A Personalized Approach to Enhancing Your Smile
Small changes to tooth color, shape and proportions can make a meaningful difference in your smile. At Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard provides porcelain veneers in Lanham, Maryland, with an approach that considers your goals, bite and long-term oral health.
Call 301-552-2662 to schedule a cosmetic consultation and explore your options.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made coverings bonded to the front surfaces of selected teeth. They can change the visible shape, color or proportions of a tooth while coordinating with the rest of your smile. Unlike a crown, which covers more of a tooth, a veneer primarily addresses its front surface.
Porcelain offers a natural-looking appearance and resistance to staining. The material, shade and shape are selected as part of your individual plan.
What Can Veneers Improve?
Veneers may be appropriate for concerns such as:
- Staining that does not respond adequately to whitening
- Minor chips or worn edges
- Small spaces between teeth
- Uneven tooth size, shape or proportions
- Selected cosmetic irregularities affecting the visible smile
Veneers do not treat active decay, gum disease or every alignment problem. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will evaluate the underlying health of your teeth and discuss any care needed before cosmetic treatment.
Veneer Experience Dating Back to the 1990s
Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985. Her veneer experience dates back to Cerinate veneers in the 1990s, giving her a long-term perspective on cosmetic dentistry and the importance of careful planning and maintenance.
She has continued her education throughout her career, including studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute. As a solo dentist, she takes a personal role in helping adults understand the benefits, limitations and alternatives to a proposed smile enhancement.
Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Your consultation includes an examination of your teeth, gums and bite, along with a discussion of what you would like to change. The amount of healthy enamel, existing restorations, clenching or grinding, and the pressure on your teeth can affect suitability.
Veneers generally require enamel removal, making treatment irreversible. You should expect to maintain the restorations and potentially replace them in the future. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will explain the proposed preparation and help you consider the commitment before proceeding.
What to Expect During Treatment
Discussing Your Goals
Tell us what you like about your smile and what you would change. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will discuss the teeth involved, appropriate proportions and the shade you prefer. You can also compare alternatives before choosing a plan.
Preparation and Records
The teeth are prepared as needed for the proposed veneers. Impressions or digital records guide fabrication, and temporary veneers may be used while the final restorations are being made. The number of appointments depends on your treatment plan.
Evaluating and Bonding the Veneers
Before bonding, Dr. Brenda E. Howard checks the fit, appearance and relationship with your bite. The veneers are then secured and finishing adjustments are made. Our team will explain care instructions and any recommended follow-up.
Comparing Veneers With Other Options
The most appropriate treatment depends on the change you want and the health of the tooth. Teeth whitening may address color without changing tooth shape. Dental bonding may offer a conservative option for minor chips or small gaps. Clear aligners may be considered when tooth position is the main concern.
A tooth with substantial structural damage may need a crown instead. Your consultation will help you compare appropriate choices.
Caring for Your Veneers
Brush and clean between your teeth daily, keep regular dental visits, and avoid biting hard objects or using teeth to open packages. If you clench or grind, ask whether a protective appliance is appropriate. Call if a veneer chips, loosens or feels uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are porcelain veneers reversible?
How long do veneers last?
Can veneers replace orthodontic treatment?
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
Schedule a Veneer Consultation in Lanham, Maryland
Explore a smile enhancement informed by decades of cosmetic experience. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule your porcelain veneer consultation.