Porcelain Veneers

Dentist showing a patient the options for veneers at Dr. James A. Vette, DDS, a dentist in Germantown, MD

One of the first things people notice about a person is their smile. If you have cosmetic blemishes or are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, this may cause you to hide your smile and perhaps even speak less.

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth and hide:

Chips
Stains
Gaps
Misalignments
And other issues from teeth imperfections

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Other benefits include:

Improved appearance of asymmetrical, short, or worn down teeth
Correction of chips, gaps, and misalignment
Diminished appearance of dental stains and discoloration
Enhanced structural support of cracked, fractured, or otherwise weakened teeth
Typically, little to no downtime following the procedure
Long-lasting results resistant to future staining or yellowing
Revitalized appearance of existing dental restorations such as crowns and bridges
Personalized treatment plan for the most natural look and most comfortable fit possible

In addition to these benefits, porcelain veneers last a long time and are exceptionally durable. Our practice uses the highest quality products and advanced techniques to ensure you have an improved smile for years to come!

The porcelain veneers procedure

When you first arrive for your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss how you would like to improve the appearance of your smile. Dr. Vette will then evaluate your teeth and gums and develop a customized treatment plan that best addresses your unique dental needs and cosmetic goals. This is a collaborative process, and you are encouraged to speak freely about your desired outcome. There are multiple types of porcelain veneers and he will guide you in selecting the option that can offer the best possible results.

Porcelain dental veneers are strong, beautiful options to restore a number of teeth imperfections. These treatments are extraordinarily effective ways to improve aesthetic and functional dental issues with results that can have you smiling with confidence again. Furthermore, the process can be quick and easy, so there’s no reason to delay obtaining the smile you have always wanted and deserve to have. Our porcelain veneers FAQs can provide even more information.

Porcelain Veneers FAQs

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Porcelain veneers are customized to suit your dental needs and cosmetic goals. As a result, every treatment plan, including total cost, will be unique to the individual. The overall fee will vary based on the type of veneers used, the number of veneers required and your specific dental needs. Most often veneers are not covered by insurance because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. We will detail the cost of your personalized plan during your initial consultation.
Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Your well-being is of primary concern. Depending on the type of porcelain veneers utilized to achieve your goals, there may be a small amount of tooth reshaping or reduction required. In this instance, we will provide a numbing agent to minimize discomfort, and most patients report little discomfort. Some veneers, including Lumineers®, Dura-Thin® Prepless Veneers, and composite veneers, typically require little to no drilling or reduction, typically making the procedure quicker and more pleasant.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure time will also depend on several considerations, including which type of dental veneers you choose. Some porcelain veneers will require two visits. The first one establishes the treatment plan and will require taking a mold of your teeth. The second places the dental veneers. Innovative veneer techniques, like Dura-Thin® Prepless Veneers, can be designed and placed in the same appointment.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

There are several factors that influence how long dental veneers will last, including the type of veneer used, your oral hygiene habits, and various environmental influences. We use the highest-quality materials known for their durability. In many cases, porcelain veneers can last as long as 10 years or more.

Typically, veneers are done in three visits. On the first visit, Dr. Vette will take an impression of your teeth. This mold will be used as a blue print for your custom veneers.

The second visit the teeth will be prepared for the permanent veneers.

This may be done by shaving a slight amount of the tooth structure to reduce the thickness to accommodate the permanent veneers. Then a final impression will be taken.

The last visit will be to cement the permanent veneers. A durable cement material is used to hold the veneer in place with results that can last for many years.
Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?
Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

If porcelain veneers are outside your budget, composite veneers can be a more affordable option. In addition to dental veneers, there are many treatment options available to address cosmetic concerns. We offer teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, cosmetic bonding, and many other procedures that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired. We will be happy to customize a plan that takes all of your needs into account.