of which can be highly detrimental to patients with porcelain veneers.
• Protecting gum health: Receding gums and gum disease can chance veneer appearance or result in the need to completely replace the restoration.
• Maintaining color: Dental veneers resist stains well, but the dental cement used with them can become stained, especially by smoking.

What Happens if a Veneer Falls Off or Breaks?

Patients should get the pieces of the veneer and store them safely. Make an appointment with the cosmetic dentist to determine what needs to be done for restoration.

If the dentist determines that a patient is not an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, there are alternatives they can discuss. These include:

• Bonding
• Dental crowns
• Teeth whitening
• Orthodontics

No, the placement procedure is usually pain-free.

Yes, they are very lifelike and realistic. They are custom-made to ensure they match the patient’s surrounding teeth color and shape.

This depends on the patient’s teeth and their cosmetic goals. Their dentist will help them to make this decision.

What Happens if Only the Upper Teeth Get Veneers?

Since they are made to match the existing teeth, this is typically a fine decision. Teeth whitening can be done on the lower teeth as well to ensure a good match.