Porcelain Veneers

Northern Virginia Cosmetic Dentist Serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Surrounding Areas

Porcelain veneers are used by cosmetic dentists in dentistry for many reasons. They originally were developed as a cosmetic dental treatment to change the shape or color of teeth and also to close spaces and align the teeth to appear straighter. They are also used as a restorative material to preserve tooth structure. Cosmetic porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain "shells" that are bonded to the teeth, the bond of the porcelain to the enamel is the second strongest bond there is in dentistry, the veneer nearly becomes part of the tooth it is bonded to.

Here are some frequently asked questions about dental veneers:

• Do my teeth have to be ground down?
  Typically research is showing us the a properly done veneer which is properly bonded to enamel and is in a protected occlusion( which means that the patient wears a night guard or bite splint when asleep or does not grind their teeth) can last longer than 20 years. Keep in mind that this means they must be caringly placed by an expert and fabricated by a laboratory who has expertise in fabrication of veneers.


• How long will they last?
  Typically research is showing us the a properly done veneer which is properly bonded to enamel and is in a protected occlusion( which means that the patient wears a night guard or bite splint when asleep or does not grind their teeth) can last longer than 20 years. Keep in mind that this means they must be caringly placed by an expert and fabricated by a laboratory who has expertise in fabrication of veneers.


• Will they stain?
  Normally no however if you are a smoker or heavy coffee drinker you can get staining around the edges particularly if care was not taken to prepare the veneers slightly below the gum line. As you age and your gums receed you may get staining if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee but this can be greatly reduced if your veneers are done expertly and have virtually no gap between the veneer and the tooth. For this reason it is very important to choose the right dentist to do your veneers.


• What can I eat with them?
  Unless you have a peculiar situation you should be able to eat normally with your new veneers. I have had veneers myself for over 12 years and eat anything I want. You should treat your veneers like your own teeth, so no bottle opening or anything like that but corn on the cob, why not!


• What about bleaching?
  You should bleach your teeth prior to getting veneers if you want to bleach or whiten your teeth. Remember the veneers are made of porcelain and a shade is selected to match your natural teeth that the veneers may be next to. Teeth bleaching and whitening products will not bleach or whiten porcelain. So bleach first, wait, then get veneers and select a shade that matches your new whiter smile.


• Will my teeth become sensitive?
  No. They may be a little sensitive at the start of treatment in a few cases but typically they are not and you can go about eating, drinking and normal function without sensitivity or problems.


• How can I protect my veneers?
  Typically you can protect your veneers by having a custom night guard made, this will protect your veneers while you sleep as it will protect your natural teeth.


• How often will I have to change them?
  Studies are showing veneers lasting longer than 20 years! You might choose to change them but may not have to. If you take good care of them and use a protective bite guard they should last a very very long time.


• Will they get dark at the gum line as my gums recede?
  They should not, veneers are made of all porcelain and well made and well placed veneers should be flush against the tooth structure. There should be slight to little transition between the veneer and your natural tooth so even if you get a little recession that transition should be virtually undetectable.


• Can I have a veneer done over a crown?
  Yes you can, some veneer products are developed to be bonded right to crowns. This may be an option that might work for you.

More Questions?
Ask The Doctor at:
OldTownDentist@gmail.com
or visit our before and after section to see more veneer cases.

Washington, DC and Northern Virginia patients are invited
to contact our Alexandria, VA advanced dentistry office today
for a consultation. Enjoy the confidence of a healthy and
naturally beautiful smile with porcelain veneers!