Dentists use porcelain veneers to eliminate smile imperfections, such as gaps, stains, chips, or misshapen teeth. They can also provide a beautiful new smile after tooth damage or wear due to a bite disorder. Dr. Vernon Sheen provides porcelain veneers as a cosmetic dentistry service in his Annapolis, MD, dental office.
Porcelain veneers are made from ultra-thin, high-quality porcelain and are permanently bonded to the tooth’s surface. This creates a natural look patients can be proud of for years. For more than 20 years, our dentist in Annapolis, MD, has used veneers to improve the beauty and health of patients’ smiles.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell covering a tooth’s front and sides. This shell is bonded into place and will cover up any cosmetic blemish. Porcelain is similar in appearance to a real tooth so the veneers will look natural.
They should feel natural in your mouth if shaped and installed correctly. You won’t even notice them when you are talking or eating. A dental veneer is a permanent, irreversible dental restoration that is highly stain-resistant. They eliminate the worry of your teeth turning yellow over time.
The high-quality ceramic used for porcelain veneers is durable and more stain-resistant than natural tooth enamel. We can color-match them to blend in with your existing teeth and overall appearance.
Dr. Sheen uses veneers to correct and address many dental issues, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- The appearance of misaligned or crooked teeth
- The shape or length of teeth
- Stained, discolored, or yellow teeth
- Aging teeth that have worn down
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer many benefits to patients. They can correct and treat many issues, such as tooth discoloration, misalignment, cracks, and chipped teeth, making them an extremely versatile cosmetic treatment. Not only do veneers restore aesthetics to patients’ smiles, but they also increase functionality and are extremely durable. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years or longer.
Process for Porcelain Veneers in Annapolis, MD
Proper planning is essential to understanding each patient’s aesthetic goals. This helps determine what type and style of porcelain veneer you will need. The first step of the porcelain veneer process is an initial consultation to ensure we understand your smile goals.
After a thorough smile examination, Dr. Sheen will discuss your expectations to ensure the procedure results in the comfortable, natural smile you expected. He will outline each step of the process and discuss exactly what you expect so that patients know the process before it begins.
During your first visit, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth that requires a veneer. After this process, Dr. Sheen will take an impression of your smile. A dental lab will use these to create the porcelain veneers.
He will then prepare your teeth for temporary fittings to wear while your permanent restorations are being created.
Your new porcelain veneers will be ready to replace the temporaries in approximately 2-3 weeks. Dr. Sheen will try the dental veneers on for fit and color and make any minor adjustments. Dr. Sheen will permanently bond these to your teeth and then polish them to a natural luster. We will give you specific instructions to ensure your new veneers are cared for and can support long-term dental health.
How to Care for Veneers
Taking care of your porcelain veneers is essential for them to last a long time. You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily to keep your teeth and veneers healthy. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which will help keep your veneers and your smile in great shape.
If you bite your nails or grind your teeth, stop these habits, as they can damage your veneers. By following these aftercare tips, you can enjoy your beautiful smile for many years.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Do you have questions about veneers, their benefits, and their placement process? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers in our Annapolis, MD, dental office.
Are porcelain veneers better than bonding?
Getting a porcelain veneer might be better than tooth bonding depending on your dental problem. Veneers are much more permanent than dental bonding. They offer sturdy protection and will not chip or crack as easily as temporary tooth bonding. They are also more aesthetically pleasing and durable than bonding.
Does getting a porcelain veneer hurt?
No. Getting a porcelain veneer does not hurt your teeth. Our dentist will ensure that you are completely comfortable before the procedure begins. We will numb your mouth with local anesthesia to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
Patients may feel minor sensitivity and discomfort after the anesthetic has worn off. However, this will go away once they adjust to their new smile.
How long does a porcelain veneer last?
Porcelain veneers can last long if you take good care of your teeth and mouth. To help your veneers stay in great shape, brush your teeth at least twice daily. This removes plaque and food particles that can cause problems.
Can veneers get cavities?
Veneers do not get cavities because they are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which are not prone to decay. However, the teeth underneath the veneers can still develop cavities if not cared for properly. The best way to prevent infection is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will help keep your natural teeth healthy and prevent cavities from forming around the edges of the veneers.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes, you can eat normally with porcelain veneers. They are designed to be strong and durable, so you can enjoy most of your favorite foods. However, it’s a good idea to be careful with very hard or sticky foods, like ice, hard candies, or chewing gum, as these could damage your veneers. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene, and you’ll keep your veneers in great shape.
Is the procedure for getting veneers painful?
No, the veneer process is not painful. Before our dentist starts, he will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some people might feel slightly sensitive after the numbing wears off, but it usually disappears quickly. Overall, getting veneers is a pretty comfortable experience.
Will veneers match my natural teeth?
Yes, veneers are designed to match your natural teeth. When you get veneers, your dentist will choose a color that closely matches your existing teeth, so they blend in perfectly. They also shape the veneers to fit well with your smile. This way, when you smile, it looks natural and beautiful, just like your own teeth.
Can anyone get porcelain veneers?
Most people can get porcelain veneers. However, because veneers are placed on the front of your teeth, you need healthy teeth and gums. If you have severe dental issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, you should treat those before getting veneers.
In addition, if you grind your teeth a lot or have a strong bite, you might need to talk to our dentist about the best options. We will help you decide if veneers are right for your smile.
Get Veneers Today
Veneers are a natural, permanent way to restore form and function to your smile. You can get porcelain veneers in our Annapolis, MD dental office. We also offer Lumineers, a no-prep dental veneer for a less permanent transformation. Call (443) 482-5202 or request a consultation online.