Cover Discoloration and Reshape Teeth Permanently

Porcelain veneer design and placement in Valley Cottage, New York

If whitening doesn't fix the discoloration on your front teeth, or if you have chips, gaps, or uneven edges that make your smile look inconsistent, porcelain veneers offer a way to cover those issues with a thin shell bonded to the front of each tooth. In Valley Cottage, patients often choose veneers when they want a lasting solution that doesn't require ongoing touch-ups. Veneers resist staining better than natural enamel, and they're shaped to match the proportion and alignment of the teeth around them.

At Gabrielle Dental, veneers are digitally planned for precision fit and symmetry. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth to make room for the veneer, and digital impressions are used to design the shells so they match your bite and facial structure. The porcelain is layered and fired to mimic the translucency of natural teeth, and once bonded in place, each veneer becomes a permanent part of the tooth. Veneers are often included in full smile makeover cases where multiple aesthetic concerns are being addressed at once.

If you're considering veneers and want to see what the process involves and what the outcome would look like for your specific case, reach out to schedule a consultation in Valley Cottage.

How veneers are prepared and placed

A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth receiving a veneer, typically less than a millimeter. This creates space for the porcelain shell and ensures the veneer doesn't look bulky once it's bonded. In Valley Cottage, Gabrielle Dental uses digital impressions to capture the exact dimensions of your prepared teeth, and those impressions are sent to a lab where the veneers are fabricated to match your desired shade and shape.

Once the veneers are ready, they're bonded to your teeth using a strong adhesive that's cured with a specialized light. After placement, you'll notice your teeth look uniform in color and shape, with no visible gaps or uneven edges. The veneers feel smooth and reflect light the same way natural enamel does, which makes them blend seamlessly when you smile or talk.

Because enamel is removed during preparation, veneers are irreversible—you'll always need something covering that tooth moving forward. They're durable and stain-resistant, but they can crack or chip if subjected to heavy force, so they're not ideal for people who grind their teeth without wearing a night guard. Veneers also don't change the position of your teeth, so if alignment is a concern, orthodontics may be recommended before veneer placement.

You'll want clarity before committing to preparation

Veneers are a permanent treatment, so it's important to understand what the process requires, how they hold up over time, and what maintenance looks like before moving forward.

How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last ten to fifteen years or longer with proper care. They may eventually need replacement due to wear, bonding breakdown, or changes in your gum line.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can make mildly crooked teeth appear straighter by reshaping their visible surface, but they don't move the teeth. For significant misalignment, orthodontics is a more effective solution.
What happens if a veneer cracks?
A cracked veneer needs to be removed and replaced. The underlying tooth structure is still intact, but the veneer itself cannot be repaired once it's fractured.
Do veneers require special care?
No, you care for them the same way you would your natural teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping up with regular cleanings. Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens to reduce the risk of chipping.
Can you whiten teeth that have veneers?
Whitening treatments don't affect porcelain, so if your natural teeth become lighter, the veneers will stay the same shade. It's best to whiten your natural teeth before veneers are placed so the color can be matched accordingly.

Porcelain veneers at Gabrielle Dental are digitally planned and fabricated to match your facial symmetry and tooth alignment, and they're bonded in place for long-term durability. If you're interested in veneers and want to understand what preparation involves and what the final result would look like, contact the office in Valley Cottage to schedule a consultation and impression appointment.