Veneers New York

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

Yes. Dental veneers are considered to be a permanent treatment. This is because they require you to have some of the natural structure removed from each tooth that’s getting a veneer. Only a little bit of enamel must be trimmed away, but this process is not reversible.

Once your veneers are in place, your teeth will be just as strong as they were before you got veneers, if not stronger. The porcelain material used for veneers is extremely durable and resists stains. However, if your veneers were ever to be removed, your teeth would be weaker and more susceptible to cavities and other types of damage.

Because of this, veneers are permanent. Once you commit to getting veneers, you will need to keep them for the rest of your life. If your veneers ever wear out, you will need to have them replaced to protect your teeth and keep your smile looking great.

If you don’t like the idea of a permanent treatment, we understand. There are alternatives to dental veneers that do not involve the removal of any tooth material, such as dental bonding. Dental bonding is not quite as strong or as durable as veneers, but it is a good alternative if you would prefer not to have any enamel removed from your teeth.

How Do I Properly Care for My Veneers?

For the most part, you can treat your new veneers just like you would treat natural teeth. This means that the most important thing to do is to continue to maintain good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss at least once per day.

While veneers themselves cannot get cavities, the teeth underneath your veneers still can, so good oral hygiene is very important for keeping your teeth healthy. You should also see Dr. Anthony Leonetti and the team at Lux Smiles for a checkup every six months. At each preventive appointment, Dr. Leonetti will clean your teeth and then examine your teeth and your veneers to make sure everything looks good.

You also may want to change some of your lifestyle habits to make sure your veneers last a long time. Smoking, for example, can contribute to veneer failure, stain your natural teeth, and cause other oral health issues. We recommend that you avoid biting into very hard foods like bagels and apples with your front teeth.

You also should never chew non-food objects like pens or pencils. Using your teeth as “tools” is also a bad idea. Don’t do things like open packages or rip tape with your veneers or your natural teeth, for that matter. This can damage or dislodge your veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Usually Last?

With proper care, you can expect your veneers to last at least 10-15 years, and many patients are able to keep their veneers for 20+ years with no problems. However, your veneers will eventually wear out. After all, your veneers will go through lots of wear and tear as you eat, bite, and chew, just like natural teeth.

If your veneer feels loose, you lose a veneer, or you notice a crack or some other issue with your veneer, just give Lux Smiles a call. Dr. Leonetti can check your smile, replace your veneer, and restore your smile in just a couple of quick appointments at our dental office in NYC.

Will I Experience Pain When I Get My Veneers?

No. When you get veneers, your mouth will be numb to ensure that you don’t feel any vibration, discomfort, or pain while your teeth are being prepared. At Lux Smiles, we’re dedicated to patient comfort, and you can expect a pain-free process.

Once your teeth have been trimmed, you’ll get a set of temporary veneers that will protect your natural teeth while Dr. Leonetti is building your final set of porcelain veneers. You may feel some minor discomfort, but this should go away within a few days. Your teeth may be a bit more sensitive to heat and cold until you get your permanent veneers, though.

Once your permanent veneers are in place, you also shouldn’t feel any pain. Your teeth may feel a little strange at first, but it takes some time to get used to them. It can take up to two weeks for your bite to feel completely “normal” after veneer treatment.

Is It Possible to Whiten Veneers?

No. The porcelain material we use for dental veneers does not react to whitening compounds in the same way that natural enamel does. This means that veneers cannot be whitened. The flip side of this is that they can’t be stained, either! Your veneers will stay the same color for as long as you have them.

So if you’re thinking about getting veneers in Rose Hill from Lux Smiles, you may want to consider getting your teeth whitened first. Once you whiten your teeth, Dr. Leonetti can choose veneers that match your bright new smile. This ensures that you get an even, consistent, and beautiful smile.

We can also help if you already have veneers but some of your natural teeth have become stained over time. Dr. Leonetti can create a custom whitening treatment that will whiten your natural teeth to the same shade as your porcelain veneers.

Can I Get Dental Veneers If I Grind My Teeth at Night?

Yes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night is quite common. If you grind your teeth at night, you can still get veneers. However, you will also need to get a night guard from Dr. Leonetti and the team at Lux Smiles. If you don’t get a night guard, you could end up damaging or breaking your veneers.

Night guards are made of durable plastic and fit perfectly over your upper teeth. They cushion and protect your teeth and your veneers from the forces of nighttime grinding. With a night guard, you can protect your investment and make sure your veneers look great for years to come.