Veneers in Melville, NY, can help patients improve the color, shape, size, and overall appearance of their teeth. They are often used to create a whiter, more even smile when teeth are chipped, stained, misshapen, uneven, or separated by small spaces. For patients who want a noticeable cosmetic improvement, veneers may provide a long-lasting way to enhance the visible front surfaces of the teeth.
At Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Long Island (RIDLI), Mitchell B. Shaw, D.D.S., helps patients explore veneer treatment with attention to both appearance and function. Veneers should look natural, fit comfortably, and support the way the teeth come together. With more than forty years of experience in cosmetic, restorative, and comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Shaw provides thoughtful care for patients in Melville and throughout Long Island, NY.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells of ceramic that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. They can create a white, even, and attractive smile. Veneers make it possible to correct a variety of problems, including:
- Spaces between the teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Yellowing or stains
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Small holes or pits in teeth
- Uneven or undersized teeth
A veneer placed on top of a tooth can quickly and easily help achieve a beautiful smile. Although some veneers are designed to be removable, most are permanent and bonded very tightly to the tooth they protect. Advancements in technology have improved bonding agents to the point that some types of veneers may last for 20 years or more.
Veneers may be recommended when the teeth are generally healthy, but cosmetic concerns affect the smile. During a consultation, Dr. Shaw can evaluate the teeth, discuss the patient’s goals, and explain whether veneers or another cosmetic option is the best fit.
Types Of Veneers
Different types of veneers may be considered depending on the patient’s goals, budget, tooth condition, and desired timeline. Porcelain and composite veneers can both improve the smile, but they differ in material, process, durability, and appearance.
Porcelain Or Indirect Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a laboratory and applied to the teeth. They resist stains better than composite veneers and better simulate the shine of natural teeth. Two appointments are required for this process: one to take an impression, and a second to prepare the natural teeth and place the veneers once they have been created. Lumineers® and Vivaneers® are two types of porcelain veneers that are so thin they don’t require any tooth-buffing before placement.
Porcelain veneers are often chosen by patients seeking a durable cosmetic result and a highly natural appearance. They can be especially useful when several front teeth need improvement together for a more balanced smile.
Composite Or Direct Veneers
Composite veneers are much faster and more efficient than porcelain veneers. They can be set and fixed in one visit and cost significantly less. Composite veneers are thinner and require less removal of the tooth surface before placement. They can expand and contract with natural fluctuations in tooth size, making them the perfect choice for repairing fractured teeth.
Composite veneers may be a good option for smaller cosmetic changes or targeted repairs. Dr. Shaw can explain whether the composite material will provide the appearance, strength, and longevity the patient wants.
The Veneer Procedure
The placement of porcelain veneers will require three appointments for the following:
Diagnosis And Treatment Planning
During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure dental veneers are appropriate. An X-ray may also be taken at this time. The dentist will also discuss the procedure’s corrective capabilities and limitations and provide the patient with an opportunity to take an active role in designing and discussing the restorative veneer process.
This planning step is important because veneers should complement the patient’s facial features, gumline, tooth shape, and bite. Patients can discuss shade, size, and overall smile goals before treatment begins.
Teeth Preparation For Veneers
At the second appointment, the teeth receiving the veneers are lightly buffed to prepare the surface for proper adhesion. The tooth is typically reduced by approximately one-half of a millimeter. An impression of the teeth is taken and sent to the lab to create the custom-made veneer. A temporary veneer can be placed if the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of the natural teeth. The veneer is usually ready in one to two weeks.
Veneer Teeth Bonding
At the third appointment, the dentist will test the veneers on the teeth with water or glycerin to ensure they fit and color perfectly. The color of the veneer can still be adjusted at this time by altering the shade of the cement used to adhere to it. Once the color is finalized, chemicals are applied to the tooth to optimize the bonding. Dental cement is then applied between the teeth and the veneer. Finally, a special light is used to quickly harden the cement.
Care And Maintenance Of Veneers
Veneers should be treated just like natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed regularly. Porcelain or Composite veneers will not be damaged by brushing and flossing, although using non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended.
Sensitivity to hot and cold may occur after the placement of veneers. This is caused by the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth. Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates within 1 to 2 weeks.
New veneers will help improve the appearance of the teeth. With proper home care and regular dental visits, patients will experience long-lasting success with their new veneers and smile.
Patients can also help protect veneers by avoiding chewing ice, biting fingernails, opening packages with their teeth, or using abrasive whitening toothpaste. Routine dental visits allow the teeth, bite, and surrounding gum tissue to be checked over time.
Why Choose Restorative And Implant Dentistry Of Long Island (RIDLI)
Veneer treatment requires cosmetic detail, but it also requires restorative judgment. At Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Long Island (RIDLI), Mitchell B. Shaw, D.D.S., evaluates whether veneers are appropriate based on tooth health, bite function, enamel condition, and the patient’s long-term goals. This helps patients choose a treatment that improves their smile without overlooking the health of the teeth beneath.
Dr. Shaw’s background includes more than 40 years of experience in general, cosmetic, restorative, and comprehensive dental care. A Long Island native, he graduated from SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine with numerous scholastic honors and was selected Class Salutatorian by his classmates. His unrushed approach gives patients time to ask questions and feel confident before beginning cosmetic treatment.
Schedule A Veneers Consultation In Melville, NY
Veneers can help improve chipped, stained, uneven, undersized, or misshapen teeth while creating a brighter and more balanced smile. Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Long Island (RIDLI) provides veneer consultations in Melville for patients throughout Long Island, NY.
To learn more about veneers and whether they are right for your smile, call Mitchell B. Shaw, DDS, PLLC Restorative & Implant Dentistry of Long Island at (631) 271-1522 to schedule a consultation.
