Porcelain Veneers - Astoria

Master Dental

General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Astoria, NY

If you want a bright, white, and symmetrical smile, porcelain veneers provide a safe, effective cosmetic option. General dentist Konstantine Malafis, DDS, at Master Dental in Astoria, Queens, proudly offers porcelain veneers to people with crooked, chipped, and discolored teeth. To learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, request an appointment at his New York City-based office today by calling or clicking the online scheduling tool.

Porcelain Veneers Q&A

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain that Dr. Malafis bonds to the front of your natural, permanent teeth. It’s possible to receive only one or two veneers, but Dr. Malafis usually recommends a series of six to ten, ensuring symmetry and aesthetically pleasing results.

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What types of cosmetic issues can porcelain veneers address?

Porcelain veneers are incredibly versatile. Dr. Malafis regularly uses them to correct a wide range of cosmetic issues, including:

  • Smaller-than-average teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Pointed teeth
  • Unusually shaped teeth

He also uses porcelain veneers to address severe or uneven discoloration. If your teeth don’t respond to traditional whitening treatments or you take medications that contain tetracycline, porcelain veneers are worth considering.

Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers, make an appointment with Dr. Malafis. During your initial consultation, he conducts an oral exam, asks you about your goals for treatment, and takes a series of digital X-rays. If there are signs of tooth decay or gum disease present, Dr. Malafis may ask you to hold off before moving forward. It’s better to address these issues prior to the application of your veneers.

If your teeth and gums are healthy, Dr. Malafis administers a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth. He carefully shaves a thin layer of enamel from the surface of each tooth, approximately one millimeter thick. Next, Dr. Malafis takes a series of impressions with dental putty. He sends your impressions to a laboratory that manufactures your porcelain veneers.

A week or two later, you return to Master Dental. Dr. Malafis carefully lines up your veneers over your permanent teeth and bonds them in place using dental cement. You leave the office with a brilliant new smile.

How long do porcelain veneers last for?

Porcelain veneers usually last an average of 10-15 years. But there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan. Dr. Malafis recommends brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam.
If at all possible, you should avoid bad habits such as smoking, biting your fingernails, or chewing on ice cubes.

To learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, request an appointment at Master Dental today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.