Tag: New Jersey porcelain veneers

Can my porcelain veneers be shortened?

I got veneers 2 months ago and after many discussions with my dentist, I reluctantly decided not to get them shortened. Now I regret not getting them shorter. Is it too late to have them shortened? – Naveah

Naveah – It is possible that porcelain veneers can be shortened, but it a skilled cosmetic dentist must make the determination.

If an adjustment can be made, it will likely be less than 1mm. If you received veneers because your natural teeth are too short, perhaps a little more of the veneer can be reduced. You can determine if the amount that can be reduced will be noticeable enough for you.

Shortening the veneers too much can make them weak and susceptible to fracture, or change their shape. It is very important that only an experienced cosmetic dentist examines the veneers and makes the determination if they can be shortened, and how much they can be shortened. A skilled cosmetic dentist should also perform the reduction.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Remain attractive at any age by improving your smile

In an August 2012 survey conducted for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 45% of participants said they think that a beautiful smile helps us remain attractive regardless of our age. Eyes came in second at 34%, and body shape, hair, and legs followed distantly—but nothing compared to the value of a smile.

And more than 62% of the participants said they prefer spending money on improving their smile over making improvements to their weight, hair, eyes, or anything else.

So what can you do to improve your smile? One of the most inexpensive treatments is to whiten your teeth. If you want a brighter smile quickly, many dentists offer in-office treatment that will brilliantly whiten your smile in an hour. Take-home treatment is less expensive, and you’ll see results in about two weeks. A dazzling smile gives you a lift and makes you look and feel younger.

If you have teeth that are worn or misaligned, braces aren’t the only way to straighten them. Porcelain veneers—thin wafers of porcelain—can be bonded to the front of your teeth. With help from your cosmetic dentist, you will decide on the shape, size, and color of your new smile.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options to improve your smile and make you look younger. Visit the online smile galleries of experienced cosmetic dentists and see the difference they can make.

This blog is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

After 20 years, my veneers are darkening.

I had porcelain veneers placed on my two front teeth around 20 years ago because of white calcium deposits on my teeth. Lately, it seems like my teeth are getting darker and darker. It’s most obviousit is in pictures I see of myself. It’s really starting to bother me. What are my options?

Thank you,
Keith from Salt Lake City

 

Dear Keith,
I wouldn’t know for sure what the problem is with your porcelain veneers and your two front teeth without seeing them, but maybe I can still be of help.

Porcelain is a very hard and stain-resistant material. It is actually more stain resistant than enamel… as long as its glaze is intact. But enamel has a certain capacity for self-repair by drawing minerals from your saliva. Porcelain isn’t able to do that. All of this makes me wonder if the glazed surface of the porcelain has been damaged in some way.

The easiest way to damage porcelain veneers like this is for a dental hygienist to use power polishing equipment on them. That will destroy the glaze in one short appointment. They’ll look bright and clean when you’re through with your appointment, but within a couple of weeks afterward they’ll begin to attract stains and start to become noticeably darker.

If they are darkening because the surface has been damaged, it may be possible to restore the beauty of your smile with sophisticated polishing techniques using diamond grit polishers. An issue like this is beyond the ability of a family dentist. You’ll want an experienced cosmetic dentist like myself to administer this procedure.

Dr. Hurley