Veneers Archives - Aesthetic Family Dentistry

The Aesthetic Family Dentistry guide to dental veneers

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:46:45 +0000

Dental veneers are an excellent way to cover broken, damaged or misshaped teeth and we perform many procedures that use them. We are often asked about dental veneers, so thought we would put this quick guide together to answer those more common questions.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, or would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today!

What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help improve broken or damaged teeth or teeth that are out of position. They are made from a thin layer of porcelain that is placed over the natural tooth.

Are they effective?

If dental veneers weren’t an effective treatment, we wouldn’t use them! Yes, in the right circumstances and used in the right way, dental veneers are a very effective treatment for a range of situations. As they are straightforward to install and easy to maintain, they are an excellent option to create that beautiful smile.

How are dental veneers installed?

The procedure to fit dental veneers is actually quite straightforward. It involves cleaning the surface of the tooth in question and sometimes removing a thin layer of enamel. We then take a mold of your teeth so we can have the veneers made to fit exactly where we want them to go. We also color match them so they will be invisible once in place.

Once we have the veneers, it’s a matter of bonding them in place, arranging them so they fit naturally alongside your other teeth and then curing the bond once we’re completely happy.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure to fit dental veneers is usually done over two visits to our office. The first visit we prepare the teeth and take the mold. The second, we fit the teeth and bond them in place.

Is the procedure painful?

In the vast majority of procedures we perform here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry, there is no discomfort at all. We don’t even need to use anesthetic, as tooth preparation is only on the surface.

However, as everyone is different, we tailor the procedure to your specific needs. In the unlikely event you do feel discomfort, we have the expertise on hand to address it immediately.

How long do dental veneers last?

The lifetime of a dental veneer differs depending on your lifestyle, your oral health and how well you look after them. Cared for properly, a veneer will typically last decades.

If you live in Denville, Dover, Morristown, Morris Plains, Mountain Lakes, Randolph, Rockaway and have questions about dental veneers contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we can help!

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Who Benefits from Dental Veneers?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:22:48 +0000

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain that we lay over teeth. Much like a false fingernail, a veneer is placed over the real thing to create a more appealing aesthetic. If you’re not happy with your smile for any reason, they are a way of addressing that without being too invasive.

When do you use dental veneers?

They are used to cover gaps, broken teeth, chips, straighten smiles and more. They are a very useful dental procedure that can address a range of situations. Veneers are porcelain “caps” that are affixed onto the front surface of a tooth to completely change how it looks.

They can be color matched so they look completely natural and placed carefully so nobody would ever know. When done properly, dental veneers are a work of art!

What conditions can dental veneers address?

We routinely use dental veneers to address a range of conditions, including:

Discolored teeth
Worn teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Misaligned, crooked or gapped teeth

Essentially, they cover the tooth to make it look like the others in your mouth. This gives you an even smile that you can be proud of!

How are dental veneers fitted?

Usually, having dental veneers involves two visits to our dental office. The first is to diagnose and check for any issues that may complicate or prevent the use of veneers. We will also explain what happens, what to expect and talk you through the restrictions and limitations of the procedure.

We will then prepare your tooth for the veneer by removing as little enamel as possible to provide a solid foundation. We then take an impression of your tooth and have the veneer made in a dental laboratory.

Once we receive the dental veneer back from the lab, we make sure it fits perfectly before bonding. If all is well, we cement the veneer onto the tooth. If the veneer needs adjustment for fit or color we send it back.

Cementing a dental veneer involves cleaning, polishing and etching to make sure the tooth’s surface is clean and has a key for the cement to bond. Then we add the cement and position the tooth. Once we are satisfied we have achieved a look that you will be satisfied with for many years to come, we apply a light to the veneer that sets it, holding the veneer in place.

Once the veneer is bonded and polished up, you’re ready to go home. We may ask you to return for a follow up visit to make sure the veneer is equilibrated. All of this we will discuss with you at the time.

If you think you’re a candidate for dental veneers, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today for a consultation!

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What‘s the Procedure for Getting Dental Veneers?

