Do you have deep tooth stains that don’t react to whitening treatment? Are imperfections in your smile impacting your confidence? Ask us about treatment with veneers. We provide traditional veneers made of tooth-colored porcelain and Lumineers, a thinner type of veneer. Learn the similarities and differences of these veneers in our Annapolis, MD office and how cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Types of Veneers
Cosmetic dental treatments like veneers address various problems, including tooth damage, gaps between teeth, and even slightly crooked teeth. We will work with you to determine which type of veneer will fit your needs. Learn more about each type of veneer below:
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are 0.5 mm thick. Treatment with traditional veneers requires tooth preparation to ensure that the veneers feel natural and do not look bulky. We will remove a small portion of the tooth enamel, or the outer layer of the tooth, to prepare for veneer treatment. Then, we will bond the veneers to the front of each tooth.
Dental veneers can help patients who have extensive tooth damage or discoloration and who want a lasting cosmetic treatment to create a straighter and brighter smile. While veneers require more preparation than other methods, they can last over 15 years with the proper care.
Lumineers
Also known as minimal prep veneers, lumineers are thinner veneers with a thickness of 0.3 mm. These veneers do not require as much tooth preparation as porcelain veneers, which means they are considered non-permanent. We only need to lightly etch the teeth, take a dental impression, and then bond the lumineers to the teeth. Lumineers are also more translucent than porcelain veneers, which makes them an excellent option for patients who want to treat slightly discolored teeth.
With the right care, lumineers can last 10 to 20 years. While lumineers may not last as long as porcelain veneers, we will recommend lumineers for patients who do not have as much tooth damage. Because lumineers may be easily removed and require minimal preparation, patients who want cosmetic care but do not want to change their teeth permanently are good candidates for lumineers.
After treatment with porcelain veneers or lumineers, we will ask patients to avoid foods and drinks that can stain, including coffee, berries, tea, and tomato-based sauces. Patients must also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods directly after treatment.
Do you want dental veneers but are unsure which treatment suits you? Contact Annapolis Center for Dental Health and Wellness today at (443) 482-5202. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Vernon Sheen on our website. Dr. Sheen will examine your smile and consider your dental problems to find the best treatment for your specific needs.