Veneers – North Bethesda

Wave Cosmetic Flaws Goodbye!

Are you happy with the appearance of your smile? A lot of people lack confidence because they are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. The good news is that there are a variety of cosmetic solutions available to help patients achieve the perfected smile they desire. At Aesthetic & Family Dentistry, we offer veneers to address imperfections of the teeth. Read on to learn more about veneers and how they can transform your smile! To schedule a consultation at our practice in North Bethesda, give us a call.

Closeup of a woman smiling

Why Choose Aesthetic & Family Dentistry for Veneers?

  • Made from High-Quality Porcelain
  • Can Last 15+ Years with Proper Maintenance
  • Flexible Financing Available

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dentist holding veneer with tweezers

Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are placed over the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to mask cosmetic imperfections. Porcelain is a durable and natural-looking material, so no one will even be able to tell that it isn’t your natural tooth enamel. Veneers are used to address teeth that are chipped, gapped, misaligned, misshapen, discolored, undersized, and otherwise cosmetically flawed.

The Process of Getting Veneers

Woman getting veneers

It usually takes two appointments for veneers to be placed. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth by filing down a minimal portion of your enamel. This ensures that the veneers lay flat against your teeth. This way, your veneers won’t have a bulky appearance after being placed.

After your teeth have been prepared, we will take impressions that are sent to the dental laboratory. You will be given temporary veneers to wear until your final restorations are ready. In just a few weeks, you can return to the practice so your final veneers can be adhered to the teeth. Then, you can leave the office showing off your beautiful smile!

The Benefits of Veneers

Woman smiling outside

Veneers provide numerous benefits. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

  • Natural-Looking: The porcelain used to craft veneers appears very similar to natural tooth enamel.
  • Quick Process: Veneers can be placed in as few as two appointments.
  • Teeth Whitening: Veneers are more resistant to staining than tooth enamel, so you don’t have to worry about discoloration from dark-pigmented foods or beverages. Veneers can also be shaded to be the exact shade of white that you’d like, so you can show off a brighter smile.
  • Long-Lasting: When cared for properly, veneers can last 15 years or longer before needing to be replaced.

Understanding the Cost of Veneers

Woman putting a coin in a piggy bank

Everyone’s treatment is fully customized, so the cost is different for each patient. During your consultation with us, we will examine your smile to ensure that you are a good candidate and discuss the goals that you have for your smile. We will put together a treatment plan to meet your needs and desires. We will also go over the estimated cost of your veneers in detail as well as your payment options. If you have any questions about the cost of your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.

Veneers FAQs

Are Veneers Permanent?

Since veneers will eventually need to be removed, they are not considered permanent. However, the procedure used to cement them to the teeth requires a small amount of enamel to be removed, which makes the process irreversible. This alteration of your dental structure is necessary to ensure that your veneers fit properly and sit flush with the rest of your teeth. Teeth that have receive veneers will have to wear them for protection from then on.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

Placing veneers will not harm your teeth since only a minimal amount of enamel is removed and the bonding material used to fix the devices in place is safe for use within the human mouth. Since the veneers will help protect the teeth wearing them from infection and injury, the procedure will not make you more likely to develop cavities. However, you will still need to brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay that can compromise your veneers. The best way to keep your teeth and veneers in excellent shape is to practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day while limiting your sugar consumption and keeping up with regular checkups at our North Bethesda office.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

When you are wearing temporary veneers while your permanent appliances are being crafted, it’s important to avoid hard foods like raw fruits and veggies, crunchy candy, seeds, and ice that can break your restorations off your teeth. It’s also important to avoid sticky items like taffy and caramel, as these can pull your appliances loose. Temporary veneers can be stained rather easily, so it’s best to limit your intake of richly colored foods and beverages. However, you can enjoy most foods normally after your permanent veneers have been cemented in place, but it’s best to enjoy crunchy, chewy, or richly colored items in moderation. If you experience sensitivity after the procedure, avoid items that are hot, cold, sweet, or spicy until you can enjoy them comfortably. Alcohol is acidic and can erode the cement holding your veneers and place, so enjoy hard beverages sparingly.

Can I Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Veneers are made from stain-resistant ceramic materials, so it’s more difficult for them to develop stains than natural enamel. While you can drink coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers, it’s best to enjoy your java in moderation since frequent exposure can lead to discoloration. One way to reduce the likelihood of stains forming is to drink coffee through a straw, as this can limit the amount of liquid making contact with your veneers.