Porcelain Veneers in Chevy Chase, MD
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.
Natural-Looking, Long-Lasting Veneers Near You
If you’ve been searching for ways to enhance your smile—whether due to discoloration, chipped teeth, gaps, or cosmetic imperfections—porcelain veneers offer one of the most transformative cosmetic dentistry solutions available today. For many patients, teeth whitening treatments, Invisalign®, or dental crowns may not be the right fit. Veneers provide an efficient, beautiful, and long-lasting alternative.
At Smiles of Chevy Chase, our mission is to help you achieve a smile that improves your confidence, supports your oral health, and reflects your unique personality. Under the care of the top dentist in Chevy Chase, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, you’ll receive individualized attention, advanced cosmetic treatments, and exceptional results backed by years of clinical excellence.
To schedule an appointment or veneer consultation, call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-2939. We welcome new and returning patients in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, or Silver Spring, MD.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted, thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Think of them as a masterfully designed mask that conceals a multitude of flaws while providing a strong, durable surface.
At our dental office in Chevy Chase, we use veneers to correct:
- Stubborn Stains: Resistant to professional teeth whitening? Porcelain is highly stain-resistant, giving you a permanently bright smile.
- Chips and Cracks: Instantly restore the integrity and appearance of damaged teeth.
- Gaps and Spacing: Close undesirable spaces between teeth without the need for orthodontics.
- Minor Misalignment: Camouflage slightly crooked teeth for a straighter-looking smile in just a few visits.
- Worn or Irregular Shapes: Create symmetry and balance for a harmonious smile.
If you’ve been searching for a dentist near you for porcelain veneers or porcelain veneers in Chevy Chase, you’re in the right place.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Choosing porcelain veneers can provide you with several advantages:
- Stunning, Natural-Looking Results: Porcelain mimics the light-reflecting quality of natural enamel, giving your new smile a beautifully natural appearance.
- Excellent Stain Resistance: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain doesn’t easily absorb pigments from coffee, red wine, tea, or tobacco—helping you maintain a bright smile for years.
- Long-Lasting Durability: With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, and in many cases, even longer.
- Minimal Tooth Alteration: Veneers require less enamel removal than dental crowns, helping preserve your natural tooth structure.
- Fast, Predictable Results: Most patients complete the veneer process in two to three visits, achieving their perfect smile faster than with many other cosmetic procedures.
Meet Dr. Despina Markogiannakis
Top Cosmetic Dentist in Chevy Chase, MD
Your journey to a perfect smile should be guided by a highly skilled and trusted professional. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, you’re in the skilled hands of Dr. Despina Markogiannakis (also affectionately known as Dr. Marko).
- Award-Winning Dentistry: Voted a Washingtonian Magazine Top Dentist in 2021 and 2023, Dr. Marko is recognized for her exceptional results and commitment to excellence in cosmetic and restorative treatments.
- Top-Tier Education: Her journey includes a degree from Georgetown University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University, where she graduated with highest honors.
- A Focus on Your Comfort: Dr. Marko understands dental anxiety. She creates a stress-free experience through compassionate care and offers sedation dentistry options to ensure your complete comfort.
- Comprehensive Skill Set: Beyond porcelain veneers, her expertise in implant dentistry, dental crowns, and Invisalign means you receive well-rounded advice tailored to your unique oral health needs.
If you’re looking for a highly skilled cosmetic dentist near you who provides personalized care and exceptional veneer results, Dr. Marko is among the most trusted in the region. To schedule an appointment or veneer consultation, call our Chevy Chase dental practice at (301) 652-2939.
Types of Dental Veneers
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a top choice in cosmetic dentistry for their durability and natural appearance. They effectively improve tooth color, reshape teeth, close minor gaps, and conceal severe stains. Typically lasting 15 to 20 years with proper care, they offer high stain resistance and the most authentic aesthetic. However, the treatment requires the removal of some tooth enamel, making it irreversible. While they’re more expensive than other options, many patients feel the lasting results justify the cost.
No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers provide a conservative option for minor cosmetic dental improvements. Since they’re ultra-thin, they require minimal or no tooth preparation, making the procedure faster and generally involving less discomfort than traditional veneers. This makes them a preferred choice for patients with dental anxiety or those who want a potentially reversible treatment. However, no-prep veneers have limitations. They’re not suitable for significant changes in tooth color or shape and may appear slightly bulkier than traditional veneers. Additionally, they may not offer the same longevity as traditional porcelain veneers.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers, crafted from tooth-colored resin, provide a less expensive option compared to porcelain veneers. They’re ideal for minor cosmetic adjustments and quick smile improvements, often requiring only a single dental visit for completion. Another benefit is their ease of repair if they chip or break. However, composite resin is less resilient than porcelain, with an average lifespan of five to seven years. Furthermore, they’re more susceptible to staining and may not offer the same highly natural appearance as porcelain veneers.
