Our Columbia dentist has years of experience providing same-day porcelain veneers. Dr. Becker is a highly-trained cosmetic dentist near you. Our dentist offers porcelain veneers in Columbia, MD, to make subtle or dramatic changes to their smiles. Dental veneers will give you a new smile that blends with your natural appearance and feels comfortable. Enjoy the benefits of your total smile makeover in just one visit to our Columbia, MD, cosmetic dentist office.
What makes a beautiful smile?
Everyone may answer a little differently, but there are a few qualities that most will agree on:
- Good tooth color
- Symmetry
- Alignment
If your teeth could use improvement in any of these categories, porcelain veneers could be right for you. Dental veneers are a “one-and-done” cosmetic dentistry procedure. Veneers can change the shape, size, and shade of teeth.
Our office also provides same-day veneers. We use CEREC technology so you can receive dental veneers in just one visit to our Columbia, MD, dentist’s office.
Learn more: CEREC for cosmetic dentistry
What Can Veneers Fix?
A veneer is a thin shell that we bond to the front and sides of your tooth to hide just about any imperfection. Veneers can do the following:
- Fix gaps between teeth
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Improve the appearance of crooked or misshapen teeth
- Change the shape or length of short teeth
- Cover stained or discolored teeth
We use porcelain veneers because we can color-match them to your natural tooth shade. Veneers can cover one or more teeth that show when you smile.
Choosing Howard County Smiles for Veneers
Dr. Becker has taught advanced esthetics and has years of experience providing beautiful results with same-day dental veneers. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), he has continued his cosmetic education. Dr. Becker also uses digital impressions and in-office milling to create veneers.
His in-office technology enables you to receive cosmetic treatment in one office visit. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of your total smile makeover without the wait.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Columbia, MD
At Howard County Smiles, we use CEREC technology to design, fabricate, and fit dental veneers in just one visit to our Columbia, MD, dentist’s office. You can have your dental veneers custom-designed and milled on-site in just one visit.
To begin veneer treatment, our dentist will remove a substantial amount of tooth enamel to allow room for the dental veneer. Tooth preparation ensures that the veneers don’t feel bulky.
Next, Dr. Becker uses advanced CEREC technology to take clear digital images of your prepared teeth. These 3-D images help him design custom veneers that look natural and beautiful without the need for messy impression trays. Once you approve the digital preview of your new smile, he creates your veneers using special lab equipment right in the office while you wait. When they’re ready, Dr. Becker checks the shape and size to make sure they fit perfectly.
Finally, Dr. Becker bonds the custom veneer to your prepared teeth. You can leave our office with your newly restored teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veneers can treat multiple cosmetic dental concerns. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more about veneers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of veneers will vary based on the types of materials and number of veneers. Porcelain can cost more but is a more durable material that lasts.
Before your treatment, we fully review the procedure and the porcelain veneer cost. We offer convenient payment options, including interest-free financing through Care Credit for qualified patients.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
On average, porcelain veneers last for 10 to 15 years or more. Some patients have porcelain veneers that last for decades. Proper care and maintenance will help your restoration last. That includes a proper at-home hygiene routine and regular dental visits for professional cleaning.
Is the porcelain veneer procedure painful?
Patients often worry about pain during treatment. Our dentist will ensure that you feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment. We’ll numb your tooth so you do not feel pain.
You can have some mild sensitivity right after treatment, but these symptoms generally subside within one to three days of treatment.
Can porcelain veneers fall off?
While a veneer falling off your tooth is uncommon, it can happen. Biting down directly on too hard or sticky foods can damage the veneers. As a result, veneers can fall off of your teeth.
Veneers also need to have a strong foundation. If you don’t care for the natural teeth under the veneers, they can succumb to decay, leading the veneers to loosen or fall.
Are porcelain veneers high maintenance?
No, veneers don’t need special care. You don’t have to do anything but brush and floss your teeth like you normally would after you get veneers. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to ensure you don’t scratch your veneers.
Can you go back to your normal teeth after veneer treatment?
No, once you have porcelain veneers, you’ll always need to have a restoration on those teeth. We remove a small amount of tooth structure to make room for those veneers.
After this process, your tooth will no longer have that protective outer layer of tooth enamel. Tooth preparation can expose more of the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. You must cover your treated teeth with veneers or another restoration.
Are veneers stain-resistant?
Yes, veneers are stain-resistant. Unlike natural teeth, veneers use nonporous materials, so they don’t absorb stains as easily. They can stay bright and white longer, even if you enjoy coffee, tea, or other stain-causing foods and drinks. But you still want to brush regularly and avoid habits like smoking to keep your veneers looking their best.
Do veneers hurt?
Most people don’t feel pain when getting veneers. During the process, your dentist may remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers. This is done carefully, and a local anesthetic is often used to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort.
After the procedure, you might be sensitive to hot or cold foods, but this usually goes away within a few days. If you have any concerns, please let us know. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable during every step of the process.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
While dental crowns and veneers are similar types of restoration, there are a few key differences. One of the main differences is that a dental crown covers the entire tooth. Veneers only cover the front and sides of a tooth.
Request a Consultation
If you are interested in porcelain veneers in the Ellicott City, MD area, schedule an appointment online. You may also call Howard County Smiles at (410) 415-9013. Do you have any more questions about veneers or the treatment process? We’ll discuss your goals and budget to see if this cosmetic treatment is right for you.