Veneers
in Greenbelt, MD

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What are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, instantly transforming their appearance. Think of them as a permanent makeover for teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or have gaps between them. At McCarl Dental Group, our veneers are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain that mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, creating results so lifelike that even you might forget which teeth have veneers.

Benefits of Veneers

Minimally Invasive

Unlike crowns that dramatically reshape your natural tooth, veneers need only minimal preparation—often less than a millimeter of enamel is removed. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

Fixes Multiple Issues in One Treatment

In just two visits, veneers can address stubborn discoloration, chips and minor cracks, slight misalignments, gaps between teeth, and teeth that are worn down or oddly shaped—all without requiring you to go through multiple different treatments.

Stain-Resistant and Long-Lasting

The porcelain material used for veneers actually resists stains better than natural tooth enamel, so your bright smile stays bright—even if you enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine. With proper care, your veneers will keep looking beautiful for 10-15 years or more.

The Veneers Treatment Process

Step
1

Consultation and Digital Smile Design

We'll start with a friendly conversation about your smile goals and what you'd like to change. Using our iTero digital scanner, we'll capture precise 3D images of your teeth without any of those goopy traditional impressions. These images help us create a digital preview of your potential results, letting you actually see what your new smile could look like before making any decisions.

Step
2

Minimal Preparation and Impressions

Once you've approved your smile design, we'll gently prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel—typically less than the thickness of a fingernail. We then take detailed digital impressions using our iTero scanner to ensure your veneers will fit perfectly. Before you leave, we'll place temporary veneers so you can "test drive" your new smile.

Step
3

Creating Your Custom Veneers

Your digital impressions go to a specialty dental lab where skilled ceramists handcraft each veneer to our exact specifications. They carefully match the color, translucency, and shape to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth or create the new smile appearance you're looking for.

Step
4

Final Placement

When your custom veneers arrive, you'll return for your final appointment. We'll remove your temporaries, try in the permanent veneers to check their fit and appearance, and make any necessary adjustments. Once you're completely happy, we'll permanently bond the veneers to your teeth, polish them, and make any final touches to make sure your bite feels comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Are veneers right for me, or should I consider other options?

Veneers are a fantastic solution for many cosmetic concerns, but they're not the only option. During your consultation, we'll discuss alternatives like tooth whitening, bonding, or orthodontics, depending on your specific situation. If your teeth have significant structural damage or decay, crowns might be more appropriate. We always present all possible options so you can make a choice that balances your aesthetic goals, oral health needs, and budget.

Will my veneers look natural or fake?

Today's porcelain veneers are remarkably natural-looking. We take special care to customize the color, shape, and translucency of your veneers to complement your facial features and either match your existing teeth or create a naturally beautiful new smile.

How do I care for my veneers?

Good news—caring for veneers is pretty much the same as caring for natural teeth! Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, and keep up with your regular dental check-ups. While veneers resist stains better than natural teeth, the teeth around them and the margin where veneers meet your natural tooth can still stain, so moderation with coffee, tea, and red wine is helpful. Also, try to avoid using your teeth as tools (opening packages, biting fingernails) and consider wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, as this can help your veneers last even longer.