Do you ever wonder how people have such perfect teeth? How did they get their teeth perfectly aligned and the perfect shade? Many patients are taking advantage of porcelain veneers. They are a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve the appearance of your teeth.
Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko are expert dentists in Hunt Valley, MD, who can transform your smile with porcelain veneers. Our dental team also offers comprehensive dental services to new and existing patients in Hunt Valley and Timonium, Baltimore County, Maryland.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin, custom made shells that are made of dental-grade porcelain. They are bonded to the front part of the teeth to completely alter the appearance of your smile. Dentist use them to address various dental imperfections including:
- Fix gaps between teeth
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Improve the appearance of crooked or misshaped teeth
- Change the shape or length of teeth
- Cover stained or discolored teeth
These cosmetic dental restorations are 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters thin. They are custom made to blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth and to match the aesthetics of your face and smile. Your dentist will create a new smile using porcelain veneers that is symmetrical, brighter, and radiant.
Good Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
Your dentist will first conduct a thorough exam of your teeth to see if porcelain veneers will work for you. A good candidate for dental veneers is a person who is good dental health. This is the most important qualification.
You will not have good results if this kind of cosmetic restoration is placed on unhealthy teeth or in an unhealthy oral environment. You should be free from gum disease or severe tooth decay. It is also important to have sufficient tooth enamel to support the veneers.
Getting Porcelain Veneer in Hunt Valley, MD
The porcelain veneer process begins with your dentist assessing your oral health and discussing your cosmetic goals. This is to make sure dental veneers are the appropriate solution to meet your needs. If eligible, your dentist will create a treatment plan. This includes taking impressions of your teeth.
Your dentist will need to prepare your teeth for the dental veneers. This will involve removing a minimal amount of enamel from the surface of the teeth; typically less than a millimeter. The porcelain veneers will fit perfectly on top of the teeth.
While you are waiting for the dental lab to fabricate your permanent veneers, we will place temporary veneers on your teeth. This will protect them and maintain aesthetics.
Once the permanent veneers are ready, we will remove the temporary ones and bond the final veneers to the teeth using dental cement. Your dentist will ensure a precise fit, check the color for proper match, and will make any necessary adjustments before permanently bonding the veneers.
How to Take Care of Your Porcelain Veneers
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth.
- Prevent Stains: To prevent stains, minimize the consumption of liquids that can easily stain the veneers. This includes red wine, coffee, and tea. Also, limit tobacco products to prevent yellow stains.
- Visit your Dentist: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the condition of the veneers and ensure overall oral health.
- Avoid Damage: While porcelain veneers are very strong, they are not indestructible. They are capable of chipping. You will need to avoid biting on hard objects such as ice, your fingernails, pen caps, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do porcelain veneers ever fall off?
Yes, porcelain veneers can sometimes fall off, but it’s rare when we apply them correctly. Issues like trauma, grinding teeth, or poor bonding can cause them to loosen. If they do fall off, we can usually reattach them. Proper care and regular dental check-ups help prevent this from happening.
How painful is getting porcelain veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers isn’t typically painful. We’ll numb the area before reshaping the teeth, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, you might experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, but it usually fades quickly.
Can porcelain veneers be repaired if they crack or break?
Yes, porcelain veneers can sometimes be repaired if they crack or break, depending on the damage. We can often repair minor cracks or chips with bonding. However, more extensive damage might require a complete veneer replacement. It’s important to contact our office right away if your veneer gets damaged.
Can I go back to normal teeth after veneers?
No, you can’t fully return to your normal teeth after getting veneers. The procedure involves removing a small enamel layer to fit the veneers so your natural teeth will be permanently altered. Once we place your veneers, you must maintain or replace them as needed.
What’s the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are made from a resin material and are applied directly to your teeth in a single visit. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are more durable and custom-made in a lab. Porcelain veneers also last longer and resist stains better than composite veneers, but they are also more expensive. Dr. Lazer can help you decide which option suits your needs.
Can I get veneers with rotten teeth?
No, we don’t recommend veneers for rotten or severely decayed teeth. Veneers need a healthy tooth structure to attach to. If your teeth are damaged or decayed, you may need to address those issues first with fillings, root canals, or crowns before considering veneers. It’s best to consult with Dr. Lazer for proper treatment options.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Hunt Valley, MD
Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko can transform your smile using porcelain veneers in Hunt Valley, MD. They are a versatile and effective solution for enhancing smiles. If you would to see if you are a candidate for dental veneers, call (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online.