Porcelain Veneers in Buffalo, NY

Todd Shatkin DDS is an experienced cosmetic dentist providing affordable porcelain veneers for patients in Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the United States and Internationally. Contact the Aesthetic Associates Centre today to arrange your free porcelain veneer consultation.

Do you have discolored teeth that remain discolored despite whitening treatments? Does a cracked or chipped tooth keep you from flashing that beautiful smile? If the answer is yes, then porcelain veneers may be the answer you are looking for. Porcelain veneers are a minimally invasive permanent cosmetic dental option that can help restore your beautiful smile and, in some cases, help maintain dental health.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers in Buffalo, NY | Todd Shatkin DDS | Buffalo DentistPorcelain veneers are a thin piece of porcelain that a dentist bonds directly to the surface of your tooth. Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers go directly onto the surface of the tooth without needing to remove the enamel on the tooth. This layer of porcelain looks like your natural tooth and can cover up tooth discoloration, chips, and cracks in the tooth surface. In addition, porcelain veneers can also build up smaller teeth, adjusting the size, shape, and length. Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution that can last for years and years, without needing to be replaced.

When are Porcelain Veneers Used?

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental option and are used for patients looking to improve their smile. They can help cover up dental discoloration where procedures like bleaching have been ineffective. Porcelain veneers are a great option when you experience a small chip or crack in a tooth. If you have small gaps or spaces between teeth and don’t want to invest in braces, porcelain veneers can be an alternative choice. They are able to fill in small gaps and even adjust the size, shape and length of an individual tooth.

In a non-cosmetic approach, porcelain veneers can help maintain dental health in patients with weak or damaged tooth enamel. Because the veneers cover and bond to the tooth surface, they provide a protective barrier in cases where weak enamel may not.

What Should I Expect When Getting Veneers?

Getting a porcelain veneer typically takes a couple of appointments. The initial appointment includes x-rays and a consultation with the dentist to go over the goals you hope to achieve with the veneers. The dentist will then trim a small amount of enamel off the tooth and then take an impression of your teeth. He will also look to match the color of the veneer with your surrounding teeth. This impression is then sent to our dental lab across the street where the porcelain veneers are made. Once our dental lab customizes your veneers, you will return for a full dental cleaning and the surface of the tooth will be slightly roughened to improve the adhesion of the veneer. Using a special cement, the veneer will be attached to your tooth and then an ultraviolet light is used to secure the adhesion. The dentist will trim the veneer if necessary.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a minimally invasive procedure, with minimal risks. The most common complication associated with porcelain veneers is tooth sensitivity. Because some of the enamel is removed, patients can experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold. A sensitivity toothpaste is often recommended, and the sensitivity typically goes away within a few weeks.

In rare cases, a porcelain veneer may refuse to bond to the surface of the tooth and will fall off. In these cases, a crown may be necessary to replace the veneer.

Because a veneer is a thin piece of porcelain, it can become worn down and prone to chipping or breaking. Minor chips can typically be repaired with dental bonding, but more major damage can require a replacement veneer.

As you age, your gums shrink and pull away from the body of the tooth. When this happens, the margin around the veneer may show. In this case, you may opt to replace the veneer with a new one in order to match the new gum line.

How Do I Care for Porcelain Veneers?

When it comes to caring for your new porcelain veneers, there are a few things to consider. Because these veneers are a thin piece of porcelain, they aren’t necessarily as strong as your tooth. Your dentist may recommend against eating hard foods, such as raw carrots or hard candies, as these could lead to cracks or chips in the veneers. If you grind your teeth at night when you sleep, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your veneers from grinding and potential damage. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings help ensure the life of your veneers and alert the dentist to any potential problems before they become bigger.

If you are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for dental veneers and how they can help improve your smile, contact Todd Shatkin DDS as the Aesthetic Associates Centre to arrange a free porcelain veneer consultation. Proudly serving patients in Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the United States and Internationally. 

Follow us on Facebook for daily updates!