Have you been thinking about getting veneers to improve your smile? We know from experience that you have lots of questions. Don't worry, we'll try to answer as many as possible on this page for you. You're in great hands today.
Before getting started, we want to introduce ourselves. We are Dorsey Family Dental, a general dental practice located in Ellicott City Maryland and serving patients since 1991. We are here to help answer any questions, anytime.
What are Veneers?
First of all, you must realize that dental veneers is only one of the many potential solutions to a great smile. Always speak to your local dentist first before making a final decision. Remember that precise and open communication with your dentist is absolutely crucial! You can think of veneers as thin shells for your teeth. They get secured over your existing teeth to improve their overall appearance. They are made from either porcelain or a composite resin, which mimics the look of natural teeth. Simply put, veneers are designed to improve your smile and boost your confidence by correcting dental problems.
Who Needs Veneers?
Veneers have a wide range of uses, such as correcting:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Crooked or irregularly shaped teeth
- Yellow or stained teeth (even when bleaching has not worked)
- Spaces or gaps (depending on which part of the mouth)
Veneers mostly treat cosmetic issues. Whether it is just one tooth or your whole mouth, veneers are designed to refine the physical appearance of your smile. If you are not confident or unhappy with your teeth, veneers may be the right fit for you. Talk to a veneer dentist in the Ellicott City area today to explore your options.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are two types of veneers. We make them from either porcelain or composite resin.
Porcelain material is stronger than composite. However, they are also significantly more expensive. Composites can be undone, reapplied, and fixed, whereas porcelain is permanent and difficult to fix if damaged.
The process for both options is slightly different, as porcelain veneers require more office visits. Your veneer dentist will discuss which type is best for you.
How Veneers Are Applied
The Porcelain Veneer Process
There are a few steps to getting porcelain veneers. You will have to make multiple visits to your veneer dentist, but it is a relatively simple process.
First, you will need to have a consultation with your dentist. During this meeting, they should examine your teeth and take x-rays and make an initial mold of your mouth.
The next step is all about the prep work. Your veneer dentist will start by carefully grinding down the surface of your teeth to make the porcelain veneer fit properly on top. This step can be painful because the enamel is usually removed, so your dentist may recommend local anesthesia. At this same visit, your dentist will take a mold of your reshaped teeth, which will be sent to the veneer manufacturer.
Once the manufacturer sends your dentist the porcelain veneers, you will be all set for bonding. Your dentist will begin the appointment by making sure each veneer fits correctly on the corresponding tooth. Your veneer dentist will then prepare your teeth by cleaning and etching them. Etching makes the surface of your tooth rougher and creates a stronger bond.
The final step is to cement the porcelain veneers to your teeth. Your dentist will place a veneer with dental cement on your tooth and precisely position it. We will use a specialized light to cure the cement. After a quick clean-up, you will be all set with your new smile!
The Composite Resin Veneer Process
The preparation for composite veneers is very similar to porcelain. Rather than having premade veneers put over your teeth, your dentist will put a layer of composite resin on your teeth and shape it while in your mouth. Then, using a special dental light, your veneer dentist will cure the resin to make it hard. After a few touch-ups, your new smile will be ready to go!
Benefits of Dental Veneers
This procedure can help you:
- Improve your confidence
- Reduce tooth sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures
- Polish the overall appearance of your smile
- Correct your gum line
When it comes time to find the best veneers near you, give our team a call. We're happy to learn more about you and answer any questions you have about the process.