Cosmetic Dentistry in Nutley, NJ

Veneers are thin durable shells made of tooth colored materials that are bonded to the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance.

What are the types of veneers?

Porcelain and composite bonding are the most common veneer materials. Composite veneers are made of a resin that is shaped and bonded to a tooth to enhance the appearance. Porcelain veneers are usually made in a lab and are more resistant to staining, compared to other materials. 

Should I choose composite bonding or porcelain veneers?

Ask your dentist which option is best for you.  If the needed changes are minor and the teeth function properly, cosmetic bonding is an appropriate choice.  If teeth are spaced, broken, dark, and/or the patient clenches or grinds their teeth, then porcelain veneers may be the preferred option.

Why do I need dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a great solution for people with discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned, spaced, uneven or irregularly shaped front teeth.  

What is involved in getting a dental veneer?

Getting a porcelain veneer is usually a multi-step process. The first step is to get a consultation with a dentist. At this visit, you can outline your goals and concerns, and the dentist will explain how veneers will work for you. X-rays or impressions of your teeth may be needed. The second step is to prepare the tooth for the veneer. A small amount of tooth structure is removed and an impression is made. The dentist will then place temporary veneers. At the next appointment, temporaries are removed, and the final veneer is bonded to your tooth.  

In the case of veneers made from tooth colored filling material, or composite bonding, this is a one appointment process in which the dentist will remove a small amount of tooth structure and bond filling material to your teeth. This type of veneer is not as long lasting and doesn’t resist staining as well as a porcelain veneer.

What are the advantages of dental veneers?

The preparation of veneers preserve the most amount of tooth structure, as very little needs to be removed.  They can improve the appearance of your teeth, and gum tissues respond well to dental veneers.  The color can be custom selected, and in the case of porcelain veneers they are stain resistant.

What are the drawbacks of dental veneers?

Once you have had your tooth prepared for the veneer, the process is not reversible. In the case that a veneer cracks, it is difficult to repair without having to replace the entire veneer. It is important to not have habits like pen-chewing or nail-biting as these can crack the veneer. Veneers are not a good option for people with poor gum health. In addition, people who grind or clench their teeth are at risk for chipping or cracking their veneers. Lastly, veneers are still susceptible to decay so it is important that you maintain optimal oral health and visit your dentist regularly.

Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

If you have stained or chipped teeth, you might be interested in veneers as they will cover up your existing teeth.They are also a popular treatment for smile makeovers or for individuals who want their dream smile.

If a tooth is avulsed, make sure it is a permanent tooth (baby teeth should not be replanted).

• Keep the patient calm.
• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.  DO NOT REMOVE ANY TISSUE.
• If the tooth is dirty, wash it briefly (10 seconds) under cold running water and reposition it. Try to encourage the patient / parent to replant the tooth. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position.
• If this is not possible, place the tooth in a suitable storage medium, e.g. a glass of milk or a special storage media for avulsed teeth if available (e.g. Hanks balanced storage medium or saline). The tooth can also be transported in the mouth, keeping it between the molars and the inside of the cheek. If the patient is very young, he/she could swallow the tooth- therefore it is advisable to get the patient to spit in a container and place the tooth in it. Avoid storage in water!
• Seek emergency dental treatment immediately.

Although there are many options for brightening your smile available at your local grocery store, there are a few facts about professional whitening with your dentist in Nutley to keep in mind.

• Dr. Richard Tom has whitening gel that is much higher strength than what is available at the store. This means less time to achieve your desired results and more time smiling!
• Over-the-counter products are not custom fit, which may mean you won't achieve the results you’re hoping for and could lead to problems with excess whitening gel reaching your soft tissues.
• Whitening under the supervision of your dentist is always advisable in case you should encounter any concerns with sensitivity or other issues.

RT Dental offers two different options for whitening that will help you achieve your goals efficiently and safely. In-office whitening offers immediate results after only one visit to our office, while take-home whitening trays give you the freedom to whiten at your leisure and update your smile down the road whenever you like.

We would love to help you reach your goals for a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact our office today to learn more about your options for teeth whitening in Nutley, NJ.