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:19:21 +0000

Dental veneers are used to cover damaged or broken teeth to restore confidence, tooth shape and that winning smile. Done right, a dental veneer is almost invisible and can be the answer to many issues.

Dental veneers are an excellent solution to a variety of problems. They can effectively replace crowns, cover cracked or broken teeth and be designed to create a seamless smile.

As holistic dentists, we at Aesthetic Family Dentistry particularly like dental veneers because they require no long recovery time, little intrusive work and can really benefit a suitable patient.

The high quality porcelain we use works well with gums, contain only natural ingredients and are guaranteed to provide many years’ faithful service if looked after properly.

The Veneer Fitting Process

Getting dental veneers is actually quite simple. It needs three visits to our dentist’s surgery, but very little serious dental work.

First we have a consultation to identify the challenges and devise a strategy for tackling them. Dental veneers aren’t always the most suitable procedure for all patients, so we discuss options with you and make suggestions based on our experience.

If dental veneers are the answer, we will schedule an appointment to prepare the teeth. We then take a mold of the teeth we’re working on so we can have the veneers made to measure. Those veneers are sent to a dental laboratory to be manufactured for us, which can take several days.

We use a burr to remove as little of the tooth as possible to accommodate the veneer and ensure it’s almost invisible to the eye. This may require a local anesthetic to avoid any discomfort. We will discuss your requirements at the initial consultation.

Depending on how long the veneers take, we may provide a temporary veneer for you to wear while we’re waiting.

Once your veneers are ready, you would return to the surgery for another appointment. We check the fit of the veneers and compare them to the rest of your mouth. This may take a while as we ensure the fit is perfect, the color matches your other teeth and there are no issues with either your teeth or the dental veneer.

We will only proceed to fitting if we are all satisfied that the fit is right and that the color and shape match the rest of your mouth. Otherwise we send them back to the laboratory for adjustment.

Once ready, we prepare the area by thoroughly cleaning the teeth. We will then check the fit and the look of the veneers once more before cementing into place. We can then use our eye to slightly adjust the color by mixing the cement in a specific way. This ensures an exact color match. It’s more art than dentistry, but something necessary to ensure the best possible result for you.

Once everyone is completely happy, we then cure the cement, tidy up the area and ensure everything looks perfect before letting you go home. That’s all there is to dental veneers. If they sound like a solution to your dental problems, why not get in touch?

Contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry for a consultation today!

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How Long do Dental Veneers Last?

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 00:32:06 +0000

We’re more than happy to answer all your dentist related questions. We regard it as part of our role as holistic dentists to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your health.

To help with that, we answer many of the more popular questions here on the Aesthetic Family Dentistry blog. Today we’re going to discuss dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers, porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates all describe the same thing. A thin, custom made shell that is affixed over damaged teeth to restore full chewing ability and that wonderful smile.

They aren’t always made out of porcelain, despite their name. Some dental veneers are, but others are made from modern composites. Each has its own pros and cons and is something we can discuss with you at a consultation should you decide you would like veneers.

A porcelain veneer is very stain resistant and long wearing. A composite or resin veneer is lighter, can be thinner, but doesn’t resist stains as well.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

The veneers themselves could last a lifetime. As with many dental procedures, much is influenced by how well you look after them. Manage them well, keep them clean and avoid food and drink that stains your teeth and they will last as long as you.

When affixed properly, dental veneers don’t wear, they don’t stain and they don’t fall off. They use the structure of your teeth for strength and their own properties to avoid staining as much as possible. So, just like your real teeth, look after them well and they will reward you with a lifetime of use.

How to Ensure Dental Veneers Last the Test of Time

With a good oral health regimen and proper care, and a harmonius neuromuscularly balanced bite, there is no reason why dental veneers cannot last a lifetime. However, just like your natural teeth, you need to care for them to keep them healthy.

Brush twice a day and floss daily for best results. The tooth underneath the veneer is still susceptible to decay and disease so you need to look after your mouth. Remove plaque completely to avoid gum disease and other complications that could necessitate the removal of the veneer.

