Veneers – Long Island City, NY
Comprehensively Transform Your Smile’s Shine
Among dentists, veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics.” Why? Well, these cosmetic coverings solve a number of smile problems – including teeth that are slightly crooked or spaced out – in just a matter of a few visits. Once Dr. Saran permanently bonds your customized veneers to your teeth, you’ll never think twice about the imperfections that used to make you hesitant to smile in social or professional settings. Keep reading to learn more about this popular cosmetic dentistry service or schedule your consultation with us!
Why Choose LIC Dental Associates for Veneers?
- High-Quality, Metal-Free Materials for Outstanding Aesthetics
- 100% Customization & All-Digital Impressions
- Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of dental porcelain – or sometimes composite resin material – that are shaped to precisely cover the teeth in your smile zone. Dr. Saran designs each one to ensure that they effectively conceal:
- Teeth that are permanently stained and won’t respond to whitening
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Teeth that are slightly rotated or crooked
- Misshaped teeth, or teeth that are noticeably smaller than the others
- Teeth with irregular spacing or wide gaps between them
The Process of Getting Veneers
To begin the process, you’ll meet with Dr. Saran to discuss your smile goals. He will also thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, which must be in good condition before beginning any cosmetic dentistry procedure. Then, we take a complete set of digital X-rays, photographs, and molded impressions of your teeth. Together, these help Dr. Saran design veneers that fit perfectly and look natural in your mouth.
At your next visit, Dr. Saran will prepare the teeth to receive veneers. Under local anesthesia, he removes a very thin layer of each tooth’s enamel. This step is done to ensure that the veneers lay flat and even with your other teeth. This is a permanent alteration to your teeth. Once completed, he places a set of temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and to help you adjust to the feeling of veneers in your mouth.
The third and final visit is when your permanent veneers are set in place. Dr. Saran will examine the finished restoration and make sure the fit is to his high standards. Your porcelain veneers are cemented to each corresponding tooth and the adhesive is quickly dried with a special curing light. You’ll leave LIC Dental Associates with a smile that you will never again hesitate to share!
The Benefits of Veneers
Veneers continue to be sought-after because:
- The entire treatment process can be completed in three visits or less
- They can address both small and significant imperfections
- The materials used, like porcelain, are stain-resistant
- The size, shape, and color are completely customizable
- The results can last for a decade or longer
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
If we could give you an accurate estimate of the cost of veneers right here, we would. However, we need to know about your unique case in order to do that, including if any preliminary treatments are necessary and how many veneers you need. The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate of the price at your consultation. We’ll also answer any questions you have at that time and review the ins and outs of the financial solutions we welcome, like CareCredit.
Veneer FAQs
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?
Although there aren’t any foods that are completely off-limits, there are some that could damage your veneers (i.e., hard pretzels, thin pizza crust, tortilla chips). That’s why we encourage patients to eat more nutrient-dense, smile-friendly foods, like plain yogurt, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. Not only will this help prevent stubborn stains, but it will also lower your risk of tooth decay, a crack in your enamel, or a chipped veneer.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Yes, but there are a few precautions we recommend taking. After all, even though your veneers are crafted from stain-resistant materials, your natural teeth can still discolor. So, make sure that you always use a straw, that you keep sugar and other additives to a minimum, and that you brush your teeth about 20 minutes after you’re done.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The longevity of your veneers depends largely on how well you care for them. For example, if you smoke, eat crunchy foods, drink alcohol in excess, and don’t brush your teeth consistently, there’s a good chance that they will chip, crack, or fall off quickly. If, on the other hand, you commit to good oral hygiene habits, then your veneers could last for 10 years or longer.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?
There are some patients who aren’t candidates for veneers right away. After all, your teeth and gums need to be healthy before we can provide any cosmetic dental services. So, if we find a cavity or infection during your initial exam, we will need to intervene with the necessary restorative care first. Similarly, if your teeth are severely rotated out of position, then we will need to move them into proper alignment before we can enhance their size, shape, and shade with veneers.
Is There a Way to Make Veneers More Affordable?
Yes! Although dental insurance providers don’t typically cover the cost of veneers, you can make the price more affordable with third-party financiers like CareCredit. In this case, you simply determine what your monthly budget is, and then you break up the cost of your smile transformation into smaller chunks. One of the best parts is that several of their payment plans have little-to-no interest attached!
Can You Whiten Veneers?
Unfortunately, veneers cannot be whitened. The good news is that they are crafted from stain-resistant materials, so that’s typically not necessary anyway. That said, if there does come a time when you are no longer happy with the color of yours, you can always schedule an appointment with our Long Island City dental team. That way, we can learn about your concerns, your smile goals, and your treatment options.