If you want to close tooth gaps, brighten deep tooth stains, or cover slightly crooked teeth, contact Horizon Family Dental Care. Our office offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services to improve the appearance of our patient’s smiles, including veneers. Porcelain veneers in Baltimore, MD, have become increasingly popular. Veneers are now a go-to treatment option for many cosmetic concerns. They can treat almost any cosmetic issue with your smile and can give you a complete smile makeover.
We recommend veneers to cover the teeth that show when you smile. Veneers are a great option if you want to treat slightly crooked teeth or deep tooth stains, but you do not need Invisalign, teeth whitening, or crowns. We can bond veneers to the teeth in the smile line to change the shape, size, and shade of your teeth.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain ceramic that cover the front and sides of your teeth. They are about as thick as a contact lens, typically between 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters. Depending on your unique needs, we can adjust them to make them thinner or thicker.
Each dental veneer is made from dental porcelain to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. We will even color-match them to blend in with your natural teeth, or you can choose the shade you want. Once on your teeth, their smooth, translucent surface will look like your natural tooth enamel.
A full set of veneers uses eight veneers. However, you may receive a single veneer if needed.
What Do Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Porcelain veneers are ideal because they can take care of a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. We can treat just about any aesthetic problem you have with your teeth because dental veneers cover the visual surface of the tooth that people will see.
- Tooth Stains: Discolored teeth are one of the most common problems patients come into our office with. Traditionally, professional teeth whitening treats this concern. However, not all discoloration responds to this treatment. Teeth that are discolored due to trauma or deeper staining like medication need a different solution. We will color-match your teeth veneers to the shade of white you desire.
- Damaged Teeth: As we get older, our teeth take on signs of aging, just like the rest of our bodies. They wear down because they’re constantly in use throughout our lives. It’s not unusual for cosmetic chips and cracks to develop, too. Veneers can take years off your smile by treating these signs of wear and tear.
- Tooth gaps: Crooked teeth and gaps between teeth are frustrating. For more serious cases, patients may need Invisalign or orthodontic intervention. But we can treat more mild causes with porcelain veneers. The lab custom-makes them so that they look like natural teeth while they’re closing these gaps and shielding crooked teeth from view.
Should I Get Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are the right choice for many patients, but we will ensure they’re right for you. We have a consultation with you before any cosmetic procedure. Our dentist will talk to you about your cosmetic goals, your medical history, and your budget. This helps us determine the best choice for your smile.
Porcelain veneers are a permanent restoration. Our dentist will need to remove a minimal amount of tooth enamel to create room for them. Because of the tooth preparation, you’ll always have to have a restoration on those teeth. This is one of the biggest things patients should be aware of when they’re looking into porcelain veneers.
Creating a Treatment Plan for Your Porcelain Veneers in Baltimore, MD
Receiving teeth veneers requires treatment planning between you and one of our cosmetic dentists. The process will involve about three visits to our Baltimore dentist office. During your initial visit, your dentist will discuss your goals, examine your teeth, and may take X-rays.
If you qualify for veneers, we will begin planning your treatment. You and our dentist will discuss the color, shape, and size of teeth you want. You will also decide which teeth need veneers.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
During your next appointment, your dentist will prepare your teeth. They will remove a small amount of tooth structure to make room for the veneer. The goal is to make it flush with the rest of your teeth to create an even smile. Etching the tooth also makes it easier for us to bond the dental veneer to your tooth.
Once we prepare the teeth, we’ll take impressions to send to a dental lab. They will use them to create custom porcelain veneers unique for each tooth. We provide specifications so that they match the size, shape, and shade of the rest of your smile.
Our dentist will place temporary restorations until the permanent ones are ready. Once we receive your permanent veneers, we will bond them to your teeth and make any final adjustments.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The length of time veneers last is based on the material and how you care for your veneers. Minimal or no-prep veneers will not last as long as porcelain veneers. Tooth preparation and high-quality materials ensure porcelain veneers last longer than other options.
After you receive your veneers, you should brush and floss them like your natural teeth. While veneers do not get cavities, harmful bacteria can affect the teeth behind the veneers as well as the surrounding natural teeth and gums. When you brush your veneers, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss between each tooth before you brush.
While veneers are stain-resistant, we recommend that you avoid coffee or tea after treatment. However, you can still drink these beverages through a straw so your teeth stay bright.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Do porcelain veneers stain easily?
Porcelain veneers usually don’t stain easily because the material is resistant to discoloration. However, coffee, tea, and tobacco can still cause stains over time. Daily brushing and flossing are vital to keep your teeth veneers looking nice. If they stain, your dentist can help clean or replace them. Remember to take care of your veneers to keep them looking their best.
Can I use porcelain veneers to fix crooked teeth?
Yes, you can use porcelain veneers to help straighten crooked teeth. Dental veneers can cover up crookedness and give you a more even smile. However, talk to your dentist first to see if this is the best cosmetic treatment for your specific needs.
Will my porcelain veneers feel natural?
Yes, your dental veneers will feel natural once we place them on your teeth. We will create them to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, so they should blend in well. The veneers are thin, so they shouldn’t feel bulky or heavy in your mouth. With some time, you may even forget they are there.
How many teeth should I get porcelain veneers on?
Most people get porcelain veneers on the front six to eight teeth in the upper row. These are the teeth that show when you smile or talk. If you have other teeth that are damaged or discolored, your dentist might also suggest veneers for those. Discuss your goals with your dentist to see which teeth you should place the dental veneers on.
Can dental veneers close the gap in my smile?
Yes, dental veneers can close the gap in your smile. These cosmetic restorations can cover up gaps and give you a nice-looking smile. Your dentist will design a veneer for each tooth to effectively close the gap between them. Your dentist will assess the gap and let you know if this is the best way to fix your smile.
Will people notice I have porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers can vastly change the appearance of your teeth. People may notice that your teeth look different, but they will not know exactly what dental treatments you have had.
Veneers are made to look very natural, so they blend in with your other teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell unless you tell them.
Can I get dental veneers if I have gum disease?
We do not suggest that people with gum disease get dental veneers. Gum disease can make it hard for your dentist to properly place veneers on your teeth. You need to treat the gum disease first before considering getting veneers. Your dentist will be able to help you figure out the best plan for taking care of your teeth and gums.
Can I get porcelain veneers if I grind my teeth?
Getting porcelain veneers may not be the best option if you grind your teeth. The pressure from grinding could make the veneers crack or break. Talk to your dentist about your teeth grinding habit and see if other solutions work better. If you do choose to get teeth veneers, we suggest wearing a custom mouthguard when sleeping to prevent damage to the restorations.
Do children qualify for dental veneers?
Yes, children with specific dental issues can get dental veneers. However, we do not recommend it. For a better outcome, we suggest that children wait until they have their adult teeth before getting porcelain veneers. If a child receives dental veneers, we will need to replace them once they reach adulthood to ensure they fit properly so they will last.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Baltimore, MD
We want to give you your dream smile. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert cosmetic dentists to learn more about porcelain veneers in Baltimore, MD. Contact our Baltimore dental office or schedule an appointment online.
If you have questions about veneer treatment, please let us know. We’re here to help you.