A veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect the tooth’s surface from damage. Dr. Gabot-Heyman may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps.

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.

Visiting Dr. Gabot-Heyman and asking about veneers is the first step in determining if veneers are the right option for you, or if there’re alternate solutions available. Communication with us about what you want corrected is critical for a successful result. Spend time clearly identifying what cosmetic improvements you want to accomplish. You’ll often hear people say that celebrities have veneers and this may seem like the best way to replicate picture-perfect teeth, but each mouth is different and veneers need to be carefully researched. Dr. Gabot-Heyman will begin with a smile analysis to determine what steps are necessary to achieve the smile you desire.

After the porcelain veneers are attached you will probably have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures due to the removal of that thin layer of enamel. This typically disappears within a few weeks. In a healthy mouth properly treated with porcelain veneers and where destructive forces are minimized or eliminated, a patient should be able to use porcelain veneers like his or her own teeth. Although they’re very strong, veneers are also brittle. You should avoid the same excessive stresses you would avoid with non-veneered teeth: don’t bite your fingernails, chew ice, or open beer bottles with your veneers!