If you want a complete smile makeover, porcelain veneers are an excellent option. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can make subtle to dramatic changes to your smile. Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson lead a team of talented professionals at Dental Excellence: Advanced Prosthodontics and Dentistry of Towson. Together, they can provide you with custom porcelain veneers in Towson, MD to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin shell of medical-grade ceramic. Your dentist will custom create it to fit over the front surface of the tooth that you want to alter. They are made from porcelain because this material mimics the natural translucency and strength of tooth enamel. Once your dentist bonds it to the front of the tooth, it will look completely natural.
What Can a Porcelain Veneer Address?
By replacing only the front facing portion of your tooth, a dental veneer can cosmetically hide major or minor inconsistencies within your smile. A dentist can hide chips, cracks, gaps, or bleach resistant stains using porcelain veneers.
Additionally, patients with severely misshapen teeth can completely alter the appearance of their smiles with porcelain veneers. Patients can get one veneer or a mouth full of veneers depending on their cosmetic goals and budget. A cosmetic consultation with one of our experienced doctors will help you get a better idea of what porcelain veneers will do for your smile.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Towson, MD
The porcelain veneer process will take several weeks and at least two appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson will prepare your teeth. This involves removing a small amount of the surface of each tooth. This is a necessary step to create room for the very thin veneer shell that they will place at the next appointment.
We will take dental impressions which a dental technician will use to fabricate your teeth veneers. In the mean time, the dentist will put temporary dental veneers on your teeth to protect them while you wait for the permanent ones to come in.
It typically takes about two to three for the veneers to come in. At your final appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers then adhere each permanent porcelain veneer to each tooth. They will make any minor adjustments they see fit for aesthetic purposes. You will leave our dentist office with perfectly aligned smile that natural looking.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are an exciting cosmetic dental treatment that will change your smile and your confidence. However, you may have a lot of questions about the process or how to care for them. We compiled answer to the most commonly asked questions we get asked about porcelain veneers. Please let us know if you have further questions or concerns.
What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers have the power to drastically or subtly change the look of your teeth and smile. They are made of a medical grade ceramic that will cover the entire front part of your tooth. Then will blend in with the surrounding teeth and feel totally natural. They are stain resistant and require very little extra care.
Do porcelain veneers require an invasive procedure?
No, porcelain veneers do not require an invasive procedure. Unlike dental crowns, which replace the entire exterior of your tooth, a porcelain veneer only replaces the front facing portion of your natural tooth. This means your dentist will only need to remove a small amount of enamel to make space for the veneer. Most patients can undergo the porcelain veneer procedure without experiencing any pain or discomfort.
Can I whiten a porcelain veneer?
No, porcelain veneers will not respond to whitening treatments. If you are considering whitening your smile, we encourage you to undergo this treatment before pursuing porcelain veneers. Then we will create a set of dental veneers that match the shade of your teeth to blend in naturally.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are a very long-lasting type of restoration as they can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years approximately. They do not break, chip, stain, or even fall, as long as the patient takes good care of them. Improper care can result in the veneer breaking or falling before the average replacement time.
Should I straighten my teeth before getting porcelain veneers?
It depends on the case. Although porcelain veneers can fix some mild cases of dental crowding, they can’t fix moderate or severe malocclusions. Even in those cases where it’s possible, the dentist will need to do more extensive dental prepping to make space for the porcelain to fit in.
Is a porcelain veneer procedure painful?
No. The procedure for getting porcelain veneers is minimally invasive. Dentists usually only prep the teeth’s enamel. This ensures that the patient doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the process. However, if there’s any kind of discomfort, the dentist can use anesthesia to make sure the process is as pleasant as possible.
How do I care for my teeth with porcelain veneers?
It is simple to care for teeth with dental veneers. It really just involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, and visit our dentist office twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth as tools or chewing on hard objects to prevent chipping the veneers. Minimize consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are experienced cosmetic dentists in Towson, MD. Together, they help our patients achieve their dream smiles by utilizing one or more cosmetic dentistry solutions. If you have questions about dental veneers, please feel free to contact our office. We can provide you with porcelain veneers in Towson, MD to help you address your dental concerns. You are potentially one dental appointment away from achieving your dream smile. We encourage you to schedule an appointment today.