Porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, uneven, or separated by small gaps. At Tribeca Advanced Dentistry in downtown Manhattan, Dr. Olga Malkin designs veneers around your smile, facial features, bite, and overall dental health.
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Malkin considers how cosmetic changes will work with the rest of your mouth. The goal is a natural-looking result that balances appearance, function, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic restorations bonded primarily to the front surfaces of teeth. Depending on their design, they may also extend over the biting edges.
Veneers can change a tooth’s color, shape, length, and proportions. They may be used to improve an individual tooth or several teeth as part of a coordinated smile makeover.
Veneers may be appropriate for persistent discoloration, small chips, irregular tooth shapes, or selected gaps between teeth.
Your teeth and gums should be healthy before cosmetic treatment begins. Decay, gum disease, and significant bite problems need to be evaluated and addressed first.
During your consultation, Dr. Malkin will explain whether veneers are suitable or whether whitening, bonding, orthodontic treatment, or crowns could better address your concerns. The recommendation depends on the condition of your teeth and the changes you want to make.
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist trained in restoring and replacing teeth. Dr. Malkin completed a three-year postgraduate specialty program in prosthodontics, including advanced restorative and aesthetic dentistry.
Her assessment considers the relationship between your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work. This is particularly helpful when treatment involves worn teeth, older restorations, or a combination of veneers and crowns.
Dr. Malkin will discuss which changes are appropriate now and how they fit into your longer-term dental care.
Tribeca Advanced Dentistry uses feldspathic porcelain and IPS e.max ceramic for veneers. Each material has different characteristics, and the choice depends on your tooth structure, desired appearance, bite, and restoration design.
Feldspathic porcelain allows detailed customization of color and translucency. It can be used to create thin veneers for selected patients, particularly when sufficient healthy enamel is available for bonding.
The amount of preparation depends on the position and color of the underlying tooth and the changes needed.
IPS e.max lithium disilicate is a dental ceramic used for veneers and other restorations. It combines strength with a range of shades and translucencies, allowing the material to be selected for the appearance and function required.
Choosing e.max does not automatically mean that more tooth structure must be removed. Preparation is planned individually.
Grinding and clenching place additional stress on teeth and restorations. A stronger ceramic alone does not eliminate the risk of veneers chipping, cracking, or coming loose.
Dr. Malkin will assess your bite and signs of wear before recommending veneers. Depending on the findings, your plan may include managing the grinding, using a protective nightguard, or considering a different restoration.
A veneer mainly covers the front surface of a tooth and is generally considered when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
A dental crown covers most or all of the visible tooth above the gumline. It may be more appropriate when a tooth is extensively damaged, weakened, or heavily restored.
Some smile makeovers combine veneers on healthier teeth with crowns on teeth that need greater coverage. Dr. Malkin coordinates their shape and color to create a consistent appearance.
Your first appointment focuses on your dental health and the changes you would like to make. You can bring photographs of your earlier smile or examples that help explain your preferences.
Dr. Malkin will discuss tooth shape, length, color, and proportions in relation to your face and smile. Our team will also explain the proposed treatment, fees, and expected appointments.
Photographs, impressions or digital scans, and bite records help guide the design of your veneers.
A diagnostic mock-up may be used to preview the proposed changes. In suitable cases, a temporary mock-up can be placed over your teeth so you can discuss the appearance before preparation begins. It is a planning tool rather than an exact guarantee of the final result.
When preparation is needed, Dr. Malkin removes the amount of tooth structure required for the planned restoration. Removing enamel is irreversible, so this step is discussed before treatment.
Local anesthesia is used when appropriate. If you are anxious about treatment or concerned about a longer appointment, we can discuss sedation options based on your medical history and needs.
Temporary veneers may be placed while the final restorations are being made. They provide an opportunity to assess the proposed shape and appearance and share your feedback.
Dr. Malkin works with dental technicians to develop the veneers’ fit, color, surface detail, and translucency.
Our on-site dental laboratory supports close communication between the clinical and laboratory teams. Materials and fabrication methods are selected for each case.
Your treatment schedule depends on the number of veneers, the design, and any refinements needed. Our team will explain the expected timing during planning.
Before bonding, Dr. Malkin checks the veneers’ fit, appearance, and relationship to your bite. You will have an opportunity to review their appearance and discuss any concerns.
Once the veneers are ready for placement, they are bonded to your teeth. Final checks and follow-up care help assess your comfort and bite.
Lumineers is a brand of veneers marketed for minimal-preparation treatment. Tribeca Advanced Dentistry does not use the Lumineers brand; we select the material and preparation approach for each patient.
No-preparation veneers may be appropriate in selected situations, but they are not suitable for every smile. Adding material without reshaping the underlying teeth can create excessive bulk when there is insufficient space.
The decision depends on tooth position, existing contours, color, and the desired result. Dr. Malkin will explain how much preparation is appropriate for your case. You should not assume that a treatment described as “no-prep” will necessarily be reversible.
Veneers require daily care and regular dental visits. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, and follow any recommendations for protecting your bite.
Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or biting hard objects. If a nightguard is recommended, wear it as directed.
Veneers can last for many years, but they may eventually require repair or replacement. The teeth beneath them remain susceptible to decay, making ongoing oral hygiene essential.
The cost depends on the number of teeth treated, the material selected, the complexity of the design, and any dental care needed beforehand.
At your consultation, our team will review the proposed fees and explain what is included. You can also explore our payment and financing options.
Explore our before-and-after porcelain veneer gallery to see examples of treatment at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry.
To discuss your smile with Dr. Malkin, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
23 Warren Street, Suite 10, New York, NY 10007
Call: 212-355-4510