Avoid excess alcohol which can affect the bonding that fastens the veneer to the tooth. Red wine can also stain all teeth, real and veneered, so avoid wherever possible and moderate everywhere else. Smoking also stains teeth and compromises the body’s ability to fight infection and remain healthy. Avoid smoking if you want to keep your dental veneers looking like new.

To avoid chipping or cracks, be mindful of what you put in your mouth. Heavy biting pressure can damage veneers, as can biting metal, undoing beer bottles and anything else that puts something hard against the veneer.

We see lots of cracks and chips from people who bite on metallic objects, forgetting they are wearing veneers. While the fact patients forget they are wearing them is testament to our dental prowess, it does have a downside!

Essentially, we suggest treating dental veneers as you would your real teeth. Brush regularly, floss regularly, keep your mouth healthy and ensure you see your dentist regularly.

If you’re considering dental veneers, don’t make a move without visiting Aesthetic Family Dentistry first. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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What are Dental Veneers Used For?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:48:32 +0000

Dental veneers are one of the many dental procedures we undertake at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. They are also one of the most popular. Very few dental procedures are as simple and non-invasive, yet has such a profound effect on your smile. That’s why we promote them as a treatment wherever appropriate.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a recent solution to poor teeth. They are thin porcelain laminates that are bonded onto the surface of the exiting tooth to act as an attractive shell. They can work individually or as part of a set and can revolutionize the way you smile.

Veneers on teeth are nothing new, but this procedure is and is proving to be as effective as it is popular.

How Are Dental Veneers Fitted?

We covered this in a previous post, but briefly, we produce a putty image of the tooth and have the dental veneers made. We then clean the teeth, smooth a piece of the affected tooth and cement the veneer onto the tooth. That’s all there is to it.

The procedure is usually undertaken over two visits. The first to assess if you’re able to benefit from dental veneers and to take molds if you are and the second session to fit them. The process is painless and involved little work, except using a burr to skim a piece of tooth enamel to offer a key for the dental cement.

What are Dental Veneers Used For?

Dental veneers are appropriate for a range of treatments. The ease of the procedure and the flexibility of the veneers themselves make them ideal for many conditions. They include:

Stained teeth – If teeth are stained beyond treatment, dental veneers can be vastly improved by this procedure. If teeth whitening cannot help, veneers on teeth can.

Damaged teeth – Teeth that have been chipped, broken, worn or damaged can also benefit from a dental veneer. Once the damage has been mitigated, teeth veneers can bring back that bright smile once more.

Gapped teeth – Teeth with gaps are viewed as attractive by many but often disliked by those with them. Dental veneers can fill those gaps quickly and easily by slightly widening the footprint of the tooth.

Crooked teeth – Dental veneers can be used to treat crooked teeth if Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment isn’t suitable. Careful placement of the veneers on teeth can provide a straight, beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.

Pathological Bite – Dental veneers can be used to permanently stabilize a pathologica bite that has been corrected by way of neuromuscular techniques.

If you would like to know more about dental veneers, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today!

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How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?

Dr. Derek Fine — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 01:46:20 +0000

The question of how long a dental crown lasts is probably one of the more popular questions asked in our dental surgery. In an effort to offer a full and frank answer, we thought we would post about it here.

We perform quite a few of these procedures at Aesthetic Family Dentistry so it is a logical question to ask before or after the crown is fitted. Many insurance companies allow 5 years between crowns before being willing to pay for a replacement. All we can say is, if dental crowns are only lasting 5 years the dentist is doing something wrong!

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cosmetic dentistry restoration that places a porcelain, or Gold, or Gold and Porcelain cap over a broken too to protect is and restore your smile. They are affixed permanently to individual teeth and are molded to fit your profile exactly. They take longer and are more involved than dental bonding, but offer a much more permanent solution.

A dental crown can be fitted to a single tooth or all of them, depending on your situation. They are a long-term solution to broken or rotted teeth and offer a real peace of mind when fixed in place.

So How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

If the procedure is done correctly and good quality crowns are used, there is no reason why a dental crown from Aesthetic Family Dentistry couldn’t last a lifetime. If you ensure good oral hygiene, visit our dental surgery regularly and avoid smoking, you could have a lifetime of smiles with a single crown.

