Porcelain Veneers Overview
Columbia Family Dentist provides customized porcelain veneers for patients looking to cover up chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. Our porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, as they greatly improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Porcelain veneers look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, but better. They are a discreet way to cover up any blemishes on your smile. Patients choose how many veneers they would like to have made, giving them full control of their budget and aesthetic goals.
As a top Columbia dentist, our patients love our customized porcelain veneers because they are a minimally invasive alternative to tooth replacement. They still give you a beautiful smile that you’re proud of. Unlike dental implants, you can keep your existing tooth underneath the veneer. Additionally, they require no extra maintenance than your regular teeth and will last you for several years as long as you practice good dental hygiene.
Getting Porcelain Veneers In Columbia, MD
Porcelain veneers are prosthetic porcelain covers that we secure with dental glue onto the fronts of your teeth. They can cover various cosmetic issues, including discoloration, chips, gaps, cracks, or misshapen teeth. The color and texture of the porcelain material make it appear as if it is your tooth, but better. The porcelain material also provides a durable, long-lasting cosmetic solution to your needs.
If your tooth was chipped or damaged initially, our doctors would want to treat any underlying issues before creating your customized porcelain veneers. Whether your teeth were worn down due to teeth grinding or you suffered from an infection that caused tooth discoloration, our Columbia family dentistry offers general, cosmetic, and restorative services all under one roof so we can ensure your dental health is taken care of while also helping you achieve your ideal smile.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
One of the biggest benefits of porcelain veneers is their versatility. They can treat almost any cosmetic problem with your teeth. We usually use professional teeth whitening to treat discolored teeth, which everyone will experience at some point. However, some discoloration doesn’t respond to traditional methods. Since a porcelain veneer covers the front and sides of teeth, it can completely cover the discoloration. We color-match veneers to the shade of white you desire.
Veneers complete a chipped or broken tooth or change the look of a misshapen or disfigured tooth. Our teeth wear down over the years as we use them daily. They’re more likely to have imperfections or small chips out of them. Using porcelain veneers can take years off the age of your smile. Veneers are an easy way to boost confidence, making you more comfortable with your smile. They can be a one-step smile makeover.
The dental lab crafts each veneer to your specifications. If you have small gaps between your teeth, veneers can be shaped to close those gaps while still looking natural in your smile. Veneers bring balance to your bite and give you a nice, even smile.
Dental veneers are durable, permanent restorations. If properly cared for, they last 10-15 years or more. Their material is very stain-resistant and holds up to stains better than other restorations. The procedure is painless and you only require a few visits to our office to complete them. They don’t require any special maintenance besides traditional brushing and flossing. Since they go over your tooth, they can strengthen it and provide extra protection against acid erosion and tooth decay.
Making Your Veneers Last
Your restoration lasts longer if you care for it properly. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and visit the dentist office bi-annually. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the veneers gently. If you use harsher materials, you may scratch the restoration. Make sure you brush and floss with care and without too much pressure.
You know how your veneers usually fit. If you notice any changes, let our office know immediately. We’ll also examine them closely during your dental exams. We check for discoloration, signs of wear, damage, and looseness. You may not be able to notice some things on your own. We may recommend removing and replacing the veneer if the issues are severe enough.
We don’t recommend veneers if you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding puts a lot of pressure on the veneers, making them more likely to pop off. Though they’re a very strong restoration, the right amount of pressure can still damage them. If you still get veneers, wear a nightguard when you’re sleeping to protect them from damage. If you’re playing contact sports, wear a sports mouthguard to protect them on the field.
Certain habits can cause your veneers to chip or damage. These include biting your nails, eating ice, and chewing on pens. Avoid biting down directly on the veneers when eating hard or crunchy foods. Veneers are durable, but they aren’t invincible.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a suitable option to treat most cosmetic dental concerns. Learn more about porcelain veneer treatment by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can porcelain veneers fall out?
Porcelain veneers are not a permanent solution to tooth replacement, though they last a very long time as long as you practice good dental hygiene. If you suffer from severe facial trauma or if your diet consists of especially chewy foods, your veneer can fall out. If this happens, recover the veneer and bring it to your next appointment.
Our doctors evaluate the veneer for damages and determine if we can repair or reattach them. If not, our office will order you a new veneer. This restores your smile to being as good as new.
Do porcelain veneers ruin your teeth?
Porcelain veneers do not ruin your teeth. They may cause some issues, but they are rare and caught early. You may think your tooth is more sensitive to hot and cold foods, but this feeling is temporary and only lasts a week after getting a veneer placed.
Do you take veneers off at night?
Patients do not take their porcelain veneers off at night. They are not removable. If you remove your veneers or they fall off due to damage or an accident, only your dentist can replace them.
Is it painful to get porcelain veneers?
The procedure to get porcelain veneers is not painful. It is a minimally invasive procedure that should cause little to no discomfort for patients during treatment. You may experience temporary tooth sensitivity for a couple of days.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Proper care of Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years or longer. You must take good care of your dental veneers to ensure you get the longest-lasting results. If you don’t care for them properly, they won’t last for their full lifespan and may fall off within a few years.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Many patients are ideal candidates for porcelain veneers in Columbia. However, you must be sure you’re ready for a permanent restoration. Because some tooth structure must be removed, you’ll always need some sort of restoration on those teeth. We can offer options like dental bonding if you don’t want a permanent restoration.
Schedule An Appointment with our Cosmetic Dentist Office
We understand how a happy and healthy smile can impact your personal and professional life. We will provide this service if you are in or around Columbia, Maryland, and looking for customized porcelain veneers.
As your experienced dentist in Columbia, Maryland, we are happy to answer any questions you have regarding this service. Schedule an appointment online today or call our office at 410-670-8211. We look forward to discussing the benefits of cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers with you soon.