Porcelain Veneers in Summit & Westfield NJ
Stained, deformed, or broken teeth can cause you to feel less than your best. Dr. Daniel Butensky and the team at the Dental Studios provide porcelain veneers as a means to improve your smile’s appearance and function. Located in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, the skilled team at the Dental Studios can help you be your best with veneers customized to suit your needs. Call or schedule a veneer consultation online.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells designed to cover the front surface of the teeth, masking cosmetic issues and delivering a brighter, more uniform smile. At the Dental Studios, one of our experienced cosmetic dentistry professionals will work with you to design and place custom veneers that blend naturally with your natural teeth.
Veneers fix flaws such as cracks, gaps, stains, misshapen teeth, and chips. They can also help reinforce weak or broken teeth, especially in the front teeth, which are most visible when smiling. With proper care and good oral hygiene, veneers can last for many years, providing a long-term solution for aesthetic concerns.
What Types of Veneers Are Available?
There are several types of veneers, including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, no-prep veneers, and traditional veneers.
Porcelain veneers are highly durable, mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel, and are exceptionally resistant to stains. Composite veneers offer a more affordable solution and are crafted from tooth-colored resin, but they may not last as long. No-prep or minimal-prep veneers are an option for patients who want to preserve more of their tooth structure, as they require little to no tooth preparation.
At your veneer consultation, we’ll review your options and recommend the best type based on your cosmetic goals, oral health, and budget.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
During your first visit, we conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and discuss your aesthetic goals. This consultation helps us understand exactly what you hope to achieve with veneers. We’ll take detailed measurements and digital images of your teeth to ensure precise planning. Our team may also create a diagnostic mock-up so you can preview how your smile will look after the procedure. This visual representation helps you make informed decisions about your treatment.
The second appointment involves preparing your teeth by removing a minimal amount of enamel, typically less than half a millimeter. This step is crucial for ensuring your veneers fit naturally and don’t appear bulky. Unlike other practices that may require temporary veneers while you wait weeks for the permanent ones, The Dental Studio offers same-day crowns and, in many cases, can provide same-day veneers using our advanced CAD/CAM technology. This means you may be able to walk out with your new smile after just one visit.
The Veneers Procedure Step-by-Step
After your initial veneer consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your aesthetic goals. If you’re a candidate for traditional porcelain veneers, the next step involves preparing the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This ensures a secure fit and natural look once the veneers are permanently bonded.
A detailed impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom veneers are crafted with precision. While waiting for the final product, temporary veneers may be placed to protect your prepared teeth.
Once the dental lab returns your veneers, they are carefully fitted and adjusted for shape and shade. The dentist uses dental cement and a curing light to securely bond each veneer, creating a seamless and lasting smile transformation.
Cosmetic and Functional Benefits
Dental veneers are more than just a cosmetic fix – they’re a reliable solution for improving the overall harmony and function of your smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers cover a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, including uneven spacing, discoloration that resists teeth whitening, and minor alignment issues.
Veneers are particularly effective in restoring chipped tooth surfaces and reinforcing back teeth when appropriate. Patients can enjoy:
- Natural-looking results that enhance the natural tooth enamel
- Reduced tooth sensitivity due to coverage and reinforcement
- Improved self-confidence with a whiter, more uniform smile
Common Concerns About Porcelain Veneers
Many patients have questions about porcelain veneers before deciding to proceed with treatment. The most common questions we receive relate to discomfort, durability, and appearance.
Patients often wonder if getting veneers hurts. The procedure is minimally invasive, and we use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the preparation and placement of veneers. Any sensitivity after the procedure typically subsides within a few days.
Another common concern is whether veneers will look natural. Our dental professionals at The Dental Studio take precise measurements and use the highest quality materials to create veneers that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We consider factors such as:
- Your facial features and skin tone, to ensure a harmonious appearance
- The translucency and texture of your natural teeth
- Your existing tooth color for any teeth not receiving veneers
- Your personal preferences regarding shape and brightness
The result is a custom-designed smile that enhances your appearance while still looking completely natural. We take pride in creating veneers that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, giving you the confidence to smile without reservation.
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. Maintaining your investment is straightforward and requires only a few simple practices. The good news is caring for veneers isn’t much different from caring for your natural teeth.
Brush twice daily using a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Harsh abrasives can scratch the porcelain surface, dulling its shine over time. Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup between your teeth and along the edges of your veneers. Although porcelain is stain-resistant, the adhesive used to bond veneers to your teeth can discolor over time, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential.
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite fingernails, as this can damage your veneers. If you participate in contact sports or tend to grind your teeth at night, we recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your investment. Regular dental check-ups every six months allow us to professionally clean your veneers and ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
Porcelain veneers provide an excellent solution for many cosmetic dental concerns, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Ideal candidates have generally healthy teeth with adequate enamel and are looking to address primarily aesthetic issues. Before recommending veneers, we consider several factors to ensure they’re the most appropriate option for your specific situation.
You may be an excellent candidate for porcelain veneers if you’re looking to correct minor misalignments, close small gaps, or address discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments. Veneers also work well for teeth that are slightly chipped or worn down. However, if you have significant structural damage, severe misalignment, or active gum disease, we may recommend addressing these issues first before proceeding with veneers.
The decision to get veneers should be made carefully, as the process requires removing a small amount of enamel, making it irreversible. During your consultation, we’ll thoroughly discuss alternatives such as dental bonding, teeth whitening, or orthodontic treatments to ensure you choose the option that best suits your needs and goals. We believe in providing comprehensive information so you can make an educated decision about your dental health.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At The Dental Studio, we provide state-of-the-art, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. Our team, including Dr. Butensky, Dr. Bremmer, and Dr. Hosny, brings decades of combined experience to every procedure. We take pride in transforming smiles while ensuring each patient receives personalized attention and exceptional results. Our advanced technology allows us to create beautiful, natural-looking veneers that enhance your unique features.
Don’t let imperfections in your smile hold you back any longer. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to feel more confident in your everyday life, porcelain veneers can provide the transformation you’ve been seeking. Contact us today at (908) 273-1525 for our Summit location or (908) 232-8455 for our Westfield office, or schedule your consultation online through our contact form.
FAQs About Dental Veneers
How long do porcelain veneers last with proper care?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years. Avoiding hard objects, visiting your dentist regularly, and maintaining clean natural teeth underneath the veneers will help extend their lifespan.
What’s the difference between traditional veneers and no-prep veneers?
Traditional veneers require more tooth preparation, including the removal of a thin layer of natural tooth enamel, while no-prep veneers or minimal-prep veneers are applied with little to no enamel removal. Your dentist will help determine the right option based on your cosmetic concerns and tooth structure.
Do I need temporary veneers during the process?
Yes, in most cases involving traditional porcelain veneers, you’ll wear temporary veneers between appointments. These protect your prepared teeth while your custom veneers are created in the dental laboratory, and allow you to preview the look of your future smile.
Can veneers fix a chipped tooth or other cosmetic imperfections?
Absolutely. Veneers cover a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, including a chipped tooth, broken teeth, stains, and misshapen teeth. They’re a popular solution in cosmetic dentistry for patients looking to achieve a complete smile transformation.
Are veneers better than teeth whitening for discoloration?
If discoloration is deep or resistant to teeth whitening, veneers may offer a more effective and lasting solution. They provide full coverage for discolored front teeth and offer a uniform shade that blends naturally with your permanent veneers.