No one has perfect teeth. Every one of us has a chip here or a gap between a couple of teeth there. A tooth or two could have turned grey from a tetracycline reaction as a kid or your could have a tooth that is misshapen.
But you can have the appearance of perfect teeth with porcelain veneers from the team at Gentle Dental. Because as the Fernando Lamas character on Saturday Night Live famously said, “Because it’s not how you feel, but how you look darling. And you look mahhhvelous.”
Porcelain Veneers — the Ultimate Cover-Up
OK, your teeth can’t “feel bad” and look good, so to speak. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic cover for the front surfaces of your teeth. But they cannot be applied over underlying unhealthy teeth. Still, you get the idea of looking marvelous with veneers.
Porcelain veneers are exactly as their name implies — veneers. Like a veneer tabletop that covers lesser wood used to build the piece, porcelain veneers simply cover up underlying cosmetic dental problems. Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain overlays that are bonded onto the fronts of your teeth effectively covering up any flaws and presenting a perfect smile to the world.
In the process of considering veneers, Drs. Strover, Messer, or Butkofski will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy and aren’t in need of any treatments. Any issues such as decay or gum disease need to be addressed before you can begin the veneer process. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure, not a restorative one.
The first step in the veneer process is to take ½ millimeter of tooth enamel off the front of each tooth that will receive a veneer. Removing the enamel makes room for the veneers and also provides a better surface for the veneers to adhere to. After the enamel is removed, we then make a mold or impression of your teeth. This provides the blueprint for the dental lab to create your custom-made veneers, which usually takes about a week. While your veneers are being fabricated, we apply temporary veneers to cover your exposed teeth.
When your completed veneers have been delivered to our office, you come in for your second appointment. Your Gentle Dental dentist first checks the veneers to see that they fit properly and that the color matches your surrounding teeth. Once satisfied, we clean and polish your teeth. Then the veneers are cemented permanently onto your teeth, any stray cement is removed, and any protruding areas are shaved down. Now you’re ready to show the world your beautiful new smile.
If you have imperfections on your teeth but want an easier solution, dental veneers could be the answer. Call us at Gentle Dental in Edison, (732) 549-5660, to make your appointment.
