Do you have damaged or discolored teeth? Are there gaps between your teeth that impact the aesthetics of your smile? Porcelain veneers can help you fix these common dental concerns!
Dr. Kevin Welinsky is a cosmetic dentist in Towson and offers treatments to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Custom porcelain veneers can address these common cosmetic concerns and many others that affect your smile. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that your dentist will is color match to your existing teeth. Dental veneers can change your appearance with either subtle or dramatic results. What could a smile makeover with teeth veneers do for your confidence?
What Dental Problems Can Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Porcelain veneers can take care of a wide variety of dental concerns. For instance, not all tooth staining responds to whitening techniques. Our dentist can color match them to the shade you’re looking for and cover the surface of the stained tooth. Veneers can also treat the following problems:
- Minor crowding or gaps in teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth that are too small
- Uneven teeth
If you have any minor cosmetic problems with your teeth — or even more severe ones — dental veneers can provide a long-lasting, more permanent solution to transform your smile.
Who Are Good Candidates for Veneers?
You may be a good candidate for veneers if you want a natural-looking, long-lasting way to improve your smile. We recommend veneers for patients in good oral health
Our office also recommends veneers for adult patients who have enough of their natural tooth left. When we prepare teeth for veneers, we need to remove a thin layer of enamel (usually about 0.5 mm) to make room for the veneers. This means your natural tooth needs to be strong and stable enough to hold the veneer securely.
If a tooth is severely damaged, very worn down, or mostly missing, a dental crown may be a better option because it provides more coverage and support. However, if you have healthy teeth with minor chips, stains, or gaps, veneers can be a great solution for improving your smile.
The Porcelain Veneers Process
Dr. Welinsky works with our patients on an individual basis to achieve cosmetic goals and improve long-term oral health in the process. Dentists use porcelain veneers for a whole range of dental concerns. When they properly plan and place the teeth veneers, the results will last for a long time.
Placing this type of dental veneer will involve removing a small amount of natural tooth structure. Because of this, they are permanent dental restorations. Dr. Welinsky will evaluate the condition of your teeth and use digital diagnostics to carefully plan the placement of the veneers.
The complete process for placing dental veneers will take about two visits to our office. At the first visit, we will prepare the teeth and take dental impressions. A dental lab will use these to design and make your new veneers. Dr. Welinsky will place temporary veneers on the teeth to protect the exposed surfaces and provide normal chewing function.
Once the veneers are ready, we can place the final restorations. Dr. Welinsky will attach each separate veneer to the tooth using special cement. Once in place, the dentist will adjust the thin shells for comfort and polish them for a natural luster and appearance.
How to Maintain Veneers
Taking care of your porcelain veneers is easy and similar to caring for your natural teeth. To keep your veneers looking great and lasting a long time, follow these simple steps:
- Brush and Floss Daily – Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the veneers. Flossing daily helps remove food and plaque between your teeth, keeping your gums healthy.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods – While veneers are strong, biting into hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candies can chip or crack them. Sticky foods like caramel or chewing gum can also put extra stress on veneers. Avoid these foods after treatment.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks – Veneers are stain-resistant, but the teeth around them are not. To keep your smile looking even, try to limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces. You can also use a straw to minimize contact with you teeth.
- Visit Our Offfice Regularly – Regular dental checkups and cleanings will help us keep an eye on your veneers and overall oral health. We recommend that you visit us twice a year.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about porcelain veneers in our Towson, MD dental office:
Do dental veneers damage your teeth?
No, your teeth are safe underneath the veneers. While some tooth structure has to be removed for the veneers to fit properly. the tooth isn’t ruined.
Is getting dental veneers painful?
The teeth veneers procedure is minimally invasive and not painful. After treatment, you may experience some sensitivity when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods because of tooth preparation. However, you will get used to your new veneers.
What is the difference between veneers and bonding?
Tooth veneers and bonding are both cosmetic dental treatments that improve the look of your teeth, but they have some key differences.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells (usually made of porcelain) that cover the front of your teeth. They are great for fixing stains, chips, gaps, or misshapen teeth. Veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and require more tooth preparation. They typically last 10–15 years with good care.
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that is applied directly to your tooth and shaped to fix small chips, gaps, or discoloration. Unlike veneers, bonding does not require removing enamel, making it a quick and reversible option. However, bonding is not as strong as veneers and may need touch-ups or replacement every 5–7 years.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With routine dental care and good oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last for 10 years or longer. Dr. Welinsky will monitor the condition of your veneers when you visit for regular dental exams and cleanings.
Schedule A Cosmetic Consultation
Ready to learn more about porcelain veneers and discuss your cosmetic goals? Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Welinsky in our Towson dentist office. We welcome new patients and look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile that is healthy and stable. Contact us at 410-449-7656 or request an appointment online.