Address discolored, crooked, and injured teeth with dental veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain ceramic shells that we bond to one or more teeth in the smile line. Cosmetic imperfections in the teeth can discourage patients from showing their smiles. Our patients can feel confident with veneers in a brighter, straighter smile. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment we offer at Smiles by Mia in Burke, VA. Here we will also explore similar alternatives to veneers like Lumineers and the Snap-On Smile®.
Dental Veneers in Fairfax, VA
As with any dental procedure, we’ll first have a consultation and exam to ensure veneers are your best choice. We go over your budget, medical history, and cosmetic goals. We’ll also perform a thorough oral examination. You have to be in good oral health for veneers to be successful. If you have oral conditions like tooth decay or gum disease, we’ll need to treat these before we proceed with the veneers.
Porcelain veneers usually take two appointments to complete the process. During the first, we’ll prepare your teeth for the veneers. Veneers require a minimal amount of tooth structure to be removed to make room for them. We want the veneers to lay flat and blend in flush with the rest of your teeth. Once they’re prepared, we take impressions of those teeth. The dental lab uses these to create your veneers.
We include all the specifics when we send the impressions to the lab. This includes the shade of white the veneers will be, their size, and their shape. It’s important that they look natural in your smile. When your veneers are done, you come back into our office. We’ll fit the veneers to your teeth and make small adjustments to ensure they fit properly. When you’re happy with the results, we permanently bond the veneers to your teeth.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
There are many different reasons why porcelain veneers are a great option for your cosmetic needs.
They Make Over Your Smile
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry choices. They can treat almost any cosmetic concerns a patient has. They’re fairly non-invasive when compared to other choices. Though they require some tooth preparation, we don’t need to remove a large portion of your tooth structure like we would with a dental crown. They’re considered a permanent solution for cosmetic issues with your smile.
Veneers can completely transform your smile. If you have discolored teeth that aren’t responding to traditional treatments, veneers can be made in any shade. They completely cover the front and sides of your teeth. When there are cosmetic chips and cracks in your teeth, veneers repair them. They keep the cracked teeth together and give you back the portion of your tooth that’s been chipped off.
Veneers are thin and don’t add any extra bulk or discomfort to your teeth. Because they’re completely customizable, you can get the exact look you want for your smile. Since they can take care of so many cosmetic dental problems, you don’t have to spend time and money on different treatment options to correct multiple issues.
They’re Incredibly Durable
While they aren’t as strong as your natural teeth, dental porcelain is a strong material for a restoration. It takes a lot of pressure to chip or crack a porcelain veneer. They’re built to handle the wear and tear of everyday use. They’re a bit flexible too, allowing them to resist damage more. Veneers are stain-resistant, too, so you don’t have to worry as much about staining from things like coffee and tea.
Because of their strength, veneers have a lifespan of 10-12 years or more. If you take particulary good care of them, they can last the rest of your lifetime. If a veneer does happen to break or fall off, we’ll replace it with another veneer. We can make the replacement to match the appearance of your other veneers so that it still blends in perfectly with your smile. A veneer gives you an extra layer of protection for your tooth as well.
They’re Low-Maintenance
With some dental restorations, they require a lot of upkeep and care. Porcelain veneers only require you to brush and floss your teeth normally. You’ll also have to visit the dentist regularly to ensure everything is still working the way it should. There’s no adjustments or refinements that need to be made to keep your restoration looking good. They’ll both look and feel like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell that they’re a restoration.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a type of dental veneer. With Lumineers, patients can choose from thinner materials and even no-prep options. The majority of Lumineers are made of a thin laminate material. Lumineers offer the same benefits as porcelain veneers but less or no preparation for the natural tooth enamel. These veneers are also “reversible” because no preparation is involved. Lumineers are more transparent than porcelain veneers and can offer a more natural look for some patients.
While porcelain veneers are usually more expensive, they typically last longer than Lumineers because they’re more durable. Because they don’t require preparation, they’re thinner than porcelain veneers. This means that they may be less able to cover intense tooth discoloration or other problems because you’ll still be able to see through the material. They’re ideal for patients looking for a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t require permanent restorations.
Enhance Your Natural Smile
Do you have dull, chipped, or crooked teeth? Are you interested in veneers, lumineers, or the Snap-On Smile? Request a dental consultation with us on our website or call (571) 789-1265.