More than one-third of Americans don’t like smiling because of the condition of their teeth. Many things can impact how your smile looks, from discoloration to uneven gaps, one solution can be porcelain veneers. Learn more about what dental veneers are and what they can offer.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that fit over the surfaces of your teeth. They are cosmetic options that can help you by concealing imperfections, including:

• Stained teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth that are too small

There are different types of veneers, with porcelain being a popular choice. Porcelain veneers are made of a thin and durable layer of ceramic and require only a small amount of enamel removal to fit into place.

Difference Between Veneers and Crowns

Dental veneers are coverings that fit only on the outside front surface of your teeth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. To fit in place, dental crowns require the removal of a considerable amount of enamel from the tooth; dental veneers require only a small amount of enamel removal and roughening of the surface to make the bonding process easier. 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting option. Whether you have a chipped tooth or discoloration worries, you can depend on the veneers to last for years if you take care of them. They are also stain resistant, allowing you to maintain a more radiant smile. 

Dental veneers can either give your teeth a dramatic transformation or subtly fix imperfections. You can place veneers over one tooth, or all of your teeth, depending on the results you want. 

Getting veneers is faster than other types of procedures, including crowns. When you turn to veneers, you can expect only a few appointments and final results within a month. 

Veneers are also easy to take care of. Your normal oral hygiene routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing will work well in maintaining your veneers. 

Getting Veneers

The first step in getting porcelain veneers is to schedule a consultation with us. During the consultation, we will assess your oral health and the tooth, or teeth you would like to get treated. We will ask you about your oral hygiene and medical history to ensure you are a good candidate. 

If we think veneers can offer the kind of results you want, we will remove a bit of enamel from the tooth to prepare it for the veneer. Then, we will make impressions of your teeth to send to the lab.

Because it can take a few weeks to get the veneers back from the lab, we may place temporary veneers to protect your tooth. 

Once we receive the veneers, we will schedule another appointment to fit them into place. 

After checking that the size and color of the veneers are ideal , we will use special tools to roughen the surface of the teeth and apply the veneers with dental cement. Ultraviolet light helps the cement dry quickly so you can enjoy the results almost immediately. 

Alternatives to Dental Veneers

There are other procedures you can consider to improve your smile. Dental bonding, for example, uses resin material to cover chips and cracks, as well as help with discoloration. However, veneers can be a better option for most people because they last longer than bonding. 

Dental crowns can be another option, especially if you worry about dental decay. They can help preserve your teeth by covering more than just the tooth’s surface. 

Teeth whitening can also be something to consider if your main concern is staining. You can get a tooth whitening procedure instead of dental veneers or along with them. 

FAQs

We have answers to all your dental veneer questions.

Can you get cavities with veneers?

Veneers are cosmetic procedures that do not cover your entire tooth, so getting cavities is still a possibility. 

How long do veneers last?

Dental veneers can last 7 to 20 years, depending on how well you care for them. Veneers can sometimes come off or chip, requiring repair or replacement. 

How can I match my other teeth to my veneers?

You can get a tooth whitening procedure before getting the veneers so you can achieve an overall more radiant smile. 

Perfect Your Smile

If you want to fix cosmetic imperfections like stained or chipped teeth, dental veneers can be a solution. At Laurel Manor Dental, we offer porcelain veneers, as well as other dental procedures to help you attain your smile goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Friendship Heights.