Porcelain Veneers in Federal Hill

What veneers are

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth that show when you smile. They change the shape, the color and the alignment of those teeth without touching the ones behind them.

What they fix, and what they do not

They work well on teeth that are chipped, worn at the edges, oddly shaped, slightly crooked, or discolored in a way that whitening will not shift.

They are not a treatment for anything underneath. Decay and gum disease have to be dealt with first, and if your teeth are significantly out of line, straightening them with Invisalign or braces may get you a better result than covering them. Dr. Ellis will say so if that is what she thinks.

Veneers are permanent

To fit a veneer, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth. Enamel does not grow back, so once a tooth has been prepared for a veneer it will always need one.

That is not a reason to avoid them. It is a reason to be sure, and to have the conversation properly before starting rather than halfway through. If you want something less final, ask about bonding.

What happens at your appointment

It starts with a conversation about what you actually want changed, because that is more specific for most people than “a nicer smile”. Then the teeth are prepared, a scan or impression is taken, and the veneers are made to fit and shaded against your other teeth before being bonded on.

Cost and insurance

Veneers are cosmetic, so most dental plans do not cover them. You will get the cost in writing after the consultation, before any work starts.