Porcelain Veneers in McLean

What Are Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Veneers made of porcelain are thin shells of porcelain that hide cosmetic imperfections. They cover the front of teeth and a little bit of the sides. This makes them almost unnoticeable since veneers are usually applied to front teeth. Some people choose one veneer to cover a tooth or they go for the smile makeover, which veneers cover the top front teeth that show when you smile.

Porcelain dental veneers can address;

Tooth Color: You can hide normal staining that tooth whitening procedures cannot fix. Some people don't have white teeth to start with, so any staining is very noticeable. Yellowish teeth are an inherited trait and don't respond well to whitening procedures. One veneer can also hide a tooth stained from antibiotic use or trauma in the tooth.

Alignment and Spacing: If you have minor alignment issues with your front teeth, veneers can address this without your needing braces. They can't fix overbites or underbites; these need braces. However, if you have teeth that are slightly crooked, veneers can hide this and make your smile appear symmetrical. Veneers can also hide minor gaps between teeth. Sometimes, individuals have minor gaps in their front teeth which they believe are unique. However, the gaps can become larger with age and look less attractive.

Shape and Size: Veneers can change the size and shape of your teeth. You can obtain a symmetrical smile with veneers that cover unevenly worn teeth or teeth with an unusual shape. Square teeth are associated with older people as wear and tear makes them less rounded. Rounded teeth can actually make you look younger.

How Do I Get Veneers Applied?

If you revive veneers made of porcelain, it will take three visits. The first visit is the consultation. Your dentist will have to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy but in need of a cosmetic fix. You'll learn more about the porcelain veneers procedure at this time.

During the second visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth. Your dentist will numb the area first, so it is not painful. Next, he or she makes a mold of the area for the dental lab that will create the veneers. It will take about two weeks for the lab to create them. You may get temporary veneers to wear in the meantime.

When you return for the last visit, your dentist may clean your teeth and then cement the veneer to the tooth. He or she will check your bite and make sure you're happy with the results. Most of our patients leave our office smiling away, and we know they are very happy with the results.

How Do Veneers and Porcelain Crowns Differ?

Both crowns and veneers are restorative options, but they are different. Veneers simply hide cosmetic imperfections by providing a false front for teeth. Crowns are more like porcelain teeth, as they completely cover a tooth. Crowns give damaged teeth added strength, but veneers cannot. Therefore, crowns restore damaged teeth and veneers restore teeth with cosmetic imperfections.

How Long Will My Veneers Porcelain Last?

Veneers can last at least a decade or more, more with proper care. After you have your veneers, your dentist will explain what you can do to make them last longer. If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism) you'll need a night guard and treatment for your issue.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing Lumineers®?

Lumineers® are a specific brand of veneers made of porcelain. Their primary advantage is that they are thinner than traditional veneers. Since Lumineers are so thin, the dentist applying them does not normally have to do any prep work, like removing enamel. Many individuals see this as a benefit as they don't like needles. However, once the enamel is gone, the tooth will always need a restoration. If a Lumineers falls off after 20 years, there is no rush to replace it as the tooth is whole. Another advantage is the total porcelain veneers cost. Lumineers may cost more than traditional veneers, but there is no preparation of the tooth, so the overall cost is usually lower.

If Lumineers interest you, please call our dentist in McLean to schedule a consultation.

How Do I Take Care of My Veneers?

You'll brush and floss normally. Many individuals believe they shouldn't floss around their dental porcelain veneers, but you have to to help prevent gum disease. Your dentist can show you how to floss safely. It's essential you have routine dental exams as well to ensure your veneers are not coming loose. While you should never do these things anyway, avoid biting into hard things with your veneers, like chewing on a pen or pencil. Never open bottles with your teeth either. If you break a veneer made from porcelain, your dentist cannot repair it.

Where Can I Receive a Consultation For Porcelain Veneers in McLean?

All you have to do is call us at (703) 532-2022. During your consultation, you will discover if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. You'll also hear about the porcelain veneers cost for how many teeth you want to restore and which type of veneers you select.