Porcelain Veneers in Gaithersburg MD

Dr. Daftary and Dr. Zaner often see patients who have strong and healthy teeth, yet they are still dissatisfied with their smiles. The reasons people hide their teeth when they smile vary greatly from discoloration to misshapen or crooked teeth. The good news is that porcelain veneers provide a simple solution for many cosmetic issues by covering the imperfections and allowing your cosmetic dentist in Gaithersburg to create the smile you've always wanted. 

If you've considered getting porcelain veneers, you might have some questions, and we've provided quite a few answers here. However, because every patient's situation is unique, our dentists would love the opportunity to show you what's possible for your own smile at a meeting in person. We encourage you to contact your team at Lakeforest Dental Associates at (301) 330-8787 to arrange a convenient time to meet with Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner and learn more about porcelain veneers.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me?

porcelain veneers | Gaithersburg MDDo you feel self-conscious about certain aspects of your smile, which causes you to hide your teeth in front of other people? Or have you always dreamed of having a "Hollywood" smile? If so, dental veneers may be an excellent solution for you!

Porcelain veneers are best described as a super thin layer of porcelain that is customized to fit over your tooth and cover many different cosmetic imperfections. Some of the aesthetic concerns that dental veneers can correct are:

  • Spaces or gaps between teeth
  • Staining or discoloration
  • Chips or fractures
  • Excessive wear
  • Irregularly shaped teeth
  • Size discrepancies
  • Slight misalignment issues

Do Dental Veneers Look Natural?

Veneers are made with tooth-colored porcelain that is designed to match your teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile. The glass properties in the porcelain give veneers a translucent quality that reflects light the same way that your tooth does, giving them a very natural appearance. Porcelain veneers also resist staining, which means that they don't stain or discolor like a natural tooth does and you won't have to consider teeth whitening down the road.

Can Porcelain Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

While porcelain veneers cannot move or straighten your teeth, in some cases, they can be used to cover slight misalignment issues and give the appearance of a more uniform and harmonious smile, which allows the patient to avoid the need for orthodontic treatment and wearing braces. If you are living with crooked teeth, Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner can determine if we can use porcelain veneers to achieve your best smile.

Can I Get Just One or Two Veneers?

Dental veneers can give you a flawless appearance, and they're typically used on the teeth that show when you smile. Every patient's situation is unique, and if you have only minor concerns on one or two teeth, Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner may decide that only a couple of veneers are necessary.

What Is the Process for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

veneers | gaithersburg mdOnce you've designed your new smile with your cosmetic dentist in Gaithersburg, we can complete your porcelain veneers in about two to three weeks and only two appointments at Lakeforest Dental Associates. At your first visit, Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner will prepare your teeth for your new veneers by removing a minimal amount of enamel and placing temporary veneers over the top of your teeth. Wearing your temporary veneers gives you an idea of how your final restorations will look and feel, and this is an excellent time to make any adjustments you'd like to see with your final veneers.

It takes about two weeks to handcraft your final veneers to at a dental lab, and when they're finished, you'll return to Lakeforest Dental Associates to have them placed. Our dentists will make any adjustments to your teeth that you feel are necessary at that time and also ensure that your bite functions correctly. Then you'll be off to share your new smile with the world!

Are Dental Veneers a Permanent Treatment?

Just like any other dental restoration, veneers do have a life expectancy of around 10 years. Because a small portion of enamel is removed to place them, they are considered a permanent dental treatment and will require replacement when they eventually break down. There are, however, many measures you can take, such as diligent home care and routine dental checkups to make the most of your porcelain veneers and ensure their longevity.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are capable of changing the shape, size, and color of your teeth, which means you are free to design the smile of your dreams! Because they are bonded directly onto your teeth, they are strong, durable, and can last for many years. Veneers are also easy to care for as you'll be able to brush and floss regularly, just as you used to. 

Patients appreciate the confidence that a smile enhanced with porcelain veneers can provide!

How Should I Care for Porcelain Veneers?

Dentist examining teethYou will be able to brush and floss around your dental veneers just like your regular teeth. You should use a non-abrasive toothpaste that won't risk scratching the surface of your veneers. Regular checkups every six months with your dentist in Gaithersburg are also essential for ensuring the health of your dental veneers.

Just like with your natural teeth, there is always a possibility that a veneer could break or chip, so be sure to cut up hard foods like carrots, apples, or crusty bread into smaller bite-size pieces. Limiting sticky or chewy candies or foods that could potentially pull a veneer off is also a good idea.

How Long Will My Dental Veneers Last?

With a commitment to consistent dental checkups every six months, and a good home care routine, your veneers have the potential to last 10-15 years.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The cost of porcelain veneers differs significantly with each patient's unique treatment needs. The best way to determine how much veneers might cost for you is to start with a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Daftary or Dr. Zaner. We base the price of your treatment on the complexity of your case and how many veneers are necessary to create your dream smile.

If the cost of your treatment is a concern, your Gaithersburg dentist also works with several different companies who can help to finance your treatment and break it into affordable monthly payments. We are happy to discuss different options for payment with you during your cosmetic consultation.

While veneers may seem like a significant investment, the benefits of having a beautiful smile and the confidence that it brings are priceless!

If you've been considering porcelain veneers in Gaithersburg, we encourage you to contact Lakeforest Dental Associates at (301) 330-8787 to arrange a convenient time to meet with one of our dentists and learn more about how dental veneers can enhance your smile.