Cosmetic Porcelain
Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are
thin shells of porcelain or new hi-tech ceramics that bond directly to the front
surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and
have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.
However, they are not applicable in every situation.
Placing custom porcelain veneers requires a high degree of technical
skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. Dr. Paul Apfel in
his Huntington, NY office performs porcelain veneers routinely, and
designs each case individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each
patient's smile.
Dr. Apfel
performed the first full-arch porcelain veneer procedure at Mt. Sinai Medical
Center’s Department of Dental Medicine in 1985, and he has been lecturing on the
newest generation of ultra-thin ceramic veneers called e. Max™
Will Veneers look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually
undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. They
provide a very natural appearance. With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten
your smile.
However, veneers should not be placed on teeth with large restorations or with
significant discolorations, or if the teeth, themselves, are not inherently
strong. In these instances, the esthetic restorations of choice are crowns.
Refraining from using your porcelain veneers as tools to open and cut
things will prolong their life. If accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is
usually possible to replace only the porcelain veneer involved. Please contact
Dr. Paul Apfel in
his Huntington, NY or more information about porcelain veneers.
Case 1: This patient wanted a set of porcelain veneers that
would give her a naturally appearing pretty smile--one that was more
“appropriate” for her age. She did not want a “glamorous Hollywood” smile. She
wanted to smile with confidence, but not call attention to her teeth. Her new e.
Max™ veneers were carefully sculpted to create esthetic symmetry and balance
while conforming to the curves of her lips. These ceramic restorations are
fabricated from lithium disilicate—one of the strongest materials known to
dental science.
Case 2: This female patient wanted
to “freshen up” her smile with whiter and more youthful appearing teeth. This
porcelain veneer procedure was performed in only two office visits. During the
first visit the enamel of her teeth was shaped to permit the proper thickness
for her new veneers. An impression was taken for the dental laboratory. The
patient went home with beautiful temporary veneers which were fabricated out of
an esthetic dental resin.
Case 3: This female patient was unhappy
with her smile. Her teeth were not symmetrical, and the porcelain covering one
of her front teeth was bulky and discolored, Esthetic Procera™ ceramic veneers
were fabricated to create a glamorous smile.
