If you are unhappy with the look of your smile, porcelain veneers may be the option you’re looking for. Porcelain veneers are the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the United States. Dr. Ed Lazer in Owings Mills uses dental veneers to improve our patients’ smiles and boost confidence.
For many patients, porcelain veneers can also improve long-term dental health when addressing damaged or misshapen teeth. Dr. Ed Lazer, a highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist, has an eye for aesthetics when placing custom porcelain veneers.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are permanent dental restorations that cover the front and sides of a tooth. They are ultra-thin, shell-like coverings for your teeth that look and feel like natural teeth. The medical-grade porcelain delivers results that meet your cosmetic needs and offers a durable treatment that resists stains.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made for you in a dental lab. Dr. Lazer uses them to:
- Fix gaps between your teeth
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Improve the appearance of crooked or misshapen teeth
- Change the shape or length of teeth
- Cover stained teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening
- Repair worn-down teeth
- Restore unevenly shaped teeth
- Improve bite alignment
The Porcelain Veneer Process
A porcelain veneer procedure will require 2 to 3 visits for consultation, treatment planning, and final placement. Dr. Lazer will analyze your smile to find the shape and fit to best suit your unique smile at his Owings Mills, MD, dental office.
First Visit
At your initial consult, one of our dentists will carefully examine your mouth and oral health history. He will decide whether veneers are right for you or recommend a more appropriate treatment for your cosmetic concerns. If he finds other dental issues, he may recommend addressing them first before getting porcelain veneers. If he decides that you are a candidate, he will create a dental veneer treatment plan for your review and approval.
Next Visit
At your next visit, we will begin the treatment plan. Our dentist will start by preparing your affected tooth or teeth. He will remove a minimal amount of enamel from the tooth surface to create a rough surface for the veneers to adhere to. Then, he will take dental impressions, which are precise measurements of your teeth and mouth. Dr. Lazer will send the impressions to a dental lab so they can start fabricating your new porcelain veneers. The lab technician will send us the new veneers once they are ready.
Final Visit
At your last visit, we will clean your teeth using special liquids to help us achieve a durable bond. Dr. Lazer will secure the porcelain veneers to your teeth using a color-matched resin or dental cement. He will ensure you leave our office with a permanent restoration that will last for many years.
Regular dental visits for preventive care will provide Dr. Lazer with the opportunity to monitor the condition of your porcelain veneers. With good oral hygiene and proper routine dental care, your porcelain veneers can last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to our patients’ questions about veneers and our services.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, you can’t whiten porcelain veneers. Unlike natural teeth, veneers don’t respond to whitening treatments. They’re made from a non-porous material that doesn’t stain. If your veneers look discolored, it’s usually due to stains on the surrounding natural teeth or aging of the bonding material. To keep them looking bright, maintain good oral hygiene, and consider in-office dental cleanings.
Can I get porcelain veneers if I have missing teeth?
No, you can’t get porcelain veneers if you have missing teeth. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of existing teeth. As a result, you’ll need a healthy tooth structure to apply them. If you have missing teeth, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures are better for replacement. After replacing the missing teeth, you can consider veneers to enhance the appearance of the remaining teeth.
Do porcelain veneers ever fall off?
Porcelain veneers can occasionally fall off. However, it’s rare for a dentist to place them correctly. Factors such as biting hard objects, trauma, or improper bonding can cause veneers to loosen or detach. Regular dental exams help monitor the condition of your veneers. If a veneer does fall off, your dentist can usually reattach it or replace it if necessary. Avoiding habits like chewing ice helps keep your veneers securely in place.
How can I care for my porcelain veneers?
To care for your veneers, brush and floss them regularly, just like natural teeth. You should also use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the veneers. Avoid biting into hard foods or objects. This can damage them. Regular dental check-ups help ensure your veneers stay in good condition. Good dental hygiene practices will help maintain the appearance and longevity of your veneers.
What happens to teeth under veneers?
Teeth under veneers remain largely intact. The dentist removes a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer. This process is minimal, usually less than a millimeter. The tooth underneath stays alive and functional. It can still develop cavities if not properly cared for. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups are crucial. Veneers protect the front surface, but the rest of the tooth needs attention, too.
Do cavities develop under porcelain veneers?
Cavities can’t develop directly under porcelain veneers. However, they can still form on the exposed parts of the natural tooth, especially near the edges of the veneer. The veneer itself doesn’t decay, but the tooth underneath can if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.
Patient Testimonial
“I keep coming back as a patient because they have really excellent customer service and Dr. Lazer has an excellent bedside manner. If I could explain my experience with Dr. Lazer and his staff it would be awesome!” – Tina
Tina was dissatisfied with her previous cosmetic dental veneers placed by another general dentist. Frustrated that they kept popping off her teeth, Tina began looking for a new cosmetic dentist. Dr. Lazer helped Tina restore her smile with dental veneers. As you can see, Tina’s results were not only beautiful and natural-looking but also long-lasting and durable.
Smile Strategy Consultation: Your Veneers Questions, Answered
Are you an Owings Mills resident who’s wondered about veneers but felt unsure where to start? You’re not alone.
The Smile Strategy Consultation is a no-pressure conversation designed for those just exploring their options. You’ll meet with Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko together. They’ll look at your smile, listen to what’s been bothering you, and explain your options without pressure.
What makes this different? You’ll hear from two specialists at once. No referrals to outside offices or repeating your story to new faces.
This consultation is complimentary (regular value $129). Come with questions and leave with answers.
Call our Owings Mills office at (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online.