Porcelain Veneer FAQs

Cosmetic Dentist Serving Alexandria and Arlington, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia

What are porcelain veneers?

porcelain veneers are thin shells of either ceramic or porcelain material which is affixed to the front of one or more teeth.

Who needs porcelain veneers?

porcelain veneers work well on anyone who has chips, cracks, discolorations or stains on the front of one or more teeth. porcelain veneers also work well to repair teeth with worn edges.

What do they look like?

The thin shells of porcelain have the same texture and appearance as a real tooth. Additionally, the veneers are colored, by your Dentist, so they match the color of the rest of your teeth. The end result is a very natural-looking tooth.

How are the porcelain veneers applied?

The shells are custom-created for you, and then bonded to your teeth with a special dental cement. The cement is "activated" with a dental laser. The bond is permanent, which is why porcelain veneers last upwards of 15 years.

Does the application procedure hurt?

Generally, not at all, although there may be some slight tooth sensitivity for a little while afterwards.

What do porcelain veneers cost?

The only way to determine the exact cost is to meet with Dr. Varipapa for a consultation, since the price is dependant on the type and number of veneers you need.

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?

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.

Click here for more information on porcelain veneers.

The Center for Esthetic Dentistry serves patients through the Northern Virginia area as well as the areas of Alexandria and Arlington, as well as the city of Washington D.C. We are able to fulfill all of your cosmetic dental veneer needs.

Call 703.299.9899 or email us today.