Veneers

What are veneers?

Veneers are custom manufactured shells of porcelain or composite resin that your dentist bonds to the surface of your natural, permanent teeth. 

If you chip or crack a tooth, you might only need one veneer. However, most people get six or eight veneers to create an even, aesthetically pleasing smile. 

What issues can veneers correct?

Dental veneers are incredibly versatile and can address many oral imperfections, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Broken teeth
• Severely discolored teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Misshapen teeth

You might also benefit from veneers if you have gaps or spaces between your teeth. 

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

To determine if you’re a candidate for veneers, make an appointment with the team at 63rd Street Dental. During your initial consultation, your dentist does an oral exam and asks you about your goals for treatment. Your dentist also takes a series of X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth and jawbones. If there are signs of decay or infection, your dentist might recommend a root canal or other treatment before moving forward with veneers. If your teeth are healthy, you’re a good candidate for veneers, and your dentist moves forward with treatment. 

What is the process for receiving veneers?

Getting veneers takes two separate appointments. At your first appointment, your 63rd Street Dental provider administers a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth to receive the veneers. To do this, your dentist carefully shaves a layer of enamel off the surface of each tooth, about one millimeter thick. Next, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth. Afterward, your dentist sends your impressions to a laboratory that manufactures your veneers. 

You return to 63rd Street Dental a week or two later. At your second appointment, your dentist aligns your veneers with your permanent teeth and carefully bonds them in place. 

How do I care for my veneers?

Care for your veneers just like you would your natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit the team at 63rd Street Dental once every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. If possible, you should also avoid bad habits like biting your fingernails, using tobacco, and chewing on ice cubes. With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years -- sometimes even longer. 

If you want to transform your smile with dental veneers, request an appointment at 63rd Street Dental today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.