What are Veneers?
There’s an old saying that cautions against throwing the baby out with the bathwater, which means we should do what’s necessary to accomplish our goals without discarding something valuable in the process. And veneers, especially no-prep veneers, are a perfect example of this. If you’d like to give your smile a “face lift” without compromising your healthy teeth, veneers are the perfect choice.
At Smile Design Manhattan, our team provides a wide range of general and cosmetic dental services to patients in the Midtown West, New York area, giving them smiles that light up rooms. As part of our extensive services, we offer veneers, including no-prep veneers, which can transform your smile into one for the ages.
Here’s a look at all that we can accomplish with veneers.
The ultimate cover-up
Veneers are wafer-thin shells made from porcelain, which are placed over the fronts of your teeth to:
- Whiten them
- Cover small imperfections like chips
- Smooth their surface
- Lengthen teeth that have been worn
- Widen them
- Make them more uniform
- Close gaps in them
- Restore tooth decay
- Replace bonding
Veneers are so versatile that they can even cover up a misshapen or slightly rotated tooth, without the need for braces.
It’s all in the materials and the creator
The porcelain that is used is not only durable and stain-resistant, but its color matches the natural coloring of your teeth, right down to their opalescence.
We also understand that not all porcelain is created equal, which is why we’ve enlisted the services of a master ceramist, who understands the unique challenges that come with improving teeth with outside sources. Our ceramist is a craftsman who’s able to sculpt the porcelain in a way that preserves the integrity of your natural teeth, while also achieving your cosmetic goals.
To prep or not to prep
With traditional veneers, we typically remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers, which are approximately 0.5 millimeters thick. The problem is that your enamel doesn’t grow back, which is why our team are proud to offer no-prep veneers, which only measure 0.2 millimeters in thickness.
This means that we’re able to cover up imperfections, smooth out uneven surfaces, and bring more uniformity to your front teeth. And we can accomplish all of this without drilling and often without the need for a local anesthetic. These no-prep veneers are thin enough that they allow your natural enamel to show through. This does mean this option isn’t ideal if your goal is to whiten and brighten your teeth. So, before we place no-prep veneers, we recommend that clients whiten their teeth first.
Because no-prep veneers have their limitations, we also offer traditional veneers if you want to make more significant changes. Borrowing from the list above, traditional veneers are best for:
- Changing the shape or position of a tooth (or teeth)
- Making your teeth whiter
- Hiding margins or edges of restorations
- Creating more symmetry in the shapes of your teeth, including your lateral incisors
To determine which option is best for your unique circumstances and goals, your provider will sit down with you to thoroughly review your issues. He or she can then recommend the best solution. Our goal is to offer natural-looking dentistry, which means we improve your smile in a way that best serves your dental health, making it the ultimate win-win proposition.
If you’d like to explore your options in veneers, please contact us at 212-421-3418