Do you have damaged or discolored teeth? Are you looking for a cosmetic dental treatment to enhance your smile?

Try porcelain veneers in our Baltimore, MD, and our Southern MD dental offices in La Plata, Clinton, and Hanover. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that can cover the front of teeth. Veneers are great cosmetic options for patients with stained teeth or dental injuries. Our dental team ensures that veneers blend in with the look of the natural smile and do not feel uncomfortable or bulky in the mouth. Working with patients as individuals, our team helps create seamless cosmetic results for patients’ smiles.

What Can I Treat with Veneers?

At Horizon Family Dental Care in Baltimore, we use thin porcelain shells to cover the front of teeth and create a brighter, more even smile. Veneers are custom-made to blend naturally with your teeth, making them a versatile option for patients who want lasting results. Tooth veneers can treat:

• Stained or Discolored Teeth
• Chipped or Worn Teeth
• Gaps Between Teeth
• Misshapen Teeth
• Slightly Crooked Teeth

Before you get veneers, our team will examine your mouth for problems like gum disease or cavities. We want to treat any dental problems before we place veneers. Issues like infections can affect the stability of your results.

Treatment with Porcelain Veneers

We begin treatment with veneers by preparing your teeth. We’ll remove a small portion of the tooth enamel to ensure that the veneers conform to the teeth. Preparing the teeth does not damage them or change the tooth structure in any major way. Etching the enamel only makes it easier for veneers to fit properly.

Then, we take impressions of the teeth that will receive the veneers. We send these impressions to a local dental lab that creates the veneers using these impressions. Once complete, we check the shade and position of the veneers. Finally, we clean the teeth and then use dental bonding material to bond the veneers to the tooth’s surface.

Aftercare

Taking good care of your veneers right after treatment is an important step in protecting your new smile. During the first few days, your teeth may feel slightly sensitive. Being gentle with what you eat and drink will make the adjustment easier. Follow these tips after getting veneers:

• Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and tomato-based sauces.
• Do not use tobacco products since they can discolor veneers and harm your oral health.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, eggs, pasta, or smoothies for the first few days to reduce pressure on your teeth.
• Brush and floss gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your gums and veneers clean.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night to protect your veneers from damage.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to maintain your veneers and overall oral health.

By following these guidelines, you can protect your veneers and keep your smile bright and healthy. Most patients find that once they adjust to their veneers, caring for them feels just like caring for natural teeth. With proper habits, your veneers can provide lasting results

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. We welcome you to read answers to common questions that many patients may have about dental veneers.

How long do dental veneers last?

Porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic treatment that can last for many years with proper care. The porcelain ceramic is durable and stain-resistant. Continuing to schedule routine appointments and brushing and flossing twice a day will increase the lifespan of your dental veneers.

Are porcelain veneers stain-resistant?

Yes, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to coffee, tea, wine, and smoking stains. The ceramic material doesn’t absorb pigments like natural tooth enamel does. However, it’s still best to limit exposure to staining agents and practice good oral hygiene to brighten your smile. Veneers won’t discolor, but the surrounding natural teeth can.

Can you whiten porcelain veneers?

No, we cannot whiten porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are made of porcelain ceramic material meant to brighten the smile, but they can eventually discolor after many years. If you have old and dull veneers, we can replace them with new ones.

Do dental veneers damage the tooth enamel?

No, porcelain veneers do not damage the natural teeth underneath them. We prepare the teeth for veneers by removing a small bit of the top layer of enamel. However, this does not damage the teeth. Dental veneers are known as a permanent option, but they are also replaceable if damaged. Removing the veneers will also not impact the teeth underneath.

Do I need to change my diet after getting veneers?

You can eat most of your favorite foods with veneers, but avoiding biting into very hard items like ice, candy, or nuts is wise to prevent damage. Sticky foods can also pull on the veneers if not careful. Chewing with your back teeth and cutting tough foods into smaller pieces is recommended. A balanced diet will help maintain your overall oral health.

Does getting veneers hurt?

Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the veneer process. Our dentist uses local anesthesia when removing a small amount of enamel, which keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure. The treatment does not require surgery, and we only remove as much enamel as needed to ensure a proper fit. Because of this, the procedure stays minimally invasive and easy to tolerate.

After we place the veneers, you may notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. This happens because your teeth are adjusting to the new restorations. For most patients, this sensitivity fades within a few days as the teeth settle. You can manage any temporary discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Request a Dental Consultation

Are you looking for a long-lasting cosmetic option for dental injuries and tooth stains? Ask us about cosmetic dental treatment with porcelain veneers. Schedule a dental appointment with our team online. Please let us know if you have any further questions about dental veneers or other cosmetic dental options. We’ll be happy to assist you.