Porcelain veneers offered by your Rockville, MD, cosmetic dentists, Drs. Ghassan Jacklis and H. David Allick provide a simple way to upgrade your smile and conceal imperfections. If you've been thinking about revitalizing your teeth with veneers, you'll want to take a look at these commonly asked questions about the restorations.

What are veneers?

Veneers conceal flaws the same way a slipcover hides a stain on a couch or refacing improves the appearance of damaged or outdated kitchen cabinets. The wafer-thin restorations are made from an impression of your mouth and applied to the fronts of your teeth with dental cement. They're constructed of porcelain, a translucent material that reflects light the same way tooth enamel does. As a result, your veneers will look and feel completely natural.

What types of imperfections can veneers improve?

Veneers provide an ideal way to conceal a variety of tooth flaws. They're an excellent choice if a tooth has a shallow, noticeable crack, or wear and tear caused a small chip in the bottom of your tooth.

Braces may not be necessary if you have just a few crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers can completely change the appearance of oddly shaped teeth and make crooked or twisted teeth look perfectly straight.

The restorations are also used to close slight gaps between teeth, hide uneven surfaces and lengthen short teeth. If your teeth have shortened due to your grinding or clenching habit, your Rockville cosmetic dentists may recommend a nightguard to prevent damage to your veneers and your teeth.

Do you wish your smile was as white as your favorite celebrity's? Adding stain-resistant veneers is an excellent, long-term alternative to teeth whitening treatment. A porcelain veneer can also improve the appearance of a single discolored tooth by matching its shade to those of nearby teeth.

Is it difficult to care for veneers?

Brushing and flossing your teeth will keep your veneers in good condition. Veneers are designed to withstand chewing and biting, but they can break if you gnaw on ice or use your teeth to open packages. You may also want to avoid abrasive toothpastes that may scratch the porcelain.

Renew your smile with porcelain veneers! Call your Rockville, MD, cosmetic dentists, Drs. Ghassan Jacklis and H. David Allick, at (301) 881-6666 to schedule your appointment.