Veneers Specialist
Boca Mission Bay Dentistry
Dennis Sierra, DMD
Cosmetic Dentist & General Dentist located in Boca Raton, FL
If you have crooked, discolored, or unusually shaped teeth, dental veneers can boost your confidence and restore symmetry to your smile. At Boca Mission Bay Dentistry in Boca Raton, Florida, cosmetic dentist Dennis Sierra, DMD, offers several types of veneers, including traditional porcelain veneers and ultra-thin LUMINEERS®. To schedule an appointment, call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
Veneers Q&A
What are veneers?
Veneers are custom-crafted shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of your permanent teeth. It’s possible to receive one or two veneers, but most people get six or eight to achieve a balanced, healthy smile.
Veneers make your teeth appear brighter and whiter. They can address a variety of cosmetic imperfections, ensuring you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
What types of problems can veneers correct?
Dental veneers are incredibly versatile. At Boca Mission Bay Dentistry, Dr. Sierra uses them to correct a variety of common problems, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Worn down or chipped teeth
- Smaller-than-average teeth
You might also benefit from veneers if you have gaps or spaces between your teeth.
Are there different types of veneers?
Dr. Sierra offers both traditional veneers and wafer-thin LUMINEERS.
Traditional veneers
Traditional veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that cover your natural teeth. They aren’t permanent, but with good oral hygiene, can last 10-15 years. To prepare your teeth for traditional veneers, Dr. Sierra administers a local anesthetic and carefully shaves a layer of enamel from each tooth, about one millimeter thick.
Afterward, he takes impressions using dental putty and sends your impressions to a lab. The lab creates your veneers. A week or two later, you return to Boca Mission Bay Dentistry and Dr. Sierra bonds them in place.
LUMINEERS
LUMINEERS are unique in that they don’t require any tooth preparation. They’re ultra-thin porcelain slips that fit perfectly over your teeth, ensuring a Hollywood-worthy smile. Additionally, LUMINEERS can last for 20 years on average. Dr. Sierra can also remove them upon request, exposing your intact original teeth underneath.
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers, Dr. Sierra asks about your lifestyle and goals for treatment, reviews your oral health history, and conducts an oral exam.
He also takes a series of X-rays to look for signs of gum disease and tooth decay. If either of these issues are present, Dr. Sierra recommends addressing them first. Veneers last longer and provide better results when applied to healthy teeth and gums.
How do I prevent damage to my veneers?
If you want to keep your veneers in great shape for years to come, it’s important to avoid bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes, hard candy, or popcorn kernels. You should also protect your teeth during physical activity. If you play contact sports, skateboard, or mountain bike, make sure to always wear a mouthguard.
Additionally, if you grind your teeth or clench your jaws while sleeping, wear a night guard. Doing so can prevent your veneers from chipping or cracking.
To learn more about the benefits of veneers, schedule an appointment at Boca Mission Bay Dentistry. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.