Veneers
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Wynatte Chu, DDS
Cosmetic & General Dentist located in New York, NY & Westport, CT
Your teeth work hard, and there’s a good chance that at some point in your life, one or more of your teeth will become deeply discolored, chipped, or worn down. Or maybe your teeth have other cosmetic issues, like an unusual shape or size. In any of these cases, veneers could be just what you’re looking for. Dr. Wynatte Chu is a top-ranked cosmetic dentist, offering durable, natural-looking veneers for patients in Westport, Connecticut, and throughout the Tribeca and Chinatown neighborhoods of New York City. At her practices, Dr. Chu combines scientific know-how with artistic precision to craft veneers designed for beautiful results in every patient.
Veneers Q & A
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin, tooth-shaped covers that are placed on the surfaces of the teeth to correct an array of cosmetic issues. Veneers can be tinted to match the color of neighboring teeth so they blend beautifully. Dr. Chu specializes in cosmetic veneers to correct issues like:
- Uneven tooth wear
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Teeth that are deeply discolored
- Teeth that appear too short
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
How is a dental veneer applied?
Veneer application usually requires 2 office visits.
At the first visit, Dr. Chu will remove a very small amount of the tooth’s superficial material to make room for the veneer so it rests flush with the surfaces of the neighboring teeth.
Dr. Chu will take an impression of the tooth to serve as the model for the veneer, and she’ll also select the tint.
Dr. Chu will place a temporary veneer on the tooth to protect it.
Then the impression will be sent to a lab that specializes in dental veneer fabrication.
At the second appointment, Dr. Chu will remove the temporary veneer and clean the tooth surface, then she’ll apply the veneer and buff it and shape it so it fits seamlessly and looks completely natural.
What are Lumineers®?
Lumineers are the most popular type of dental veneer. Extremely thin — about the same thickness as a contact lens — Lumineers have a translucent quality that reflects and absorbs light like the surface of a tooth for a more natural-looking result compared to some other types of veneers.
Because Lumineers are so thin, their application requires minimal or no removal of tooth material, which means temporary veneers won’t be needed. When no tooth material is removed, the veneers can also be removed if desired without compromising the integrity of the tooth structure.
Are veneers difficult to take care of?
No. Veneers can be cared for with regular brushing and flossing and routine dental cleanings. It’s also important to avoid biting or chewing on hard substances like ice or hard candy to prevent chipping or damaging the veneer.
How long will my veneer last?
With proper care, veneers can last a decade or longer.
Can I have my veneers whitened?
No. There is no need. Veneers are designed to be impermeable so they are resistant to stains. It also means whitening agents aren’t able to penetrate the surface. If a veneer does become discolored over time, it will need to be replaced.