The average lifetime of a dental crown is 15 – 20 years for most people. Much depends on how healthy the mouth is and how much wear and tear the crown is put through. Things like grinding teeth, smoking, drinking to excess and some health problems can shorten the lifespan of a dental crown, but you should still get far more than just 5 years out of them.

In the end, once a dental crown has been fitted, it’s mainly up to you as to how long they last. We will place them correctly and provide good quality porcelain, but it’s up to you to maintain good oral health.

A crown cannot prevent tooth decay or gum disease, that’s up to you. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and visiting our dental surgery on a schedule is the very best way to maintain good oral health and shining dental crowns.

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What Are Dental Veneers?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 02:03:48 +0000

Dental veneers are a remarkably conservative modern innovation that is transforming smiles across the world. They are a great alternative to orthodontics, crowns and more serious dental procedures and offer flexibility to those who want to improve their smile.

As dentists, it’s our job to make sure your mouth is healthy. As holistic dentists, we’re also concerned with your complete health and mental wellbeing, which adds a lot of options to our treatment regimen.

We like dental veneers because they can change your smile completely with little invasive dental work. They improve your mouth, your smile and your confidence which all adds up to a healthier, happier you. We can’t argue with that!

When done properly and combined with neuromuscular technologies, dental veneers can be the final solution in eliminating migraines and other head and neck pain.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are also known as porcelain veneers and dental porcelain laminates. They are made of porcelain and are essentially bonded onto damaged, discolored or broken teeth to cover them up. They are a viable alternative to crowns and tooth straightening because they present a dazzling smile to all who see them.

We prefer porcelain because it’s safe, strong, resists staining, reflects light well and takes less of a toll on your teeth and gums. Porcelain veneers are thin but very strong, making them ideal for use in teeth. After all, you want them to feel comfortable as well as look the part right?

Porcelain also lasts much longer than composite veneers or direct veneers, so need changing much less often. A good set of porcelain veneers should last for many years if looked after properly and installed correctly. Something you can count on if you let us fit them.

A dental veneer is ideal for correcting stains on teeth, gapped teeth, short teeth, malformed teeth, crooked teeth or slightly broken teeth. All sorts of aesthetic conditions can be remedied by dental veneers, which is why they have become so popular so fast.

How Are Dental Veneers Fitted?

The procedure of fitting dental veneers is actually quite straightforward. Another reason why they are so popular. We begin by seeing you in our dental office and having an initial consultation. We will inspect the teeth and assess whether they are suitable for the veneers. We will then discuss the procedure and aftercare with you before you commit yourself to having them.

If you decide to proceed, we prepare the surface of your teeth to accept the dental veneers. We use a burr to remove a small area from the surface of the tooth to take the cement. We then use dental putty to take a mold of your teeth and have the porcelain veneers made to measure.

Once they are ready, you come back to the dental surgery and we offer up the veneers to ensure they are a good fit. We then clean the teeth and apply bonding resins to the area we prepared earlier. The veneers are then filled with the cement and bonded into place. That’s it!

If you’re interested in dental veneers or holistic dentistry, contact our dental office today. We’re here to help!

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dr. Derek Fine — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:00:47 +0000

Not all cosmetic surgery is for appearance alone. Some procedures are essential to heal after accidents, injury, trauma and many other medical and psychological reasons. Often, cosmetic surgery is as much about the mental as it is the physical, which is why we are happy to offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to our customers.

As holistic dentists, Aesthetic Family Dentistry treat the body and mind, not just the mouth. There is so much to cosmetic dentistry that we couldn’t do it justice in a single article, so we’re just going to provide a simple overview for now. We’ll get into details about each procedure over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our blog.

What Counts as Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry includes any procedure or treatment that improves or changes your appearance. While many cosmetic procedures are purely for aesthetics, many are to repair or rebuild people physically and emotionally after a trauma. It’s easy to dismiss these procedures as vanity, but there is so much more to it than that.

