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Veneers
Cover Imperfections
Veneers are a convenient, affordable way to restore your smile, especially if you have heavy tooth stains, multiple chipped teeth, gapped, or slightly crooked teeth. With a set of veneers from Dr. Kim at Pinnacle Family Dental, you can restore your smile in just two short appointments. If you’re located in Ellicott City or Font Hill and you want to improve the appearance of your smile, give us a call today!
Understanding the Basics
Veneers are small, wafer-thin, tooth-shaped prosthetics. They are designed to cap and surround your entire tooth, and replace the exterior surface, covering up minor cosmetic dental issues. Veneers from Pinnacle Family Dental are made from porcelain ceramic material to match the shape and color of your natural teeth. The treatment is non-invasive and fast, making veneers a convenient way to correct most cosmetic dental issues.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers?
Candidates for veneers must meet a few criteria. First, your mouth must be healthy and free of any major issues like gum disease, serious cavities, or infected teeth. If you do have a cavity or another oral health issue, this must be treated before you can have veneers placed.
In addition, your teeth must be strong enough to support veneers. The placement process involves removing a small amount of enamel from each tooth that will be treated, so if your teeth are very worn-down from grinding or acid reflux, veneers may not be right for you. Your teeth will also need to be relatively straight. If your teeth are very crooked, you may need orthodontic treatment before you can have veneers placed.
The Veneers Process
The process of placing veneers is simple and non-invasive. After Dr. Kim has approved you for veneers, the procedure typically only takes two appointments. At your first appointment, Dr. Kim will clean your teeth and remove a small layer of enamel. This layer of enamel is very thin, and equal in thickness to the veneers that will be placed. Enamel is removed in order to ensure a completely seamless fit once the veneers have been applied.
Your permanent veneers will be manufactured after Dr. Kim takes molds of your teeth, and they will be bonded into place permanently with dental cement. Once they’re buffed and polished, your procedure is complete and you’ll leave our office with a fresh, new smile.
The Benefits of Veneers
Veneers have a number of benefits, making them a popular choice for cosmetic treatment. Veneers can treat most cosmetic issues, from gapped teeth to serious staining, slightly crooked teeth, and more. They are also made from tooth-like materials and built to look and feel just like natural teeth. Caring for veneers doesn’t involve any extra work-- all you have to do is brush and floss regularly, and see Dr. Kim for your regular six-month cleanings!
What Issues Do Veneers Treat?
Veneers from Dr. Kim at Pinnacle Family Dental can treat almost any minor cosmetic issue with your smile. From slightly-crooked teeth to gaps in your smile, small chips, or misshapen teeth, veneers are extremely versatile, and they are recommended for just about any cosmetic flaw.
However, veneers are not a restorative dental treatment. Veneers cannot be used to treat dental issues like cavities or decayed teeth. Alternative treatment, like a filling or a porcelain dental crown, is recommended in these cases to provide additional strength and support to the enamel.
How to Take Care of Porcelain Veneers
The most important thing to do when you get veneers is brush and floss just like you would your natural teeth. Brush 2-3 times a day for at least 2 minutes, floss once per day and make sure you always see Dr. Kim for six-month cleanings and oral exams.
Beyond this, you should also make sure that your veneers are protected from teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). Grinding and clenching can crack or dislocate your veneers, so if you suffer from these issues, it’s important to get a nightguard to protect your teeth at night.
Avoid chewing extremely hard foods like ice or almonds with your veneers, chewing non-food objects like pens or your fingernails, or using your teeth as tools to open bags or packages. Anything that could damage a real tooth could also damage your veneer, so make sure you keep that in mind!
You should also discontinue tobacco use. Smoking and using tobacco is bad for your overall health. And while porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and won’t stain, continued tobacco use can stain the surrounding, untreated teeth, or the composite bonding material used to hold the veneer in place. In turn, this can affect the appearance of your smile.
Contact Us Now for a Consultation
If you’re interested in veneers and you want to know more about this cosmetic procedure, we’re here to help! During your consultation, Dr. Kim will discuss your oral health, goals, and budget in order to help you choose the right cosmetic procedure for your needs. With his informative, patient-focused approach, you’re sure to make the right decision. Contact us now at (410) 461-3747, or stop by our office near Dunloggin, Normandy, and Autumn Hill, at 9275 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 103, Ellicott City, MD 21042 to get started.