Porcelain Veneers in Owings Mills

What Are Dental Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the front of your tooth. Your dentist will cement the veneer in place, masking a cosmetic imperfection. Porcelain is translucent; it closely resembles tooth enamel, providing a natural appearance. Types of cosmetic issues veneers can hide include:

• Tooth Color: Veneers will hide intrinsically stained teeth and teeth that don’t get white enough with professional whitening treatments. Clean white teeth will make you look healthier and younger, plus, you won’t have to hide your smile anymore when someone wants to take your picture.
• Tooth Size and Shape: Your dentist can use veneers to lengthen too short teeth or to change the shape of your teeth. Veneers are also ideal for hiding an embarrassing chipped tooth.
• Alignment and Spacing: If your teeth are too small for your jawbone, gaps can form, making you want to hide your smile. Veneers, which some people call instant orthodontics because they also mask minor misalignment issues, can hide the gaps and give your smile a uniform appearance.

Your dentist will need to prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers procedure. He or she will remove a minuscule amount of enamel from the front of your teeth so the veneers won’t stand out further than your other teeth and look bulky. You’ll need temporary veneers until the dental lab fabricates your permanent veneers from a mold of your teeth your dentist sends them. Once your dentist permanently alters your teeth, you will always need restorations. During your consultation, ask our dentist in Owings Mills if thinner, no-preparation veneers may be right for you.

Because of the tooth preparation, dental veneers are an irreversible treatment. Once your dentist removes enamel from the front of your tooth, that tooth will always need a restoration. Our dentist in Owings Mills can help you decide if veneers are right for you.

How Much Do Porcelain Teeth Cost?

We primarily calculate your porcelain veneers cost by the number of veneers you need and how difficult they are to place on your teeth. Phone our office and request a consultation. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your situation and determine the look you want to achieve and then tell you your anticipated porcelain veneers cost. Since most dental insurance plans don’t cover veneers, we urge you to ask about payment options that can help you afford your dream smile.

How Would I Know Whether to Get a Porcelain Crown or a Veneer?

Porcelain crowns and veneers porcelain have different uses. If you want to hide a cosmetically-flawed tooth, your dentist will suggest a veneer to cover the front of the tooth. If you have a tooth that has been left weakened by a root canal, your dentist will suggest a crown, which completely covers the tooth and gives it strength. Of the two options, veneers are a more conservative treatment since your dentist won’t have to reduce your tooth as much as he or she would if you were getting a crown.

What Is the Lifespan of Veneers?

Your veneers can last for decades if you’re careful not to bite on hard foods, like hard candies and croutons, with your front teeth. You should also refrain from biting your nails, chewing on pencils or using your teeth as tools. If you play football, rugby or other contact sports, ask your dentist to make you a custom mouth guard. A night guard is also a good way to protect your teeth if you grind or clench them while sleeping.

What Makes Lumineers® Unique?

Lumineers® are a brand of porcelain veneers that offer no-preparation placement. Lumineers, made from Cerinate porcelain, are as thin as a contact lens so your dentist won’t need to remove any enamel from the front of your tooth. If using Lumineers to enhance your smile sounds like a great idea, call us and request a consultation. Patients with a severely discolored tooth may not be good candidates for Lumineers because of their thinness.

How Do I Care for My Veneers?

Switch to a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste if you don’t use them already. Otherwise, brush and floss normally and get regular dental checkups. Good dental hygiene will help protect your investment in veneers.

Where Can I Find a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers in Owings Mills?

Call our office at (443) 898-1240 to request a consultation with one of our dentists. He or she will be happy to discuss your suitability for veneers with you.