Discolored teeth, chips and gaps between your teeth may make you want to hide your smile. Luckily, it's easy to conceal these and other minor imperfections with veneers offered by your Upper Marlboro, MD, dentist, Dr. Felix Papillon of Papillon Dental Care.

What are veneers?

Veneers conceal imperfections in your tooth enamel. They're designed to cover the fronts of teeth only, the areas where flaws are most noticeable. During your first veneer appointment, your Upper Marlboro dentist removes a small amount of enamel to ensure that your restorations won't feel bulky or look out of place. Veneers are crafted from impressions of your mouth for an ideal fit and are usually ready about two weeks after your initial appointment.

What advantages do veneers offer?

Veneers are an excellent option if you have minor imperfections in your teeth, such as chips, surface cracks, bumps or pits. Although those flaws don't affect the structure or function of your teeth, they're often very noticeable and can make you feel a little self-conscious. Your new veneers are crafted to match the shade of surrounding teeth perfectly to ensure that no one can spot your restorations.

The restorations also cover gaps between teeth. They're ideal for slight spaces that aren't big enough to require orthodontic treatment.

Do you have a tooth that looks like it belongs in someone else's mouth? Veneers can change the shape of teeth and offer a simple way to conceal crooked, twisted or pointed teeth. They can also extend the length of short teeth, particularly those that have gotten a little shorter due to grinding. (Wearing a custom-made nightguard will prevent damage to your veneers if you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.)

The restorations don't just hide flaws but can also be used to improve the appearance of discolored teeth. Whether you have a single discolored tooth or want to brighten your entire smile, veneers can help. The restorations are stain resistant, which makes them an excellent long-term whitening option.

Enhance your smile with veneers! Call your Upper Marlboro, MD, dentist, Dr. Felix Papillon of Papillon Dental Care at (301) 773-5700 to schedule your appointment.