If you are looking for a complete smile makeover, then porcelain veneers may be the cosmetic dental treatment you need. They are thin, custom-made ceramic shells that your dentist will attach to the front surface of your teeth. Dental veneers are a perfect option for patients that want to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile. Dr. Paul Bowersox is an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist that provides porcelain veneers in Westminster, MD. He will give you full control when crafting your ideal smile.
Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
For the most part, almost every patient can get teeth veneers. As long as you are in good oral health, have healthy gums, and a healthy bone structure in the jaw, then you should be able to get porcelain veneers. This cosmetic dental treatment can change the shape, color, and size of your teeth to help you achieve almost any look you want. As a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry solution, porcelain veneers an resolve many kinds of dental issues including:
- Discolored Teeth: If you have tough stains that do not respond to whitening, Dr. Bowersox can use teeth veneers to cover your teeth and hide the discoloration.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Dental veneers can cover chipped or broken teeth to improve their appearance.
- Misaligned or Crooked Teeth: Patients who do not want to undergo orthodontic treatment can use teeth veneers to create the appearance of straighter teeth.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Porcelain veneers can close the gap between teeth if they are spaced too far apart to give the appearance of a straighter smile.
- Worn Down Teeth: Patients who grind their teeth can use porcelain veneers to restore the appearance of teeth.
Ultimately, it is up to Dr. Bowersox to determine if you qualify for porcelain veneers. During your smile makeover consult, he will determine if veneers can help you with your particular dental issues.
Getting Porcelain Veneer in Westminster, MD
Made from high-quality ceramic material, porcelain veneers are a permanent dental restoration. They will last for many years with good oral hygiene and dental care. The porcelain veneers process typically requires two to three appointments. During your first appointment we will discuss options with you for your porcelain veneers. This is similar to a consultation.
During the second appointment we will create an impression or mold of your teeth so that the veneers will fit perfectly. We will send the impression to a laboratory to make your new dental veneer. The process to take your impression, send it to a laboratory, and send it back to our office takes about 2-4 weeks.
Once we have received your veneer we will notify you to schedule your last appointment. During this time we will clean and polish your tooth before cementing the porcelain veneer to it. We use special dental cement to adhere the veneer to your teeth.
Next, we will set it using a UV light which activates chemicals that allow it to harden quickly. We may recommend that you schedule a follow up appointment a few weeks after we place your veneer to make sure it does not need any adjustments.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a big investment into the health and appearance of your smile. If you are considering them, we encourage you to share any questions or concerns you have with us. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding our porcelain veneers. If you still have questions, please reach out to us.
How are porcelain veneers secured to teeth surfaces?
To prepare your teeth for veneers, Dr. Bowersox will take dental impressions to ensure that it fits seamlessly into your smile. Then, Dr. Bowersox will remove a small amount of the tooth surface so that the veneer fits securely without interfering with your bite pattern. Next he will etch the remaining tooth surface so that the dental cement sticks firmly. Finally, he will hold the porcelain veneer in place and cure the cement with a UV light.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?
Porcelain veneers will only cover the front side of your teeth. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, but require that your dentist completely shave down your existing tooth to its foundational core. This essentially allows the crown to replace the tooth. Porcelain veneers are much less invasive than dental crowns and are better for more cosmetic purposes.
Will porcelain veneers blend in with my natural teeth?
Yes, the porcelain material that make the veneer helps it appear like a natural tooth. They shine and reflect light just as your natural teeth would. No one should be able to tell that you have porcelain veneers unless you tell them. However, veneers are stain-resistant. This means that you’ll need to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine so that the surrounding teeth do not dull and make the veneer stand out.
How long do porcelain veneers generally last?
Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. With good oral care, diet, and proper treatment, dental veneers can last a long time. It is important to remember that while veneers are permanent and durable, they can still break.
What foods should you avoid with veneers?
Patients with veneers may choose to avoid eating hard or sticky foods. We advise against regularly eating or drinking deeply colored foods including wine and coffee.
Can teeth rot under veneers?
Teeth can begin to decay underneath veneers if cavities form. The decay can result in tooth loss. This is not common but it is not unheard of. This is why it is very important to practice good oral hygiene when you get teeth veneers. Once the decay begins, you may not see or feel the signs of it immediately. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your dentist will help prevent tooth decay under your veneers.
Will my porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. This means that their color should not change for years after getting them. We also color-match them to each individual’s smile. With proper care, they should remain white and bright for many years.
What is recovery like after getting dental veneers?
Recovering from your first and second porcelain veneer appointment should be fairly easy. While you will not feel much pain, but you will feel some sensitivity to foods and drinks that are hot and cold. You may be a little sore, but it should be very mild and will not interfere with your day.
Porcelain veneers can help you achieve the smile of your dreams and change your life. Contact us today to schedule a consult Dr. Bowersox to learn more about them. Request an appointment by filling out the online form.