Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the tooth’s front and sides. However, these delicate restorations are very strong. They provide a natural-looking enhancement to your smile. Dr. Scott Finlay creates porcelain veneers in Annapolis, MD, using only the finest materials. We work with the leading dental labs to create dental veneers that look, feel, and work like natural teeth.
Veneers can brighten discolored teeth, lengthen short teeth, and cover small tooth gaps. These cosmetic dental treatments can cover one or more teeth in the smile line. Veneers may benefit you if you have cosmetic problems but do not want or qualify for orthodontics or teeth whitening.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers in our Annapolis, MD office provide several health and cosmetic benefits. Veneers:
- Improve the appearance of small gaps and spaces between teeth
- Repair small chips and cracks
- Hide stains and uneven texture
- Reduce the risk of food getting stuck between teeth
Teeth with porcelain veneers appear brighter, whiter, straighter, and more beautiful. We aim to create a smile that compliments your face and looks like it belongs there.
We will measure your mouth and teeth during the treatment planning phase. If the dentist finds any oral health problems, he will suggest treatment. This will prevent future damage and wear to the porcelain veneers and ensure they last for many years.
We will also recommend porcelain veneers as a part of a smile makeover. During a smile makeover, we use multiple cosmetic treatments to brighten and straighten teeth. These cosmetic treatments can also cover minor areas of tooth wear or damage. Veneers are a popular cosmetic choice for patients who undergo a smile makeover. This is because veneers can treat several cosmetic problems at once.
Veneers vs. Lumineers and No-Prep Solutions
The marketing of products like Lumineers has made no-prep restorations very popular. Dr. Finlay offers products similar to Lumineers. The options we offer are more predictable, durable, and natural-looking.
Minimal prep veneers are ideal for patients with minor concerns such as:
- Discolored teeth
- Slight surface blemishes
- Minor spaces between teeth
Protecting the tooth structure is essential. In Dr. Finlay’s experience, not applying the no-prep veneers correctly due to limitations will produce bad results. Your teeth will likely look bulky or fake. No prep veneers can also cause gum disease if not applied correctly.
Porcelain Veneers: The Design Process
Dr. Finlay follows a four-step smile design process to create your custom veneers:
- Evaluation: First, we complete an evaluation to examine your teeth, gums, mouth, jaw joints, and muscles. This evaluation will help determine if veneers are the best treatment for you.
- Cosmetic Imaging: Then, we use 2-D and 3-D imaging to see what your teeth will look like after treatment. Cosmetic imaging allows you and the dentist to see the outcome before long-lasting changes are made.
- Temporary Veneers: Next, Dr. Finlay creates interim veneers. These temporary teeth veneers ensure you are happy with the look and feel. We will send a copy of them to a dental lab. The lab techs will use them as models to handcraft your teeth veneers.
- Final Placement: You will return to our office, where Dr. Finlay will bond the final porcelain veneers to your teeth. First, he will double-check the fit and shade of the veneers. Then, they will gently polish and adjust them for color if necessary.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
After receiving your veneers, you must care for them like your natural teeth. Floss and brush your teeth and gums daily. You can floss between each tooth and then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoiding abrasive toothpaste will also help prevent cosmetic scratches to your veneers.
Continue to visit our office for routine appointments after you get your veneers. At these visits, we will examine your veneers to ensure they look and feel comfortable.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about porcelain veneers in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these questions:
Will porcelain veneers stain my teeth?
Dental veneers will not stain your teeth. They are free of harmful chemicals that will not stain your teeth or eat away at your tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are made of a highly stain-resistant material. This is a great way to protect your teeth from stains.
Can I whiten veneers?
No, you cannot whiten veneers. Our veneers are made from porcelain, which does not respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth. However, you can get veneers to cover stained teeth. In addition, if your veneers become stained or lose their brightness, talk to us for a replacement.
Are there alternatives to porcelain veneers?
There are other options besides veneers. They include tooth bonding and dental crowns. Although, these options may not give you the complete results you can get with porcelain veneers. Tooth bonding is not as durable and long-lasting as dental veneers. Dental crowns require more tooth preparation than necessary if you only need veneers for aesthetic reasons.
Are porcelain veneers removable?
You will not be able to remove your dental veneers. Only a dentist can do that. We will remove a small amount of the tooth’s surface and then bond the veneer in place. Since we need to alter your tooth, it will need to have a veneer on it at all times to protect the tooth.
However, our dentist can remove and replace the veneer if it is damaged. This means your smile will always look great.
Do porcelain veneers hurt?
Getting porcelain veneers usually doesn’t hurt. The procedure is done with local anesthesia, which numbs the area so you don’t feel pain while the veneers are being placed. After the procedure, you may feel slight sensitivity. However, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers until it fades.
Can I get cavities under my veneers?
Yes, you can still get cavities under your veneers if you don’t care for your teeth. The veneers cover the front of your teeth, but the parts that are not covered, like the sides and the back, are still exposed to plaque and bacteria. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you could get cavities on those parts of your teeth.
How many visits does it take to get porcelain veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers usually takes about two or three visits to the dentist.
During the first visit, our dentist will examine your teeth and make a plan for the veneers. He will also prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers. Then, he will take impressions of your teeth to create custom veneers that fit perfectly.
At the second visit, our dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to make sure they fit well and look good. If everything is perfect, he will then bond the veneers to your teeth. Sometimes, you may need a third visit for more adjustments.
How many veneers are in a full set?
A full set of veneers usually includes 6 to 8 veneers, depending on how many teeth you want to cover. Most people get veneers for their front teeth, which are the most visible when you smile.
If you want a complete smile makeover, you might choose to get veneers on all the front teeth, which could be up to 8. However, some people only need a few veneers to fix specific teeth that are stained, chipped, or misaligned. We will help you decide how many veneers are right for you based on your smile goals.
AACD Accredited Fellow Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Scott Finlay is an Accredited American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Fellow. This is the highest credential awarded to a cosmetic dentist. Accreditation is a rigorous process that includes a written and oral examination and submission of numerous cosmetic dentistry cases. In addition, the dentist must show a dedication to continuing education and a reputation for delivering excellence in cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Finlay is the only cosmetic dentist in Annapolis to achieve this honor. He is also among only a few dentists in the Maryland, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. area. Find more information about cosmetic dentistry and the credentialing process online at AACD.com.
In addition to a porcelain veneer procedure, Dr. Finlay provides additional dental services in Annapolis, Maryland. Call our Annapolis, MD, dentist’s office at 443–276–4094. You can also request a dental appointment online. If you have questions about veneers, please let us know, and we can help. We want to find the best cosmetic treatment to meet your goals.