Dental Solutions for a Perfect Smile
Unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile. Veneers can restore and transform your teeth, giving you a rejuvenated smile.
A great smile can significantly boost your confidence. We offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Our process begins with a thorough smile assessment, where we’ll discuss the aspects you love and dislike about your smile. Afterward, we’ll explore treatment options to make your smile look more natural, healthy, and youthful.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are one of the most conservative restorations we offer. Made from a thin layer of porcelain, they cover the front surface of a tooth. We use porcelain because it can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth. Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers require minimal enamel removal, preserving most of your tooth structure. Instead of replacing the whole tooth, a veneer gives it a "new face". As a minimally invasive option, dental veneers are a key part of cosmetic dentistry.
Getting a veneer typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth for the veneer. Two weeks later, the veneer is permanently attached to your tooth.
Direct and Indirect Dental Veneers
The process of getting indirect dental veneers in Metuchen typically involves several visits. During your initial consultation, Dr. Ferraro will assess your teeth, discuss your cosmetic goals, and determine if veneers are right for you.
Next, a small amount of enamel will be gently buffed from the front surface of the relevant teeth to ensure a proper fit for the veneers. Digital scans are taken and sent to our lab, while temporary veneers may be placed to protect your teeth.
For same-day composite veneers (direct veneers), Dr. Ferraro will shape and apply the material to your tooth during the same appointment.
If you’re receiving porcelain veneers, it will take about two weeks for the lab to craft your permanent restorations. Once ready, Dr. Ferraro will bond them securely in place using a special adhesive. With proper care, your dental veneers can last for many years, transforming your smile and enhancing your confidence.
Procedure Overview
- The dental veneer procedure begins with the dentist in Plant City removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your tooth (usually less than one millimeter). Depending on how much enamel needs to be removed, local anesthesia may not be necessary. The goal is to preserve as much of the tooth’s natural structure as possible, as veneers bond better with the outer tooth surface. The dentist uses a dental bur, a rotating tool, to gently shave down the tooth's surface.
- Next, an impression (or mold) of your teeth is taken and sent to a lab, where they will create a veneer that fits your smile perfectly. To ensure the mold captures the right details, a small retraction cord is used to temporarily move your gums away from the tooth. This will return to its original position after the impression is made. The mold is created by biting into a tray filled with paste, which takes a few minutes to set.
- Once the mold is ready, any final adjustments are made, and it’s sent to the lab. The lab typically takes about two weeks to craft your permanent veneer. In the meantime, you may receive a temporary veneer, especially if more enamel was removed, making the tooth more sensitive or vulnerable to damage.
- At your final appointment, the dentist will bond your custom-made veneer to your tooth. Adjustments may be made to ensure the veneer fits well and looks natural. If you have concerns about the look or feel, let us know—we want you to be fully satisfied with the result.
- After any final refinements, the dentist will apply bonding cement to secure the veneer in place, using a special blue light to harden it. Once everything is checked for a perfect fit, your smile is ready to shine!