Dental Veneers in Germantown, MD

Total Dental Care offers veneers in Germantown, MD. Call 240-813-9111 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Veneers are a natural-looking cosmetic treatment that can provide a dramatic smile makeover. Veneers can be applied to one or several teeth for any of the following aesthetic reasons:

  • Correct gaps between the teeth
  • Correct uneven lengths
  • Correct slightly misaligned teeth
  • Correct discoloration
  • Restore chipped teeth
  • Correct teeth that are slightly crooked
  • Change the size or shape

Veneers cover the front of the tooth surface and slightly wrap around the sides and biting edge of the tooth. In most cases, each tooth receiving a veneer will be carefully prepped prior to the veneer fabrication and placement. This preparation involves removing a thin (usually less than one millimeter) layer of enamel from the natural tooth in the areas that will be covered by the veneer. This allows the veneer to fit seamlessly with the contours of the natural tooth. The veneers are attached using a thin but strong bonding material. The material hardens when cured by a specialized light.

There are several types of veneers:

  • Porcelain Veneers

    Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most aesthetically-pleasing type of veneer. They are created in a lab to the exact specifications of the dentist and mimic the look of natural enamel, using multiple thin layers of porcelain. The size, color, shape, and fit are fully customized.

  • Composite Veneers

    Made using composite resin, these may be made in the dental office or in a dental lab and are less expensive than porcelain veneers. They can alter the appearance of tooth color, size, or shape and can be an effective solution for less extensive cosmetic improvements. They are fully customized as are the porcelain veneers, but the composite material is somewhat susceptible to staining and does not last as long as porcelain.

  • Instant Veneers

    Prefabricated resin veneers are not customized to the shape and fit of your tooth but they do come in many different sizes and shapes. The doctor will help patients select the color and shape that is best suited to their smile and overall coloring. Because there are fewer appointments and no lab fees, this solution is much more affordable than porcelain or composite veneers and can often be done in just one visit. Instant veneers do offer some stain resistance but do not provide the same quality, durability, or appearance as porcelain veneers.

If you are looking for a solution to stained, chipped, gapped, misaligned or unevenly sized teeth, easy-to-apply veneers are an excellent option. They’re all a terrific choice if you simply want to improve the overall look of your smile.

Dental veneers are made from thin, stain-resistant porcelain shells. Veneers are bonded on the front surface of teeth, improving the appearance of your teeth cosmetically as well as restoratively. They are quite simple to place on your teeth, too.

As an initial step, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth, and create a model for the veneer. Then your dental team will consult a tooth color guide, finding the most natural color match for your veneers. The veneers are then created in a dental lab. Once complete, your dentist will cement them onto your teeth. The process is quick and painless.

Prior to placement, a small amount of enamel is removed from your tooth in order to ensure that the veneers attach as securely as possible.

While you cannot remove veneers again, they are simple to replace when they wear out.

And they’re easy to care for, too – just treat them as you would your natural teeth, with twice daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleaning.

Veneers add confidence to any smile, and allow you to keep the strength of your natural tooth structure with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

DO VENEERS RUIN YOUR TEETH?

Veneers do not ruin your teeth, but they do require enamel to be removed prior to placement. This allows them to be attached more securely to the surface of your tooth. It also means that once you have veneers, if they fall off or wear out, you will need to replace them with new veneers.

HOW LONG DO VENEERS LAST?

Porcelain veneers usually last between 10 and 15 years with proper care and maintenance. To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, brush for two minutes twice a day, floss once a day, and be sure to visit your dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and exams.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID TO PRESERVE MY VENEERS?

Maintaining good oral health includes avoiding some things to preserve your veneers’ longevity, such as high-sugar foods like sodas or hard candy, chewing on ice or your fingernails, or using your teeth to open envelopes or a package.

ARE VENEERS STAIN RESISTANT?

Porcelain veneers are fairly stain resistant.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GRIND YOUR TEETH BUT ARE WEARING VENEERS?

It’s important to avoid teeth grinding to preserve the life of your veneers. If teeth grinding is a habit for you, we can fit you with a comfortable mouthguard that will help you to avoid grinding and prevent the creation of  cracks or chips.

WHAT ARE VENEERS MOST COMMONLY USED TO CORRECT?

Veneers can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. They can hide chips, discoloration, gaps in your teeth, or any misaligned teeth, without the time or expense of implants or dentures. Veneers are a quick, safe, and attractive way to improve your smile.

Call us today at 240-813-9111 or contact us to schedule an appointment.