Lumineers® Veneers
Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain dental veneers, resembling the thickness of a standard contact lens. Their minimal thickness allows for bonding directly to the tooth surface with little to no drilling, unlike traditional veneers that require significant enamel removal. This minimally invasive approach makes the process generally reversible, less painful, and quicker. These durable veneers effectively address various aesthetic dental issues, including severe discoloration and minor damage like chips or worn edges, and can correct minor misalignments or gaps between teeth, helping to create a more uniform and attractive smile.
Removable Veneers (Snap-On Veneers)
Removable dental veneers offer a flexible, non-permanent way to enhance smiles. Unlike permanent veneers, they can be easily removed for temporary use, such as during events. Their non-invasive application preserves natural teeth, making them safe and reversible. However, they need to be removed for cleaning, sleeping, and eating to maintain hygiene. Cost-effective compared to permanent options, they make cosmetic dentistry accessible to more patients. However, they’re less durable and may lack the aesthetic quality of permanent veneers, making them better suited for temporary use rather than long-term solutions.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
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Initial Consultation
During your first visit, Dr. Marko will evaluate your oral health and medical history, check for tooth decay or gum disease, discuss your smile goals, review treatment options, offer sedation options for dental anxiety, and determine if veneers are the best cosmetic solution for you. If veneers aren’t the right fit, she may recommend dental bonding, whitening, Invisalign®, or other restorative treatments.
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Designing Your Custom Porcelain Veneers
Once you and your dentist have agreed on moving forward with veneers, we’ll use digital X-rays, impressions, and photography to design your new smile. You’ll choose tooth shade, shape, and length, and the overall smile aesthetic. These will be sent to an off-site dental laboratory and serve as the blueprints for your custom veneers. Your custom veneers are then fabricated by a trusted, high-end dental laboratory. You’ll then return to our Chevy Chase office and have your veneers installed once they’re ready.
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Tooth Preparation
The process of preparing your teeth for porcelain veneers is straightforward and nearly painless. First, we’ll clean your teeth. Then, our Chevy Chase cosmetic dentist gently removes a minimal amount of enamel—no more than the width of a fingernail—from the tooth's surface. This step is essential, as it allows the veneers to adhere more easily and ensures a natural-looking result once they’re applied.
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Porcelain Veneer Placement
Once your veneers arrive, you’ll return to our Chevy Chase dental office for your veneer placement. Dr. Marko will check their fit, shape, and color, and we’ll confirm if you feel good about the way your veneers look. Next, we’ll bond your custom veneers using strong, specialized dental cement. Finally, she’ll evaluate your bite and make the necessary adjustments. Once we confirm you’re satisfied with your porcelain veneers and that they fit comfortably, you’ll leave with a stunning new smile!
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your porcelain veneers, follow these care instructions:
- Brush twice daily and floss daily
- Avoid chewing ice or using teeth as tools
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Attend regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings
- Limit heavily pigmented foods and drinks
With proper care, your new porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost in Maryland?
The cost of porcelain veneers in Maryland typically ranges in the thousands per tooth.
However, the cost of your porcelain veneer treatment depends on:
- Number of veneers needed
- Complexity of your case
- Type of veneer
- Experience of the cosmetic dentist
- Lab quality
- Additional treatments (e.g., whitening, fillings, gum contouring)
During your consultation, we’ll provide a transparent treatment plan with exact costs.
Financing Options at Smiles of Chevy Chase
To make cosmetic dentistry accessible for all patients, we offer:
- CareCredit® third-party financing: Low monthly payments, interest-free promotional plans, and flexible options.
- Payment plans tailored to your budget: We help make your dream smile achievable with flexible financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if veneers are the right treatment for my dental needs?
If you want to improve tooth color, shape, or alignment and have healthy gums and enamel, you’re likely a great candidate. Dr. Marko will evaluate your oral health and discuss all treatment options during your consultation.
Do veneers protect against tooth decay or gum disease?
Dental veneers do not prevent tooth decay, but they can help protect weakened enamel. You still need to maintain optimal oral health with brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to prevent gum disease.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth without orthodontics?
Yes, porcelain veneers can be an ideal alternative to orthodontics if your teeth are only mildly misaligned. Veneers can mask crooked teeth, gaps, or uneven shapes. For moderate to severe crowding, Invisalign® may be recommended.
Will my veneers match my surrounding teeth?
Absolutely. Tooth veneers are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your natural smile unless you choose a brighter, more uniform shade for comprehensive cosmetic improvement.
Are porcelain veneers better than composite veneers?
Porcelain veneers last longer, look more natural, and resist staining better than composite veneers. However, composite veneers are more affordable and quicker to apply.
Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers in Chevy Chase, MD
Your smile makes a powerful first impression. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we combine personalized care, advanced technology, and exceptional cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve a confident, natural-looking smile.
Whether you’re near Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, or Silver Spring, our skilled professionals are here to guide you through every step of your smile transformation.
Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-2939 to schedule an appointment. Experience the confidence that comes from a beautiful, healthy, long-lasting smile designed by one of the top cosmetic dentists in the Washington, D.C., area.