Porcelain Veneers

Are Porcelain Veneers Used to Repair Teeth?

Also called porcelain teeth, porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front of teeth. The dentist will create veneers to blend in with your other teeth so they look perfectly natural. Porcelain has a naturally translucent finish which is very similar to tooth enamel. Veneers can hide a variety of cosmetic imperfections, including:

Tooth Color: Stained and discolored teeth are common issues, but with veneers, you can enjoy a long-lasting healthy white smile, even if you enjoy red wine and coffee. Veneers also mask teeth darkened by trauma or with tetracycline staining, which teeth whitening cannot touch. With veneers, you can enjoy a smile which makes you look younger, as yellowed teeth will age you.

Tooth Size and Shape: Many people don’t realize their tooth size and shape greatly affects their smile. You may feel something is off, but not know what it is or if a dentist can correct it. Our dentists are skilled at determining the best tooth shape for your incisors and canines by considering your features and the image you want to project. Veneers can also cover a tooth with a chip so you always have a full, beautiful smile.

Alignment and Spacing: Veneers can correct gaps or uneven spacing between your teeth. They can also hide slightly misaligned teeth to give you a straight smile without braces. You won’t believe how easy it is to change your smile with veneers.

The porcelain veneers procedure is straightforward and minimally invasive. Your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel equal to the thickness of the veneer from the front of your tooth. Next, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth for the dental lab that is creating your veneer. You’ll go home with a temporary veneer. When you return in about two weeks, your dentist checks the veneer’s fit and then bonds it to your tooth. Certain brands of veneers are so thin that your dentist usually won’t have to remove any enamel. Our dentists can help you select a brand of veneers by considering your unique situation and your budget.

What Will My Porcelain Veneers Cost Be?

Your porcelain veneers cost depends on the number and brand of veneers you decide on, plus the degree of placement difficulty. If you call us and request a consultation with us, your dentist will let you know your expected cost after determining your unique needs. Dental insurance typically does not cover veneers since they are cosmetic. Call us to learn about the payment options we offer.

How Do Veneers Compare to Dental Caps?

Dental caps, or porcelain crowns, completely cover a filed down tooth to provide strength for chewing or to hold a traditional bridge. Veneers cover the front of a tooth only. While they may provide strength for a cracked tooth, they are primarily cosmetic. You cannot have veneers put on molars, but you can have crowns on them. Your dentist can explain each restoration and help you choose the one that is right for you.

Are Veneers Permanent?

At the very least, veneers porcelain should last 10 to 15 years if you don’t use your front teeth to bite into hard foods. Cut raw carrots and other hard items into bite-sized pieces and use your molars to chew. If you play sports where there’s a chance you could get hit in the mouth, ask your dentist to create a custom mouth guard for you to protect your investment.

What Makes Lumineers^® Unique?

Lumineers^® are thinner than other veneers, but they are just as strong. Since Lumineers are as thin as a contact lens (thinner than 1/64th of an inch), your dentist may not have to remove any enamel from your teeth, which means you won’t need temporary veneers until the dental lab manufactures your custom tailored ones. Call us to set up a consultation to learn more about Lumineers.

Are Veneers Easy to Care for?

Veneers are no harder to care for than your natural teeth. You brush and floss normally, except you must use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Your dentist can recommend specific brands of toothpaste which are veneer-friendly. It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene and keep your regularly scheduled exams as teeth with veneers can still get cavities.

Where Can I Schedule a Consultation to Learn More about Porcelain Veneers in Frederick

Are you interested in learning more about veneers? Call our office at (301) 862-6783 to arrange a consultation.