Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Clifford O. Feingold on Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Clifford O. Feingold is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are very thin "half crowns" that are highly adapted and bonded to the fronts of teeth to strengthen and beautify them. They fit the teeth intimately and space age technology is used to bond them to the teeth.
Q. How long do dental veneers last?
A. Porcelain veneers last longer than any other restoration that we have in dentistry. Of course, how long they last depends on how strong the teeth were to begin with, the quality of care the patient gives them, and how the patient uses or abuses them. (Statistically, fillings last 3-5 years and crowns last just over 8 years).
Q. Do dental veneers require special care?
A. Properly done porcelain veneers can function just as teeth do. I recommend that patients limit fingernail biting, not biting fishing line or sewing thread, or anything that would put excessive outward force on the treated teeth. This is good advice for teeth that do not have veneers also, though.
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are the best treatment for most cosmetic cases. Sometimes, veneers can be done with filling materials, but these do not last as long - they chip and stain and usually need to be redone in 3-5 years. Crowns are sometimes the necessary treatment when there is not enough tooth structure to support the veneers. In some cases, orthodontics would be preferable if just the alignment of the teeth needs to be corrected. Bleaching the teeth might be recommended if just lightening the color is all that is desired.
Q. Do Veneers look natural?
A. Well-done veneers usually blend in with the surrounding teeth extremely well. Some examples may be seen at my website: www.cfeingolddds.health.officelive.com
Q. Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?
A. Teeth with veneers can decay, just as "virgin" teeth, teeth with crowns, and teeth with fillings. The only thing that protects teeth from decay is excellent preventive care: proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
Q. What does a veneer cost?
A. Veneers typically cost the same as a crown, between $1000 - $1400.
Q. How to contact Dr. Feingold if we have further questions?
