Dental Veneers in Buffalo, NY

Experienced Buffalo Dentists Providing Porcelain and Composite Dental Veneers

Despite our best efforts, our smiles can lose their luster over time. With dental veneers, you can enhance the appearance and strength of your teeth in just a few visits.

Teeth can become discolored due to dietary choices, crowns can wear away from grinding and daily use, and cavities can have complications that linger on the enamel. One option for restoring a smile to its optimal appearance is the installation of veneers. Dental veneers are not a permanent fix for any underlying condition that has affected the strength and health of teeth, and they are not recommended for individuals who require urgent treatment for chronic issues such as gingivitis and dental caries that has since healed. Nevertheless, veneers remain useful for providing a long-lasting improvement to the appearance of the smile.

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Dental VeneersVeneers are strong yet paper-thin devices that are placed over the enamel to hinder wear and tear. Just as artificial nails are used to thicken, lengthen, and alter the color of fingernails, veneers are implemented to make teeth look whiter, appear regular in shape, and resist bacteria and plaque. Unlike acrylic nails, however, which require maintenance and replacement every few weeks, veneers can retain their integrity for over a decade, offering a nearly permanent solution to an imperfect smile.

There are two main types of dental veneers: porcelain and composite. Though both materials are effective, each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Dental porcelain is a firm ceramic that is particularly resistant to discoloration and stains, and these veneers easily mimic the natural appearance of teeth. However, porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, and they require substantial removal of enamel in order to be installed. Dental composite resin is a synthetic polymer, much like silicone, vinyl, and nylon, and veneers made from this material are a fraction of the price of those made from porcelain and can usually be installed in a single visit to the dentist. Though composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers are, they can be repaired more easily, and installation requires the removal of less enamel than their porcelain counterparts necessitate.

Because veneers are intended to last for years, steps must be taken to ensure that they adhere to the surfaces of teeth as much as possible. One of these measures involves the etching of teeth, that is, the creation of small grooves in the enamel. Just as asphalt bonds more strongly to roads when they are resurfaced, teeth must be scored for veneers to remain in place. Because this etching is permanent, it is recommended that candidates for dental veneers be aware of the effect that installation will have on their teeth.

Once you have decided to receive veneers, your dentist will etch your teeth, making barely perceptible ridges in the enamel. Then, an impression will be made of your teeth in order to determine the ideal size and shape of your veneers. While the impression is sent to a dental laboratory for veneer design and processing, your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers to use. On your follow-up visit, your dentist will place the permanent veneers on your teeth to assess how well the veneers fit. Assuming that no adjustments to the veneers are necessary, your dentist will clean your teeth and install the veneers using a thin layer of cement, which will harden through exposure to a dental curing light. You may experience minor discomfort over the first few days following the procedure as you become accustomed to your new veneers, but the result will be a clearer, whiter smile and fortified teeth capable of fighting off bacteria.

FAQ About Veneers

Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Veneers do not ruin your teeth. They are not made out of enamel like your natural teeth. They are also personally made to fit over your natural teeth which is known for enhancing their appearance. It is possible for veneers to do more than your natural teeth by resisting staining or damaging. When veneers are placed on your teeth a composite resin is used that hardens under a light. Once they are properly bonded, they are polished and shaped.

How Much Did Your Veneers Cost?

When you are looking at the cost of porcelain veneers, they are more expensive then the direct or indirect alternative that is made of resin. When you look at traditional veneers, they cost can be anywhere within $925-$2,500 for each individual tooth but can last up to 10 to 15 years.

Are Veneers Painful?

Most patients are relieved to know there really is not a lot of tooth matter removed while prepping for veneers. While many patients do not suffer from a lot of pain there are options if you do feel uncomfortable. Some offices do offer sedation for those who have dental anxiety. When you are using sedation you and getting rid of any discomfort you may feel and are relaxed.

Are Crowns Better Than Veneers?

I would not say that one is better than the other. Everyone has their own preferences and personal reasons why they are choosing to get their dental work completed. A crown will give a more secure restoration than a filling. A veneer is more so for those who are looking for cosmetic work. They are used to correct shape, alignment, correct color and the contour of teeth.

Are Porcelain Veneers Worth It?

This all depends on what your preferences are. One person may think its worth it when someone else doesn’t. There are pros and cons to veneers. Here are some of the cons that may make you think they are not worth it. When you have veneers, they do not change color while your surrounding teeth over time may, which can lead to a difference in coloration. Veneers are also very fragile compared to fillings or crowns which means they are more susceptible to cracking and chipping.

Are Veneers or Implants Better?

Veneers are used for more aesthetic reasons to enhance your smile. They are restorations made out of porcelain which are placed on the front of the tooth. Implants are more so tooth roots that are designed to make sure your replacement teeth are naturally secure.

Do Veneers or Crowns Last Longer?

The simple answer for both of these would be it all depends on who does the procedure, what kind you get and how well you take care of them. In a way it is similar to when you buy a car. It all depends on the person as well. There could be some patients who have unchipped veneers that they had for over 20 years while there are other patients who have had them for five and they are already chipped. The safe answer most people say is an average of ten years.

Can Veneers Be Placed Over Crowns?

This all depends on your individual situation. They can be, but the time and cost to do all of this will need someone who is patient and not frugal. You will need to have a consultation to see if this procedure would be right for you. It is not an impossible process, but it is definitely intricate.

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Schedule an appointment with Teach Dental Group to discuss our dental veneers options. Our experienced Buffalo dentists have over 40 years of experience serving Buffalo and the Southtown’s community.

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