Cosmetic dentistry can include:

Cosmetic implant dentistry
Dental bonding
Veneers
Invisalign
Botox
Crowns
Teeth whitening
Juvederm

As specialists in cosmetic dentistry surgery, we are perfectly placed to revolutionize your smile. Our Cosmetic dentistry center in New Jersey is state-of-the-art and our holistic approach ensures every aspect of your wellbeing is catered for. It’s one of the many reasons we are so popular.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

The physical benefits of cosmetic dentistry includes the rebuilding of damaged areas, repairs to teeth, gums and jaw and the treatment of injury, damage or disease. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body and now we know oral health has a direct influence on heart health, having a healthy mouth is more important than ever!

There is also a significant psychological benefit to cosmetic dentistry too. A good smile has a direct correlation with one’s self confidence that is often overlooked when considering any dental work. A beautiful smile makes all the difference to a person’s self-esteem and confidence that makes any cosmetic dentistry worthwhile. It’s also why we’re so happy to offer it as a treatment.

As a family and cosmetic dentistry specialist, we work tirelessly to help our patients and continually work to develop and improve treatments, as well as improve the lives of all who come to us.

If you need cosmetic dentistry or would simply like to learn more about how it could benefit you, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation.

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What are Dental Veneers? Are They Safe?

Dr. Derek Fine — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:20:52 +0000

As I was walking through the mall last week and looking at some photography hanging in one of the photo studios, a woman next to me commented on how beautiful all of the smiles were. She asked if I thought the photography studio was “doctoring up the photos.” I thought: if you don’t like what you see, change it!

There’s no reason why you should have to be reminded constantly about your imperfections that detract from your smile. Dental veneers provide a conservative approach to achieve beautiful cosmetic smiles. Dentists are smile artists and they understand where and when a veneer an be utilized. Ideally, dentists combine laser or take-home tooth whitening with the esthetic foundation of “the golden proportion” to deliver to our patients the ideal cosmetic result desired and the whitest teeth that naturally enhance normal physiology. Here are some reasons why dental veneers can help improve your smile:

• Dental Veneers are made of thin, porous porcelain.

• Veneers cover only the visible portions of teeth.

• Veneers and repair minor tooth imperfections.

• Veneers can straighten and lengthen teeth.

• Veneers conceal stained or discolored fillings.

• Veneers are stain proof, natural in appearance and highly resilient.

• Veneers offer patients the opportunity to drastically improve health, function and cosmetics in a relatively quick and comfortable procedure.

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How to Get a Hollywood Smile

Dr. Derek Fine — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:23:54 +0000

People are always asking me what is the best way to improve the color, size or shape of their teeth. I am often asked, “How do I get that Hollywood smile?”. My answer, “Veneers!”. Veneers are a thin translucent coating made out of porcelain. They are applied to the front of teeth to achieve the smile you want. We can correct many problems with veneers. These include, discolored teeth from medication or age, worn or chipped teeth, crooked teeth and gaps or spaces between teeth.

The procedure is simple, usually only 2 or 3 visits, start to finish. First we examine your teeth and take molds and discuss with you what your expectations are. Often I ask, “If you had a magic wand, what would you like to change about your smile?”. We select color, shape and size to fit your smile. Next visit we prepare your teeth by lightly filing the enamel. A mold is taken and sent to our lab to fabricate you veneers. Before you leave our office we may apply temporary veneers. Between visits we review direction to care for your gums and temporary veneers. We recommend you avoid foods and liquids that are too cold which may cause sensitivity and hard foods that may loosen your temporaries. The final visit we bond your veneers to your teeth. Before bonding we will fit the veneers on your teeth and check the color and esthetics. The surfaces of your teeth are then cleansed and primed to receive the veneers. The veneers are bonded to your teeth using a special resin that is hardened or cured with a high-intensity light. Any excess bonding resin is removed and the veneers are finished and polished. Your bite is adjusted and restored to normal. The finished veneers should feel natural and comfortable.

Veneer can give you a very natural, better-looking smile. If you care for your veneers properly, they will last for many years. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and your new smile beautiful.

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