Dechter and Moy Dentistry offers porcelain veneers in Silver Spring, MD. As part of our cosmetic dentistry services, porcelain veneers are a popular choice if you want a flawless smile. Our Silver Spring dentists make veneers from an ultra-thin ceramic material, a composite resin, or a dental porcelain material. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy will make your veneers look like your real teeth.
Dental veneers permanently attach to the front and sides of your teeth. They reflect natural light just like your natural teeth. Our dental veneers will complement your smile, all while improving both aesthetics and your oral health.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Our patients often say our dentists exceed their expectations for smile makeovers when using veneers. This versatile treatment has been a popular service for many years. We use porcelain veneers to address a range of issues with lasting results. Issues that we can fix include:
- Stained teeth: Our dentist can place veneers over teeth to treat tooth stains that are too resistant to professional teeth whitening. We can cover all the teeth that show when you smile. Veneers can cover deep tooth stains.
- Gaps between teeth: We can close small tooth gaps with veneers. Closing tooth gaps creates a more aligned look. It offers a non-invasive fix compared to braces
- Damaged teeth: We can secure veneers to cover chipped teeth or gently damaged teeth. Minor chips and cracks can make teeth look worn or uneven, but veneers provide a smooth, polished surface. This treatment helps protect the underlying tooth from further wear and restore a natural appearance.
- Misshapen teeth: We can use a dental veneer to reshape a mildly rotated or oddly shaped tooth. Uneven, small, or pointed teeth can make your smile look unbalanced. Veneers create a straighter bite.
Many types of veneers are available, but we create ours using a stain and decay-resistant compound. This makes our porcelain veneers procedure the ideal solution for transforming a damaged smile. Your new porcelain veneers will last many years with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to our dental office.
Receiving Porcelain Veneers from Our Silver Spring, MD Dentists
The process for placing porcelain veneers will require 2 to 3 visits with us to complete. First, you will visit our dental office to discuss your goals. We’ll determine if affordable porcelain veneers are right for you during this visit. Then we’ll schedule another visit to prepare your teeth and to take dental impressions.
Preparation and Impressions
We customize veneers to your smile and mouth specifications. Tooth preparation involves “etching” the teeth to enable the veneers to adhere securely. To do this, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will carefully remove a small amount of the affected tooth’s enamel.
Once our dentist prepares your teeth, he’ll take digital impressions. We will use them in the dental lab to fabricate your custom veneers. We typically place temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your custom veneers are complete.
Final Veneers
At the next and final visit, we permanently attach your new porcelain veneers to your affected teeth. Our dentist will gently place the veneers and make sure that they are comfortable and fit securely on your teeth. Then he’ll make any final adjustments before we cement them into place and give them a good polish.
Maintaining your new porcelain veneers is easy. Practice a good oral hygiene routine and schedule regular dental care visits. We will show you how to brush and floss before you leave so you can keep your smile healthy for as long as possible.
Before and after porcelain veneers at Dechter & Moy.
Are Veneers Right for You?
Veneers are a popular choice for improving your smile, but they don’t work for everyone. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy will always check your oral health first before recommending treatment. Here are some cases where veneers might not be the best option:
- Serious tooth decay or gum disease. If your teeth or gums aren’t healthy, we need to fix those problems first. Veneers won’t solve underlying issues, and they won’t last long on unhealthy teeth.
- Not enough enamel. Veneers need a strong layer of enamel to bond to. If your teeth are very worn down or eroded, dental crowns may be a better choice.
- Crooked teeth or bite problems. Veneers can improve the look of slightly uneven teeth. But if your teeth are severely crooked or your bite is off, orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign is usually the better first step.
- Teeth grinding or clenching. Grinding puts a lot of pressure on your teeth. That force can easily crack or damage porcelain veneers. If you grind at night, we may need to address that habit first.
- Lots of existing dental work. Veneers work best on natural, healthy teeth. If you already have many large fillings or other restorations, veneers may not bond as well or last as long.
- Very dark or unusual tooth color. Veneers can hide many stains. But if your teeth are extremely dark or have a strange tint, the color may still show through. In those cases, dental crowns might give you the result you’re looking for.
To see if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers, give us a call or request an appointment online today. Never assume what you need without consulting a dental professional first.
Patient Review
“The team at Dechter and Moy is absolutely top-notch. I’m someone who is generally afraid of the dentist (like really, really afraid). But since I’ve been seeing Dr. Moy for the last few years, my anxiety has been reduced to nothing. He (and the entire staff) are kind and gentle and professional and just all around the best. I will never, ever go to another dentist.”
-Kelly S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veneers are a popular way to improve the look of your teeth. But many people have questions about this cosmetic treatment. We welcome you to read answers to these common questions about porcelain veneers in our Silver Spring dental office.
Is Getting Veneers Painful?
The procedure itself is not painful, though it can feel a little uncomfortable like any dental visit. In some cases, we use anesthetic to numb your mouth while placing veneers, but it’s not always needed. You won’t feel pain during the process. Most patients getting fewer than four veneers say they felt no pain at all.
Will dental veneers fall off on their own?
No, veneers won’t just fall off for no reason. They stay firmly attached to your teeth. The only times a veneer might come loose are if it no longer fits properly over time or if you’re in an accident that hits your mouth.
If your veneer does come off, don’t throw it away. Save it and call us right away. We can reattach it or help you get a replacement.
Can your teeth rot under veneers?
Yes, but this is rare. A cavity can form under the veneer if placed incorrectly or if a dentist doesn’t remove plaque from your tooth first. Plaque eats away at teeth, creating tiny holes that cause tooth decay. Patients with veneers should practice a consistent oral care routine and schedule regular dental cleanings.
Will I need to replace my veneers?
Not unless something happens to them. You’ll only need to replace veneers if they chip, break, or if the tooth underneath gets infected. If decay or damage affects the tooth beneath your veneer, we’ll treat the infection first. Once your tooth is healthy again, we can place a new veneer.
Can veneers treat crooked teeth?
Yes, veneers can help improve the appearance of crooked teeth, but they ‘re best for mild misalignment. If your teeth are only slightly crooked or uneven, veneers can make them look straighter by covering the front surface of the teeth. They can also help with gaps or chips that may make your teeth look crooked.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are a long-lasting solution but not technically permanent. The process involves removing a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. Veneers aren’t reversible. You’ll always need something to cover your teeth once we remove the enamel. With the right care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years.
Start Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile
Ready to see yourself with a smile you love? The first step is a simple, no-pressure conversation. Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will sit down with you, listen to what you want to change, and talk about how veneers can help. Call us today at (301) 508-9755 or request an appointment online anytime. Let’s explore what your smile can become.