Porcelain Veneers Vienna, VA

Dr. Matthew Gerald provides affordable porcelain veneers in Vienna, VA at his dental office to treat cosmetic dental blemishes. Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells covering the tooth’s front. They are the perfect solution for various cosmetic concerns and offer a strong, natural-looking result.

Patients with chipped, cracked, stained, short, or worn teeth can receive a beautiful smile makeover with veneers. Dental veneers are a permanent option for tooth damage or stains as well. Dr. Gerald can complete a porcelain veneer treatment in just a few visits to our Vienna dental office.

Receiving Porcelain Veneers

Before treatment, Dr. Gerald will thoroughly check your teeth and gums. He does this to ensure there aren’t any underlying dental concerns we need to fix first. Doing this before he places your veneers will almost guarantee the best results. Depending on their specific goals, patients can get single-tooth veneers or even a full mouth of veneers.

To begin, Dr. Gerald will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surfaces of the affected teeth. Then, he will take dental impressions of your mouth and teeth. Next, we will send these impressions to a dental lab, where they will craft the veneers to the exact measurements. He may place temporary veneers, but this is not always necessary.

When the veneers are ready, Dr. Gerald will call you back into our office. He will make sure that they fit properly. Then, he will attach your new porcelain veneers to your teeth using dental cement. He may also polish them so that they blend in nicely.

We suggest getting a teeth whitening treatment along with a veneer procedure. You can expect to leave our Vienna dental office with the brightest-looking natural teeth.

Dental Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers

Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are two of the most popular options for cosmetic dentistry. Both of these treatments can help improve the appearance of your teeth, but they also have distinct differences. Next, we will discuss the differences between dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

While porcelain veneers are similar to dental crowns, they both serve distinct purposes for your smile. Dental crowns completely cover single teeth, while porcelain veneers can cover only the front-facing portion of the tooth. A dental crown is a thin covering that fits over the top of the tooth to protect it. It covers the shape of a damaged tooth after a root canal procedure.

Dental crowns can restore damaged teeth because of decay, trauma, or other conditions. A dental crown typically consists of a metal alloy or ceramic. They are typically only effective in restoring teeth that are structurally stable and not at risk of further damage. A dental crown is also more durable than a porcelain veneer.

Tooth crowns are better for patients with more extensive tooth damage. Moreover, they provide durability to patients with worn molars in the back of the mouth. Veneers are often for teeth in the front of the mouth to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Thus, a porcelain veneer is better for cosmetic dental issues, and crowns are better for functional issues.

Porcelain Veneer FAQs

Want to know more about our porcelain veneers near you? Learn about this cosmetic treatment with the following common questions and answers.

How much do porcelain veneers cost?

The cost of your porcelain veneers will depend on several factors. Your veneers’ size, number, and location will impact the price. We will consider your budget and goals when creating your specific treatment plan.

Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?

Before treatment, Dr. Gerald will take the time to evaluate your smile and address dental concerns. This includes TMJ problems, teeth grinding, tooth decay, and gum disease. This ensures that your dentist places the teeth veneers on a healthy foundation so that they last much longer.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers should last about 15 years with normal use and wear. Some minor repairs or maintenance after several years is common. Maintaining your oral health at home can also make your veneers last longer. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting us for biannual routine appointments will go a long way.

Furthermore, we suggest not chewing on things that could break or crack the teeth veneers. This includes ice, hard candy, fingernails, pen caps, etc.

Can veneers fall off?

The adhesive bonding between the veneers and the teeth weakens over time. Veneers can loosen and eventually fall off, but not for a while. Sometimes, as veneers and patients age, their bones and jawlines recede, which causes veneers to fit improperly and slip off.

How long do teeth hurt after veneers?

Any sensitivity in the days after getting your veneers is from the altered enamel and treatment process. Most patients’ sensitivity disappears within a few days to a few weeks. Pain that doesn’t disappear after a porcelain veneer procedure is another issue. We suggest calling our dental office and scheduling a visit so Dr. Gerald can take a look.

Can veneers trap food under them?

Most foods are safe to eat while wearing porcelain veneers. However, some items, such as apples, raw carrots, and bone-in meats, require extra caution. You should normally chew hard meals using your back teeth. Veneers can trap food beneath them if the dentist does not secure them properly or for hard food to crack or shatter them.

Can I drink alcohol with veneers?

After getting veneers, you can still drink coffee, tea, and alcohol without worrying about staining. Porcelain maintains its color over a long period. Some foods and drinks may damage your veneers, but staining isn’t a concern because porcelain is highly stain-resistant.

Can veneers get cavities?

Porcelain veneers are resistant to tooth decay and cavities. However, the teeth they repair are still vulnerable to decay. Continue to practice good oral hygiene after you get veneers because of this reason. Tooth decay under veneers isn’t common but can happen if damage occurs to the veneer.

With Dr. Matthew Gerald, enhance your smile with porcelain veneers in Vienna and Oakton, VA. Refresh the look and feel of your real teeth with our cosmetic procedures today. Call Dr. Gerald  at (703) 721-4796 or request a dental appointment with his team.