A dental veneer is a thin shell that is placed over a tooth to improve its appearance. They are designed to look just like natural tooth enamel and custom made to fit over the front of your teeth. Dental veneers correct a variety of aesthetic flaws, including cracks or chips in teeth, discoloration, gaps between teeth, and misshapen teeth. They can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or composite bonding materials like plastic and resin. 

What Issues Do Dental Veneers Address?

Patients choose porcelain veneers to cover smile flaws like chips, fractures, stains, and more. Veneers can also help patients achieve a straighter smile. 

Dental veneers can address the following issues:

• Discolored teeth
• Worn-down teeth 
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped 
• Teeth with spaces between them 

Dental Veneer Procedure 

After your consultation with our dentist in Greenbelt, MD, we will schedule you for a treatment session to get your dental veneers placed. Typically, the veneer process takes place over two appointments. 

The first appointment will involve prepping the teeth, taking dental impressions, and placing temporary veneers on your teeth. Once your final set of veneers has been crafted, you’ll return to our office to have them permanently bonded onto your teeth. 

After the placement of the permanent veneers, our dentist in Greenbelt, MD, will check the veneers one more time to ensure a precise fit and make any additional adjustments as needed. Once everything is ready, the dentist will apply a special cement to the veneers that will help bond them to the tooth enamel. Once they are set in place, the dentist will finish the procedure by polishing your new smile to perfection. 

Aftercare for Veneers 

Patients should treat their veneers just as they treat their natural tooth surfaces. They should brush their teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. They also need to floss at least once a day to remove debris from between the teeth. 

Regular flossing will help ensure the gum tissue stays healthy and does not become irritated or infected. Patients also need to visit their dentist for routine checkups and cleanings twice a year. During these visits, the teeth will be cleaned and checked for any signs of damage or decay. 

Want to learn more about our dental procedures? Call us at (301) 321-9966 or visit our dental office located at 7501 Greenway Center Dr Suite 260, Greenbelt, MD 20770.