Porcelain Veneers

Do you have multiple issues with your teeth, such as discoloration, chips, or stains? Porcelain veneers are an effective way to change the appearance of your smile with just one treatment.

At DeStefano Dentistry, Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano and our friendly team are proud to help patients throughout Pittsford, New York, and the surrounding communities achieve beautiful, natural-looking smiles. If you’re ready to rediscover your confidence and love your smile again, we invite you to schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers today. 

Call us today to learn more or book your appointment!

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Man getting veneers consultation

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are usually made from porcelain, and they are shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth with a resin material. Porcelain is the material we use for dental veneers because it matches the natural color of teeth and is stain-resistant. 

Each veneer is custom-crafted to fit your tooth’s shape, size, and color for a seamless, lifelike result. Whether you want to fix a single imperfect tooth or rejuvenate your entire smile, veneers can deliver a stunning transformation in just a few visits.

If you are looking for a cosmetic treatment that elevates your smile, dental veneers can be used to correct dental imperfections such as:

  • Worn Teeth
  • Chipped or Broken Teeth
  • Misshapen Teeth
  • Gapped Teeth
  • Discolored or Yellowed Teeth
  • Minor Misalignment

Depending on your needs, receiving dental veneers typically only requires one dental visit. This cosmetic treatment is perfect if you are preparing for a special occasion or if you have decided that it is time to improve your smile for a whole new look.

With porcelain veneers, you can increase your self-confidence and enjoy sharing your smile, whether you’re at work, exploring the outdoors, or hanging out with loved ones.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry options for good reason. They offer a wide range of benefits, both aesthetic and functional, including:

Instantly Enhanced Appearance

Veneers provide a balanced, symmetrical smile that complements your natural features. They can make your teeth appear straighter, whiter, and more uniform without braces or multiple treatments.

Natural Look and Feel

Modern dental porcelain reflects light similarly to natural enamel, so your veneers will look beautifully realistic, not artificial or bulky.

Long-Lasting Durability

When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer. They are resistant to everyday stains and wear, making them an excellent long-term investment in your smile.

Minimally Invasive

Compared to crowns, veneers require little to no removal of healthy tooth structure. Prepless veneers, in particular, can often be applied without altering your enamel at all.

Boosted Confidence

A beautiful smile can enhance more than just your appearance; it can improve your confidence in professional, social, and personal settings.

The Veneer Process: What to Expect

At DeStefano Dentistry, your veneer experience is personalized from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:

Dr. DeStefano will meet with you to discuss your goals, assess your oral health, and determine whether veneers are right for you. We’ll take digital impressions and images to help plan your ideal smile design.

For traditional veneers, a very small amount of enamel (usually less than a millimeter) is gently removed from the front of each tooth to ensure a perfect fit. If you are a candidate for prepless veneers, this step may be skipped entirely.

Your digital impressions are sent to the lab, where they are carefully crafted for precise fit and color matching.

While your permanent veneers are being made, temporary veneers may be placed to protect your teeth and allow you to “preview” your new look.

Once your veneers are ready, Dr. DeStefano will carefully place and bond them using a durable resin material. After polishing and making any final adjustments, your new smile will be ready to show off!

What to Expect After Getting Veneers

After your veneers are placed, you can return to normal activities right away. Some patients experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days, but this usually fades quickly as your mouth adjusts.

Here’s what to expect in the days and weeks following treatment:

  • Immediate Results: You’ll notice your new smile the moment your veneers are placed.
  • Short Adjustment Period: Your bite and speech may feel slightly different at first, but most patients adapt within a week.
  • Follow-Up Visit: Dr. DeStefano may schedule a short follow-up to ensure your veneers fit comfortably and function perfectly.

Your new veneers should feel completely natural when chewing, speaking, and smiling.

Prepless vs. Traditional Veneers

​​Dr. DeStefano is an experienced cosmetic dentist who offers both traditional and prepless veneers.

With traditional veneers, some tooth enamel is removed before placing the veneer. With prepless veneers, it’s possible to get veneers with little to no tooth enamel removal.

Prepless veneers offer numerous benefits to patients, including:

Minimally Invasive Application

Because Dr. DeStefano doesn’t have to remove much enamel, prepless veneers are placed directly onto the tooth and don’t require tooth reshaping.

Quick Completion

Prepless veneers are generally more efficient and can be finished during one appointment.

Enhanced Durability

The tooth enamel allows the veneers to bond more strongly with your natural teeth.

