Porcelain Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, tailor-made shells which a dentist cements to the front of your tooth to hide cosmetic flaws, including:

Tooth Color: If your teeth are dingy or yellowed and not getting white enough with professional teeth whitening, consider veneers for your top front teeth as a long-term solution. They are stain resistant and should last for more than a decade. You can also cover a discolored tooth with a veneer if the stain is on the inside of the tooth and it won’t respond to professional teeth whitening treatments.

Tooth Size and Shape: Porcelain veneers can hide chipped, too small or worn down teeth to give your smile a healthy, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Your dentist will help you choose a tooth shape that compliments your facial features.

Alignment and Spacing: Straight, even teeth without gaps will enhance your self-confidence in social and professional situations. Veneers can close gaps and hide slightly misaligned teeth to give you the smile you want without braces.

During the porcelain veneers procedure, your dentist will shave off a small amount of your tooth’s enamel so the veneer does not stand out from your other teeth. Not all veneers require this step, but if your dentist removes any enamel, you’ll have a temporary veneer to wear until the lab fabricates your custom-made one. Before permanently cementing your veneer to your tooth, your dentist will ensure it fits properly.

What’s the Normal Porcelain Veneers Cost?

We calculate your porcelain veneers cost by the number of veneers you will need and the type of veneers selected. Moreover, the difficulty of placing the veneers may also affect your cost. If you call to schedule a consultation, one of our dentists will let you know how much your veneers will cost after determining the look you want to achieve. Unfortunately, dental insurance plans usually do not cover veneers as they are a cosmetic enhancement. Ask about our payment options; we do our best to make nice smiles affordable.

What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Porcelain Crowns?

Veneers porcelain and crowns fix different issues; your dentist will suggest the most appropriate restoration. Veneers are cosmetic restorations that can cover up a wide range of issues and give you the smile you want. Crowns make weakened teeth usable once again by adding structural stability. Dentists suggest crowns for teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure or teeth that will hold a dental bridge.

How Long Do Veneers Usually Last?

Veneers can have a lifespan of decades if you take care of them. Don’t untie knots or open packages with porcelain teeth and don’t bite on pens or other non-food objects. Refrain from chewing sticky candy as it can loosen your veneers. When eating hard foods, such as croutons, chew with your molars, not your front teeth. Invest in a custom mouth guard, which your dentist can supply, if you grind your teeth while sleeping or if you engage in contact sports.

Are Lumineers^® the Same as Veneers?

Lumineers^® are a brand of veneers which are exceptionally thin. In many cases, your dentist won’t have to remove any tooth enamel before placing Lumineers because they are only about 0.3 millimeters thick compared to traditional veneer’s 0.5 millimeter thickness. Because of their thinness, Lumineers may not be ideal for severely discolored teeth. If you are interested in Lumineers, please call our office and request a consultation.

Are Veneers Easy to Maintain?

Veneers are very easy to maintain. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush using a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss your teeth and use an antiseptic mouthwash once a day. Good dental hygiene is very important as are regular dental exams. You’ll want to avoid getting gum disease, which may cause your gums to recede, exposing the top of your veneers.

Where Can I Find Porcelain Veneers in Waldorf?

If you are interested in enhancing your smile with veneers, phone our office at (301) 861-0665 to book a consultation with one of our dentists. We enjoy meeting new patients and helping them find a way to have a smile they are proud to show off.