Porcelain veneers may be the lasting solution to your cosmetic dental concerns. Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop and Dr. Caesar are highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentists. They can help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking smile you desire with porcelain veneers. We offer this cosmetic dentistry treatment at our three Bella Smiles dentist office locations on Long Island for an instant smile makeover.
This popular cosmetic dentistry treatment can easily improve the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers will blend with your natural appearance. They are capable of covering up most cosmetic blemishes and will help to protect the tooth from further damage.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of high quality ceramic. A dental lab will custom make them to fit precisely over your teeth per your dentist’s specifications. We will permanently bond the dental veneer to tooth after your dentist prepares it. You can use this versatile treatment on one tooth or several teeth. The material reflects light much like a natural tooth and is also both durable and can resistant many stains.
Porcelain veneers can address a range of concerns to reveal a beautiful smile that is both healthy and comfortable. These permanent dental restorations can correct:
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Dr. Lotardo works with patients on an individual basis to help you achieve the unique, natural smile that suits you best using porcelain veneers.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The dental veneer procedure will usually take two or three visits to our dentist office in Riverhead, Roslyn or Nesconset. First, you will meet with one of our dentists for a consultation where we will listen to your concerns about your smile.
We will then determine if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers and if they will meet your cosmetic goals. Dr. Lotardo will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Your dentist will begin the process by removing a small amount of tooth structure to ensure a snug fit for the veneers. Then, they will take dental impressions. We will send the molds to a dental lab. They will make your custom porcelain veneers and return them back to us. In some cases, we will place temporary veneers on the teeth for comfort and appearance until the final restoration is ready. The dental labs we work with are superior and use the highest quality ceramics, color-matched to your natural appearance.
Once complete, you will return to our office where we will permanently secure the veneers to your teeth. We will make adjustments as needed for fit. Once you are happy with the way the dental veneers look, Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, or Dr. Caesar will use a special bonding cement to secure the porcelain veneers to your teeth.
The last step is to polish the surface for a beautiful, natural appearance. Your new smile will last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care visits where we can monitor your veneers and look for any signs of wear or damage over time.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
What should I avoid eating with porcelain veneers?
We recommend that patients with porcelain veneers avoid eating hard foods that may chip teeth. This includes chewing on ice and hard candy. It is also important to avoid sticky foods and candy when possible because they will stick to your veneers easily. Some drinks such as coffee, wine, and soda may leave stains under your veneers. We highly recommend limiting these types of strongly-colored drinks drinks.
Is getting veneers painful?
The procedure for getting veneers should not be painful. We can numb the area around the tooth for the first part of the procedure, which should limit any pain if we hit a nerve. If you have eight or more veneers put in your mouth you may feel some soreness in the gums. However, this pain is typically mild.
Can veneers make your breath smell bad?
Porcelain veneers can sometimes lead to bad breath. However, this is only if they do not fit properly and if you do not take proper care of them. Veneers will fit perfectly against your natural teeth with zero space between them. If they do not fit well, bacteria can get trapped in the gaps causing bad breath and gum disease.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation
If you are interested in improving your smile with porcelain veneers in the Roslyn, Nesconset, and Riverhead, NY area, schedule an appointment with Bella Smiles. One of our experienced cosmetic dentists will discuss your aesthetic dental goals to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.