Veneers – Aspen Hill, MD

Who Is a Candidate for Veneers?

If you are struggling to smile confidently due to stained, cracked, chipped, or otherwise imperfect teeth, then veneers may be the smile-transforming treatment you’ve been looking for. Whether you are looking to address one tooth or undergo a complete smile makeover, priority number one is to schedule an initial consultation with our team. During this appointment, we will complete a thorough dental exam to confirm that your oral health is in good condition. If it isn’t, then we will begin your journey to your dream smile with the appropriate restorative care. Either way, we will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted while preserving the health of your teeth and gums.

How Do I Care for My Veneers?

Caring for your veneers is an essential component of prolonging their lifespan. With this in mind, it is of the utmost importance that poor dental habits, like using tobacco products and chewing on ice, are avoided altogether. Another important step in protecting your new and improved smile is implementing a solid oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Next, make sure to visit our team every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. Cutting back on your sugar intake and sticking to a vitamin-rich diet can also help by keeping your teeth and gums healthy from the inside-out.

Are Veneers Covered by Dental Insurance?

Since veneers aren’t considered medically necessary, they typically aren’t covered by insurance. However, since the fine print on dental plans varies from patient to patient, it is always a good idea to double-check! We are in-network with many of the nation’s leading providers, so we would be more than happy to assist with the process. Otherwise, ask us about our in-house membership plan or third-party financing to make the cost of your treatment more affordable.

What Happens If One of My Veneers Comes Off?

Although rare, it is possible for one of your veneers to come off. If this scenario arises, do not attempt to remedy the situation on your own with an at-home solution, like super glue. Not only can this wreak havoc on your overall and oral health, but it can make it even more difficult to repair your smile. Instead, preserve your veneer in a plastic bag and contact our team right away. From there, we can walk you through the next best steps and schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

Technically, veneers should let you eat as you please. They’re both durable and stain-resistant. Still, some foods can put the shells at risk.

First, note that temporary veneers are more fragile than permanent ones. They can stain more easily and chip from forceful biting. As such, it’s best to avoid hard and dark-colored foods while wearing them. Examples of the former category include ice, raw fruits and veggies, or hard candies. Meanwhile, instances of the latter group are coffee, tea, and red wine.

Even with permanent veneers, some meals require great caution. Sticky items could pull the shells off your teeth. Alternatively, crunchy foods or dark drinks could ruin veneers’ looks.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

Veneers’ goal is to have all your visible teeth match. That being the case, you’ll receive the number needed to reach that standard.

Of course, this final tally can vary from patient to patient. Many people need 6-8 veneers to create a pretty, symmetrical smile. Others, though, may require 10-12 of them. There are even cases where you get a single veneer to cover a cracked tooth.

To confirm your veneer numbers, talk to your local dentist. They’ll make an informed suggestion based on your oral needs.

Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?

Veneers can treat specific bite problems. That said, remember that they don’t change the position of your teeth or jaw. As a result, their effectiveness will depend on your problem’s severity.

For example, imagine that you have a mild open bite. Veneer treatment could make your teeth look longer and wider. By doing so, it’d ensure your smile appears to line up correctly.

All that said, there are restrictions on using veneers for a bite issue. A dentist only suggests this option if veneers don’t cause major oral health problems. Also, you shouldn’t have the shells placed before or during an orthodontic procedure.

Do Veneers Change Your Face?

As a matter of fact, yes – veneers do change your face. Fortunately, the change in question is a good one!

You see, aging causes your mouth to lose elasticity and muscle tone. These losses can then make your cheeks start to sag. However, veneers offer extra support for the mouth’s musculature. They’d thus help accentuate your cheekbones. To that extent, they’d provide the perks of a facelift without surgery.

For details on how veneers would change your face, talk to your dentist. They’ll explain how the shells might impact your looks.