Porcelain Veneers in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

Do you want to enjoy the confidence that a beautiful smile can bring? While teeth whitening, Invisalign®, and crowns can be a great help in improving the look of your teeth, these methods may sometimes prove inaccessible for any number of reasons.

Fortunately, there’s more than one way to achieve a stunning smile. If you’re looking to achieve a brighter, more confident smile, porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution for you. These innovative cosmetic enhancements can correct a variety of dental imperfections, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a beautiful smile. 

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we understand the importance of having a smile that reflects your personality and boosts your self-esteem. Call our Chevy Chase cosmetic dentist at (301) 652-2939 to schedule your veneer consultation today!

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped, porcelain shells. These shells are customized to fit the look you want and then bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers can effectively address various dental issues, including:

• Discoloration: Stains from food, drinks, or tobacco can dull the brightness of your smile. Porcelain veneers can restore a vibrant look.
• Chips and Cracks: If your teeth have suffered minor damage, veneers cover these imperfections, giving you a polished appearance.
• Misalignment: Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth can be concealed with veneers, creating a straighter smile.
• Gaps: If you have noticeable spaces between your teeth, veneers can bridge these gaps for a more uniform look.

Traditional Porcelain Veneers

Traditional porcelain veneers are the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry, known for their durability and natural appearance. They're ideal for significant color changes, reshaping teeth, closing small gaps, and masking severe stains or discoloration. These veneers are extremely durable, lasting 15 to 20 years with proper care, and are highly stain-resistant. They provide the most natural-looking results among all veneer types. 

However, they do require the removal of some tooth enamel, making them a permanent solution. While they're more expensive than other options, many patients find the long-lasting, beautiful results well worth the investment.

No-Prep Veneers

No-prep veneers are ultra-thin and require minimal to no tooth preparation. They're an excellent choice for minor cosmetic improvements and are often preferred by patients with dental anxiety or those seeking a potentially reversible option. The procedure is faster and generally involves less discomfort than traditional veneers. However, they may look slightly bulkier than traditional veneers and aren't suitable for major tooth color or shape changes. While they offer a more conservative approach, they may not last as long as traditional porcelain veneers.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers, made from tooth-colored resin, offer a more affordable alternative to porcelain. They're best for minor cosmetic improvements and quick smile enhancements. One of their main advantages is that they can often be completed in just one visit. They're also easier to repair if chipped or broken. However, composite resin veneers are less durable than porcelain, typically lasting five to seven years. They're also more prone to staining over time and may not provide as natural a look as porcelain veneers.

Lumineer Veneers

Lumineers are a form of super-thin porcelain dental veneers that are intended to be thinner than regular veneers. They are usually as thin as a contact lens and need very little tooth preparation. They can address various cosmetic dental issues, such as discolored, damaged, or misaligned teeth.

Removable Veneers (Snap-On Veneers)

Removable veneers are a non-permanent option that can be removed and reapplied by the patient. They're ideal for temporary cosmetic improvement or for patients who can't undergo permanent dental procedures. These temporary veneers require no tooth modification and can be removed for cleaning and sleeping. They're also less expensive than permanent options. However, removable veneers are less durable than permanent veneers, may look less natural, and need to be removed for eating.

Choosing porcelain veneers can provide you with several advantages:

Aesthetic Appeal

Porcelain veneers closely mimic the natural translucency and shine of enamel, resulting in a flawless and authentic look. They can cover various flaws, providing a beautiful enhancement to your smile.

Stain Resistance

One of the standout features of porcelain is its resistance to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. This quality allows your veneers to maintain their bright appearance for years.

Durability

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years or more. Their robust nature makes them a long-lasting solution for enhancing your smile.

Minimal Tooth Alteration

Compared to a dental crown, veneers require less alteration of your natural teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer, preserving the integrity of your teeth.

Quick Results

The process of getting porcelain veneers typically involves only a few visits to our office. Once bonded, you'll see immediate improvements in your smile.

Initial Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Markogiannakis will review your medical history and evaluate your current level of oral health. The information our dentists gather will allow her to decide if porcelain veneers are a good option for you.

She’ll also ask about your smile goals and offer our sedation options: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. These sedation methods can be helpful if you experience dental anxiety and need help relaxing during your procedure.

Designing Your Porcelain Veneers

Once you and your dentist have agreed on moving forward with veneers, we’ll show you options for the porcelain that will be used to create your custom restorations. We can either match your veneers to your natural tooth color or choose a whiter shade for a brightened appearance.

Then, we’ll take impressions and pictures of your teeth. These will be sent to an offsite dental laboratory and serve as the blueprints for your custom veneers. You’ll then return to our Chevy Chase office and have your veneers installed once they’re ready.

Preparation

Preparing your teeth for veneers is a simple and virtually painless process. We’ll clean your teeth, then your dentist will remove a minimal amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface. The amount of enamel she’ll remove is no more than the width of a fingernail. This process provides a surface that your veneers will be able to adhere to more easily and creates a more natural appearance once your veneers have been applied.

Applying Your Porcelain Veneers

Before bonding your veneers to your teeth, your dentist will check with you to make sure you’re satisfied with their appearance. If you feel good about the way your veneers look, Dr. Markogiannakis will bond them to the surface of your teeth with a special dental adhesive. Once your veneers are bonded, our dentists may make minor adjustments so your veneers fit comfortably. Afterward, you’ll be free to enjoy your gorgeous new smile.

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your porcelain veneers, follow these care instructions:

1. Practice good oral hygiene (brush twice daily and floss once daily)
2. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools
3. Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
4. Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
5. Limit consumption of staining foods and beverages

With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic dental treatment because a small amount of enamel is removed from your natural teeth to accommodate them. While the veneers themselves may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years, your teeth will always need to be covered with veneers or another restoration.

Do porcelain veneers look natural?

Yes, porcelain veneers are designed to look highly natural. The porcelain material mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, and each veneer is custom-made to match the color and shape of your surrounding teeth. When crafted and placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneers are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Is the porcelain veneer procedure painful?

The porcelain veneer procedure is generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used during the preparation phase to ensure your comfort. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, but this is typically mild and temporary.

Can porcelain veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining compared to natural teeth. However, the edges of the veneers where they meet your natural tooth structure can potentially stain over time. To minimize staining, it's best to limit the consumption of staining foods and beverages and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

How much do porcelain veneers cost?

The average cost of porcelain veneers across the industry is around $1500 per tooth. The cost of a full mouth or full row restoration varies depending on factors such as the number of veneers needed, the complexity of your case, and the experience of your dentist. 

Are you ready to unlock the potential of your smile with porcelain veneers? At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we're committed to helping you achieve the beautiful, confident smile you deserve. Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and our skilled team are here to guide you through every step of the porcelain veneer process.

Don't let dental imperfections hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards your dream smile by scheduling a consultation with Smiles of Chevy Chase. We proudly serve patients from Chevy Chase and surrounding areas including Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring.

Call us today at (301) 652-2939 to book your appointment and discover how porcelain veneers can transform your smile and boost your confidence.