Do you have deep tooth discoloration? Are slightly crooked teeth impacting the overall look of your smile? Dental veneers can help. Our office uses porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental treatments that cover teeth for brighter, straighter-looking smiles. Dr. Walter Mazzella works with patients to provide custom porcelain veneers in Woodstock, MD. Veneers can cover single teeth or all of the teeth that show when you smile.
Porcelain Veneer Treatment
Before treatment, we ensure that patients are in good oral health. We can address problems like dental infections or gum disease before cosmetic care for the best results. Addressing these problems can prevent infection and other problems in teeth beneath the veneers. To begin treatment, we clean the teeth and then shape the tooth precisely, etching into the tooth enamel. Patients need to be committed to veneers because of tooth preparation. We then take a putty or a digital “impression” which we send to expert lab technicians.
Additionally, we color-match teeth to ensure that veneers match the patient’s desired shade. The technicians create the veneers out of porcelain material. Once the veneers are complete, we apply them to teeth with bonding material. Finally, we polish the veneers for a natural sheen.
Porcelain Veneer Q&A
Do you want to know more about dental veneers? Read answers to popular questions about porcelain veneers:
How do you clean dental veneers?
You can brush and floss between veneers just like natural teeth. We recommend that patients use non-abrasive toothpaste or toothpaste that does not contain materials like charcoal that can scratch the veneers. Patients may also use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Do I need tooth bonding or dental veneers?
Dr. Mazzella will recommend cosmetic treatment based on your goals and oral health needs. While similar, dental veneers and tooth bonding use different materials to address discoloration and damage. Veneers cover the front of the tooth enamel and require more tooth preparation than bonding treatment. Tooth bonding treatment uses composite material to cover smaller areas of the mouth. Dental bonding is a more economical option than veneers but does not last for as many years.
How long do dental veneers last?
With the right care, dental veneers can last over 20 to 30 years. Patients must continue to see the dentist on a daily basis and clean their veneers. A good oral health routine can ensure that veneers last for many years. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste can prevent damage to the veneers. At regular visits, our team can ensure that the veneers feel comfortable and there are no problems with the teeth beneath the veneers.
Can porcelain veneers help close gaps between my teeth?
Yes, porcelain veneers are commonly used to close small gaps, especially between the front teeth. The thin shells are custom-designed to slightly widen the teeth and create a more even, gap-free smile. This is a fast, minimally invasive alternative to orthodontics for cosmetic spacing issues. However, Dr. Mazzella will check your bite first to ensure veneers are the right option.
Are veneers noticeable, or do they look natural?
Porcelain veneers are designed to look just like natural teeth. Skilled dentists match your veneers’ color, shape, and shine to your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. When done well, most people won’t be able to tell you have veneers. They reflect light similarly to enamel, which adds to their realistic look.
Can veneers be placed over dental crowns or fillings?
Veneers typically aren’t placed over crowns since crowns already cover the entire tooth. However, if you have a small filling, a veneer can still be used as long as there’s enough healthy tooth structure to bond to. Dr. Mazzella will evaluate the tooth’s condition and recommend whether a veneer or a new crown is more appropriate.
Ask Us About Veneers Today
Do you have multiple damaged or crooked teeth? Are you looking for a way to address all of your teeth at once? Improve your smile with custom-made dental veneers. Call Dr. Mazzella and his team for treatment today at (410) 559-9951. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Mazzella on our website. Let Dr. Mazzella know if you have any remaining questions about veneers; he will be happy to help.