Porcelain Veneers in Fairfax

What is a Porcelain Veneer?

Porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that covers imperfections on the tooth surface. They are permanently bonded to the tooth, so there is little chance anyone will realize your brilliant smile has had a custom makeover.

Veneers can correct several aesthetic issues you may feel need improvement:

• Color: Unfortunately, aging can take its toll on the appearance of our teeth. Add to that our consumption of coffee, tea, certain medications, and tobacco products and our teeth can appear yellow and dingy. Veneers can restore your teeth to pearly white, making your smile seem more youthful. And if you have a stubborn tooth that is resistant to traditional teeth whitening efforts, a veneer can fix that problem as well.
• Size and shape: Veneers can have a transformative effect on teeth that are chipped or have been shortened due to tooth clenching or grinding, also knowns as bruxism. Veneers can alter your bite and the shape of your teeth so they better complement your features.
• Alignment and spacing: If you are experiencing small gaps between your teeth, you may not need braces. Porcelain veneers can fill in those gaps and assist with other issues regarding your teeth alignment.

Once you’ve decided veneers are the best solution, our dentist will take a mold of your teeth to ensure a proper fit and prep the teeth. Once attached, the veneers should not need to be replaced or repaired unless there is an unexpected issue.

How Is a Veneer Different from a Crown?

Veneers and crowns positively affect your smile changing the color, shape, size, and appearance of your teeth. The difference between the two is simple: a veneer covers the front side of the tooth while a crown covers the whole tooth down to the gums. Getting a crown is sometimes referred to as “capping a tooth,” because it fits like a hat over a tooth.

Veneers are a cosmetic solution for healthy teeth with only slight imperfections. For a tooth that has been compromised by cavities, trauma, bruxism or age, a crown is the better option for restoration. A crown also is the preferred fix for your back teeth because of the strong biting force your molars exert.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

It is anticipated your veneers are permanent and will last for decades, but their overall durability can vary depending on the brand, your lifestyle, and attentiveness to dental care. Treat them as well as you would your natural teeth and your smile should remain brilliant for years to come.

What Are Lumineers^®?

Lumineers^® are a particular brand of veneers that are highly translucent, ultra-thin, and highly durable, usually lasting more than 20 years. And because of their extreme thinness, Lumineers require little-to-no reduction in the surface enamel before application. You will feel no pain when they are applied and they will be stain-resistant and look natural through your lifetime.

How Do I Care For Veneers?

As previously said, treat veneers like you would your natural teeth – daily brushing and flossing and twice annual visits to your dentist– to ensure a long life for your new smile. However, we do recommend that you manage your veneers with a light touch, meaning avoid biting into especially hard foods, like candied apples. And please don’t use your teeth to open envelopes or packages, and tear off price tags. And if your veneers are assisting teeth previously worn down from an unconscious habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, you should invest in a custom night guard to protect them.

Our veneer dentist at Dental One Associates of Woodson Square in Fairfax will answer any questions or concerns you have concerning the maintenance of your new smile following your treatment.

Schedule a Consultation for Veneers in Fairfax Today

Do you have more questions about veneers? If so, call our staff in Fairfax to make an appointment at (571) 364-7943 and get the answers you crave. We look forward to helping put you on the road to a better smile.