Veneers – Rockville, MD

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

Putting the veneers in place involves removing a minimal amount of enamel, so you don’t have to worry about any long-term damage to your natural smile. While your teeth may be a little sensitive for a few days, this should go away once they get used to being covered by veneers.

While the veneers should be able to protect your smile to some extent, your natural teeth can still develop cavities if you don’t care for them effectively. You should do all the same things you would normally do in terms of dental hygiene—brush twice a day, floss daily, and stay away from damaging sugars.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

The porcelain that veneers are made out of is much less porous than your natural enamel, and as a result, it’s considerably more stain-resistant. They aren’t “stain-proof,” but you will have to worry much less about coffee discoloring your veneers than you would your teeth.

However, if you only cover some of your teeth, you may wind up with the veneered teeth looking whiter than the rest of your smile, making it obvious that you’ve had dental work done. You can enjoy your coffee, but it’s still a good idea to brush afterward.

How are Veneers Different Than Crowns?

These two treatments are confused often, and it’s easy to see why. Both involve layering porcelain onto the teeth to improve their integrity and appearance.

The primary difference is that veneers are layered on the front of the tooth, while dental crowns are designed to cover the entire thing like a cap. This makes veneers well-suited to addressing purely cosmetic issues, while crowns are used to repair damage.

A benefit of veneers is that they require removing much less enamel than crowns do. They also don’t show a gum margin after being worn for a while, which dental crowns might.

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

Veneers aren’t all that invasive of a procedure. So long as your teeth are healthy, you should be able to get veneers regardless of age or medical history.

That said, there are certain oral health problems that can pose problems if we apply veneers to your teeth without treating them first. Gum disease, for example, can affect the impressions we take of your teeth if your gums are swollen or bleeding. You should also talk to us about if you grind your teeth, as this could cause your veneers to fail prematurely.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

Yes, veneers can fix crooked teeth. However, the smile makeover process isn’t the same as it is with braces. While orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, gently guide your teeth into proper alignment, veneers conceal imperfections. If we determine that this is the best cosmetic dental treatment for you, then we will adhere the veneers to the front-facing surface of your teeth, giving you a straight, bright, and even more beautiful smile (all in just two or three visits, too!).

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers are a long-lasting solution, but they aren’t permanent. There’s a simple reason for this: although only a sliver of your enamel is removed during the preparation process, it’s irreversible. As a result, your teeth will need to be covered with veneers or crowns moving forward.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

If we decide together that veneers are the best smile-enhancing treatment for you, you can have peace of mind knowing that our Rockville dental team will go above and beyond to ensure you don’t experience any pain. In fact, we will numb your mouth when needed and provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure that’s the case. So, if you are interested in getting veneers, but you’re concerned that it will hurt, you have nothing to worry about!

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

Like your natural teeth, your veneers can break with enough pressure. For that reason, we strongly recommend avoiding crunchy foods, like peanut brittle, raw almonds, and hard pretzels. It’s equally as important to cut back on cavity-causing treats, like ice cream, since they can cause the underlying tooth (and surrounding teeth) to decay. Basically, even if you have 12+ veneers, it’s important to eat softer, more nutrient-dense foods, like tomatoes, cottage cheese, bananas, and oatmeal.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The lifespan of your veneers depends heavily on how well you care for them, which is why we encourage our patients to brush consistently, eat mostly healthy, well-balanced meals, and steer clear of bad habits, like smoking. With all of that said, they have the potential to last for 15+ years. So, even though they often require a higher upfront investment, there is a good chance that they’ll be the best choice for your wallet in the long run.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

While some patients only need one or two veneers to achieve the results they desire, others need 10 or 12. Ultimately, the number you need will depend on your unique smile goals. So, if you’re not quite sure how many you’ll need, don’t worry – we’ll help you decide at your consultation.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Veneers?

While some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost of veneers, it’s relatively rare. Fortunately, there’s another financial solution available: CareCredit. This trusted third-party financier offers payment plans that have low-to-no interest attached. That way, patients can get the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry they need or want at a price that works for their budget.