If your tooth has been damaged, there are a few repair options that may be available. For very minor damage or restoration, dental bonding may be a good choice. For other repairs, though, dental veneers are often an excellent repair option.
If your teeth are generally healthy and have a small crack, chip, discoloration, or other forms of damage, reach out to Forest Hills Dental about dental veneers in Forest Hills NY. Dr. Gregory Mark provides outstanding veneer services. He is able to repair your damaged teeth and improve the look of your smile.
Are Dental Veneers in Forest Hills NY Right for Me?
Dental veneers are a good option for patients that have healthy teeth and gums but have a tooth or teeth with damage or discoloration. Veneers primarily are cosmetic and help with the overall appearance of a patient’s teeth. With that said, veneers can help to provide some additional support to a damaged tooth.
Some of the main reasons for dental veneers include:
- Repairing cracks and chips
- Improving tooth coloration
- Adjusting uneven and misaligned teeth
- Additional tooth support
As dental veneers improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth, many patients find that dental veneers help with their self-esteem, confidence, and mood. With a bright, straight, and even smile, patients are much more likely to smile wide with pride. This improves their mood and boosts their happiness.
If your tooth has been damaged due to decay, the first step will be to repair the tooth and remove the damage or decay. The health of your tooth is more important than its appearance! From there, dental veneers can be considered.
Dental Veneers Versus Crowns
Whether you are a candidate for a dental crown or a dental veneer will depend on the amount of tooth that needs to be replaced. Dentists prefer to keep as much of a natural tooth as possible. That’s why—for smaller cracks, chips, and other forms of damage—a dentist will generally choose a dental veneer. If the damage is more advanced, though, your dentist will likely choose a dental crown.
A dental crown, as the name implies, replaces the entire crown of a patient’s tooth. The tooth will be shaped to fit the prosthetic, then a custom prosthetic will be placed. This provides long-term support. Dental crowns are often used when a tooth has become decayed to the point where the crown is no longer viable or in cases of damage. If your tooth has been cracked due to a fall or injury, for instance, a dental crown may be required to provide the support you need.
Dental veneers involve reshaping a smaller portion of the tooth to place the prosthetic. This allows the patient to keep more of their natural tooth. Dr. Mark will let you know which repair option is best to meet your needs.
Porcelain Veneers in Forest Hills
Once the decision has been made to place a veneer, the next consideration will be the type of veneer. One popular type of dental veneer is porcelain.
Porcelain veneers both look great and are very durable. They are able to easily mimic the appearance of a natural tooth and fit in with the surrounding teeth. This creates a seamless smile. Porcelain veneers are so convincing that most people don’t even notice that they are there!
The porcelain veneer placement process starts with a trip to Forest Hills Dental for a consultation. Dr. Mark will take a look at the tooth or teeth that need to be repaired and let you know what the best option for repair is. If it’s been decided that porcelain veneers are the right choice, an appointment will be set to prep the tooth or teeth. During this appointment, the tooth is shaped to better place the dental veneer. A local anesthetic is used to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. An impression will be taken and sent to a lab so the porcelain tooth can be custom-made to fit your mouth. Dr. Mark will also ensure the color matches your surrounding teeth well. A temporary veneer is placed after the tooth is shaped to help provide support and reduce sensitivity.
After a few weeks, the porcelain veneer will be ready. Dr. Mark will check the veneer and make sure it fits properly. This includes checking the color to ensure it fits well with the surrounding teeth. If he is happy with the way it looks and feels, he will use a bonding agent to permanently adhere the veneer to the tooth.
