Veneers for beautiful smiles

In the capable hands of Dr. Mark Cruz, your chipped, discolored, gapped, and unevenly-shaped teeth are transformed with lifelike porcelain veneers. Dr. Cruz also replaces existing dental work such as worn bonding or poorly-designed veneers with restorations that look, feel, and function like natural, healthy teeth.

You probably have lots of questions about this common procedure. Below, Dr. Cruz and his team answer some of those frequently-asked questions and dispel some common myths about veneers.

Q: What are the differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers?

A: One is made out of ceramic or porcelain and the other is made of a composite resin material. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain veneers look natural and are typically more visually alluring than composite veneers. Veneers require more effort and removal of tooth structure to accommodate the veneers.

A composite veneer requires less removal of tooth structure. Over time, the composite may not look as good as porcelain, because it can be subject to staining. Composite bonding typically costs less than porcelain veneers.

Dr. Cruz will accurately diagnose the concerns that have led you to consider this procedure, as well as your goals for treatment to arrive at the best option for you.

Q: Do you offer Lumineers? What are the differences between Veneers and Lumineers? Is one better than the other?

A: Frankly, Lumineers are just a marketing tool. It is a very conservative preparation for veneers. The upside of the buzz around Lumineers is they have heightened the awareness of the veneers procedure.

While Lumineers have been trademarked, they are no different from conventional veneers, despite the claims. In fact, Lumineers were on the market when veneers became so popular in the early to mid1980s. They indicate minimal preparation, and have aesthetic advantages and disadvantages.

Another way to think of Lumineers is they are simply the trade name for a thinner veneer.

Q: Am I a good candidate for veneers?

A: Veneers in general are considered a conservative approach. For this reason, it is important to turn to an experienced dental practitioner such as Dr. Cruz to get an accurate diagnosis. Some unwanted features such as stains or pits can be indicative of more serious problems, such as tooth decay. Your oral health must be restored before the dentist moves forward with any elective procedures.

Likewise, for serious spacing issues or modest discoloration, orthodontic treatment and tooth whitening respectively may be more suitable than veneers.

With proper diagnosis, the dental team can suggest a proper plan of action. Dr. Cruz wants you to be comfortable with the recommendation, so it’s important to schedule a consultation to determine and discuss your unique needs. Call .