For the fortunate few, a gleaming and symmetrical smile comes naturally. Meanwhile, The rest of us must seek assistance to boost our smile wattage. Among these cosmetic solutions is a non-invasive path to the smiles we want: porcelain veneers.
Veneers are thin, custom-made overlays, usually made of porcelain, that are bonded to the fronts of stained, discolored, or misshapen teeth to enhance their appearance. While veneers significantly upgrade the appearance of a person's smile, they are merely cosmetic. Thus, any underlying oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease should be treated before veneers are placed.
What Issues Do Porcelain Veneers Address?
Veneers offer an effective and long-lasting solution to an array of cosmetic and structural dental concerns, including:
- Severe tooth discoloration and staining
- Minor chipping or cracking (which should still be treated by a dentist)
- Gapped or misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are too big, too small, or otherwise irregularly shaped
- 'Dead tooth"
What Is "Dead Tooth?"
A "dead" (or "non-vital") tooth is a tooth that, due to injury or decay, is no longer receiving blood. This, of course, results in a loss of nerve function. A dead tooth is identifiable by its appearance, which is often dark or faded compared with healthy teeth.
It's important to recognize that while a veneer can be placed over a dead tooth, it does not address any decay or disease affecting the tooth, which should be addressed before veneer placement.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, maintenance, and good oral hygiene habits, dental veneers can last 10-15 years, if not slightly longer. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that veneers are susceptible to damage like chipping, cracking, or discoloration themselves. In cases of veneer damage, it's important to seek dental care as soon as possible for repairs or replacement.
Precisely Placing Porcelain Veneers in Gaithersburg, MD
If you're looking for a dentist in Gaithersburg with the experience and expertise to meet all of your cosmetic dentistry needs, from the placement of porcelain veneers to Invisalign® clear braces, contact me, Dr. Neil Daftary and the friendly and knowledgeable Lakeforest Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation!
