From Fragile to Fortified: Strengthening Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
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While porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic dental service, patients can enjoy the added benefit of an extra layer of protection for teeth that may have wear and tear or other mild damage. By covering the forward-facing surface of the tooth with a thin — yet highly durable — shell, patients can achieve a seamless, beautiful new smile while concealing and protecting areas of breakage, chipping, wear, and more. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, Farmingdale, NY cosmetic dentist Dr. Angela Ferrari offers customizable porcelain veneers to help patients achieve their dream smile — whether that means addressing a single tooth or transforming both arches. Here, you'll discover the many benefits of dental veneers for aesthetic enhancement and added protection for your smile.
What is the purpose of dental veneers?
Porcelain dental veneers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments performed today, in part because of their versatility in addressing a wide array of concerns, as well as their potential to last for decades or even indefinitely. Some of the specific dental issues that can be corrected (concealed) with porcelain veneers include:
- Stained teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Yellow teeth
- Short teeth
- Small teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked or broken tooth
Are veneers as strong as crowns?
Many people wonder whether they should get veneers vs. crowns. The answer will depend on several factors, including the reason for treatment, the severity of the issues being addressed, the health of the affected tooth, and others. Generally speaking, teeth with extensive structural damage or decay — like those treated with a root canal or with a large filling that is beginning to fail — may be more suitable for treatment with a dental crown. Dental crowns, unlike dental veneers, cover the entirety of the tooth for additional strength and protection. Still, porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable and can help to protect teeth with mild damage or wear, like a chipped tooth, that are otherwise structurally sound and healthy.
Are porcelain veneers strong enough to eat with?
Yes. Patients with porcelain veneers can eat almost anything they had previously been able to eat with their natural teeth. In fact, some patients find it easier to eat once their damaged teeth have been repaired with veneers. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are some foods and other behaviors to avoid to prevent damaging your veneers, including:
- Hard foods
- Sticky foods
- Crunchy foods
- Hard candies
- Using the teeth as tools (opening packages, etc.)
- Smoking
Additionally, patients with veneers may benefit from cutting their food vs. biting directly into it to avoid loosening the veneers over time.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, including appropriate dental and oral hygiene, along with regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams, your porcelain veneers can last for years, decades, or potentially the rest of your life. Should one of your veneers fall out, break, or otherwise become damaged, Dr. Ferrari can create and place a new veneer to restore the smile you've grown to love once again.
Give your teeth added beauty and protection with porcelain dental veneers in Farmingdale, NY
If you have mild wear or damage to your teeth that you'd like to avoid making worse while also elevating the look and feel of your smile, you may be excited to learn more about the remarkable transformations that are possible with porcelain dental veneers. Take the first step toward a stronger, more beautiful new smile by calling Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule your consultation for Farmingdale, NY porcelain veneers with Dr. Angela Ferrari today.