Porcelain veneers are a popular dental treatment for patients looking for a perfect smile. Porcelain veneers can serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. Dr. Justin Maxwell crafts them to match the natural color of your teeth. This makes them an excellent choice for our patients that are looking for improvements without resorting to more invasive procedures.
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in our Ellicott City dental office because they provide a natural-looking solution. They can fix any flaw to create a uniform, white, and aesthetically pleasing look. Dr. Maxwell can place porcelain veneers to address a range of issues, including:
- Permanent tooth stains
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Worn front teeth
Porcelain veneers are like “tooth covers” we craft from high-quality ceramic material. We carefully bond these thin shells to the front of your teeth to transform your smile. But they’re more than just a cosmetic fix. Veneers provide real benefits that last.
Because they’re strong ceramic, veneers resist stains from foods that normally discolor teeth. They’re also strong, often lasting 10-15 years with proper care. Dr. Maxwell only needs to remove a tiny amount of your tooth enamel to place them.
Unlike temporary solutions, porcelain veneers stay in place permanently while giving you a naturally beautiful smile. Whether you’re dealing with stains, chips, gaps, or slightly crooked teeth, veneers can create the smile you’ve always wanted in just a few visits.
The porcelain material reflects light just like real enamel, so your veneers will blend seamlessly with your real teeth. No one will know they’re not 100% yours.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure in Ellicott City, MD
Getting porcelain veneers with Dr. Justin Maxwell is a careful, step-by-step process. By the end of it, you’ll have beautiful and natural-looking results. It all begins with an exam where Dr. Maxwell will examine your teeth and talk with you about what you want to improve about your smile. This helps build a treatment plan and determine if veneers are your best option.
If you decide to move forward, you’ll typically need just two visits to complete your smile transformation. During the first visit, Dr. Maxwell gently prepares your teeth by removing a tiny amount of enamel, about as thin as a contact lens. This makes room for your veneers so they’ll look natural. Then he takes detailed impressions of your teeth to send to a special dental lab where your custom veneers are handmade just for you.
When your veneers are ready, you’ll come back for your second visit. Dr. Maxwell will carefully place them on your teeth to check the fit and color, making any small adjustments needed. Once everything looks perfect, he securely bonds them in place using a special dental adhesive. Then he hardens it with a UV light.
To keep your new veneers looking great for years:
- Brush gently twice daily with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Don’t forget to floss. It’s just as important for veneers as natural teeth.
- See Dr. Maxwell regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Enjoy coffee, tea and wine in moderation to prevent your veneers from standing out from stains on your teeth.
With proper care, your veneers can stay beautiful for 10-15 years or longer. Our team will give you all the tips you need to maintain your investment and keep your smile looking its absolute best.
Porcelain vs. Tooth Bonding vs. Dental Crowns
Porcelain veneers are just one of many treatments available that can fix the same flaws. During your visit, we will evaluate your teeth and recommend the most suitable option for the best outcome. While most patients are candidates for porcelain veneers, there are cases where other restorations would be best.
- Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to teeth. While bonding is a quicker and less expensive option, it’s less durable and more prone to staining than porcelain veneers. Veneers look more natural and last much longer.
- Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns: Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, while veneers only cover the front surface. Crowns are better for severe dental issues, like broken or heavily decayed teeth. Veneers are a better option for cosmetic improvements when the underlying tooth is still healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will veneers look fake or unnatural?
Not at all. Dr. Maxwell customizes each veneer to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and texture. The porcelain reflects light just like real tooth enamel, so they blend seamlessly. Most people won’t even notice you have veneers. They’ll just think you have a naturally beautiful smile.
Does getting veneers hurt?
Most patients say they feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. We use local anesthesia to numb your teeth while preparing them, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Sometimes you don’t even need anesthesia. Some have mild sensitivity for a day or two after the treatment, but it goes away quickly. The process is much gentler than you imagine.
How much tooth is removed for veneers?
We only remove about 0.5mm of enamel. This minimal preparation preserves your natural tooth structure while making room for the veneer. It’s much less invasive than crowns, which need more tooth reduction. This also prevents damage to the nerves in your tooth.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can make slightly crooked teeth look straight. This gives the illusion of straighter teeth without braces. However, they’re not a substitute for orthodontic treatment if you have severe crowding or bite issues. Dr. Maxwell will advise if veneers can achieve your desired look or if clear aligners would be better first.
How do I care for my veneers?
Caring for them is just like taking care of your teeth. You don’t need expensive products to keep them looking good. Brush gently twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and floss every day. Don’t chew on hard objects because you can chip them just like real enamel.
Wear a night guard if you regularly grind your teeth. Don’t forget to visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Are you excited to take the next step and fix those imperfections? Call Major League Smiles today at (443) 335-8726 or schedule an appointment online.