While prepless veneers are preferred by many patients, they aren’t right for everyone. If you have more extensive cosmetic issues or misshapen teeth, traditional veneers are usually recommended.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

If your teeth are slightly crooked or uneven but you don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment, veneers can often create the illusion of a perfectly straight smile. By carefully shaping and positioning each veneer, Dr. DeStefano can correct minor misalignments, close gaps, and make your smile appear more even and symmetrical.

However, if you have severe crowding or bite issues, orthodontic treatment may still be recommended first. Dr. DeStefano can assess your smile during your consultation and help you determine which approach will give you the best long-term results.

Caring for Your Veneers

Porcelain veneers are strong and stain-resistant, but they still require proper care to maintain their beauty. Follow these tips to keep your veneers looking and feeling great:

  • Brush and Floss Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Schedule Regular Checkups: Visit DeStefano Dentistry twice a year for exams and cleanings.
  • Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Don’t open packages or bite hard objects with your veneered teeth.
  • Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Veneers resist stains, but your natural teeth still can discolor. 
  • Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to prevent chipping and premature wear.

With proper care, your veneers will continue to provide a confident, radiant smile for many years!

Man in white shirt

Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are an effective way to improve the look of your smile, but they aren’t right for every patient. While the quickest way to know if you’re a good candidate for veneers is by booking an appointment at our office, you can also learn the general guidelines below:

You are a good candidate for veneers if:

If you only have a bit of tooth discoloration or one small chip, it usually makes more sense to get a cheaper, less permanent treatment such as teeth whitening or dental bonding.

Veneers work best for patients who have overall healthy mouths. If you have gum disease or other oral health problems, Dr. DeStefano can work with you until you’re at a point where veneers are safe. Or, he can provide an alternative treatment.

While veneers cover up dental imperfections and are resistant to staining, you still need to take good care of them. If you have good oral hygiene habits, your veneers will also last longer before they need to be replaced.

Most veneers are attached permanently to your teeth, although prepless veneers aren’t always permanent. While they generally need to be replaced every ten years or so, this process can only be done by a dentist. You can’t take veneers on and off.

If you meet these conditions and are comfortable with veneers, they could be the perfect cosmetic treatment for you. Dr. DeStefano can discuss more about the treatment with you during your appointment.

Why Choose DeStefano Dentistry for Veneers?

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, experience and attention to detail make all the difference. At DeStefano Dentistry, we combine advanced technology with an artistic approach to create smiles that look natural and last.

Patients choose us because we offer:

  • Personalized Smile Design: Every veneer is crafted to complement your facial features and goals.
  • Comfort-Focused Care: Our team ensures each visit is relaxing and stress-free.
  • Advanced Techniques: Including digital imaging and prepless veneer options for minimally invasive results.
  • Trusted Local Expertise: Dr. DeStefano has years of experience providing cosmetics in Pittsford and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers

Most veneers last between 10 and 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.

No. When done by an experienced dentist like Dr. DeStefano, veneers preserve most of your tooth structure and strengthen your smile overall.

Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with bleaching treatments, but they are naturally stain-resistant. If you want a brighter overall look, consider whitening your teeth before getting veneers.

Traditional veneers are a permanent treatment since enamel is removed. However, prepless veneers may be reversible in certain cases.

After a short adjustment period, veneers feel completely natural. Most patients forget they even have them.

Not at all. Modern porcelain veneers are designed to look incredibly natural. Dr. DeStefano carefully selects the shade, shape, and translucency of your veneers to complement your facial features and surrounding teeth. The result is a bright, healthy-looking smile that looks like you.

This depends on your goals. Some patients choose to correct just one or two teeth, while others opt for a full set across the upper front teeth for a complete smile makeover. During your consultation, Dr. DeStefano will help you decide how many veneers will create the best aesthetic balance.

Yes. Once your veneers are securely bonded, you can enjoy nearly all your favorite foods and drinks. However, it’s best to avoid habits like chewing on ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packaging.

Veneers themselves don’t decay, but the teeth underneath them still can. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting our office regularly ensures your veneers and your natural teeth remain strong and healthy.

If you grind or clench your teeth, veneers can still be an option. However, Dr. DeStefano may recommend wearing a custom nightguard to protect your veneers from chipping or excess pressure while you sleep.

Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Gain a bright new smile today and learn more about cosmetic dental veneers by contacting our dental office. Our dentist and team of dental professionals are happy to discuss our different cosmetic options with you to help you find the one that meets your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Call DeStefano Dentistry in Pittsford, NY, to schedule your personalized veneer consultation with Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, from design to your final flawless smile.

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