Dr. Matthew Gerald provides porcelain veneers in Vienna, VA at his dental office to treat cosmetic dental blemishes. Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that cover the front of the tooth. They are the perfect solution for a range of 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 dental office.
Receiving Porcelain Veneers
Before treatment, Dr. Gerald will thoroughly check your teeth and gums. He does this to ensure that there aren’t any underlying dental concerns that we need to fix before he places your veneers. Patients can get single tooth veneers or even a full mouth of veneers depending on their specific goals.
To begin treatment, Dr. Gerald will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surfaces of teeth that are receiving veneers. Then he will take impressions of the teeth. Next, we will send these impressions to a dental lab where they will craft the veneers to the exact measurements.
When the veneers are ready, Dr. Gerald will call you back in and make sure that they fit properly. He may also polish them to blend them in nicely.
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. In this section, we will discuss the differences between dental crowns and porcelain veneers in order to 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 due to 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 issues, and crowns are better for functional issues.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Want to know more about porcelain veneers? Learn about this cosmetic treatment with common questions and answers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of your porcelain veneers will depend on several factors. The size, number, and location of your veneers will impact the price. We will take your budget and goals into account 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?
It is common for patients to need some minor repair or maintenance after several years. Maintaining your oral health at home by brushing and flossing regularly as well as visiting us for biannual routine appointments can also make your veneers last longer.
Furthermore, we suggest refraining from chewing on things that could potentially break or crack the teeth veneers. This includes ice, hard candy, finger nails, pen caps, etc.
Can veneers fall off?
The adhesive bonding between the veneers and the teeth weakens over time, causing veneers to loosen and eventually fall off. Also, sometimes as people age, their bone and jawlines recede, which causes veneers to fit improperly and slip off.
How long do teeth hurt after veneers?
If you feel any sensitivity in the days after getting your veneers it is typically from the treatment itself and not from your altered enamel. The sensitivity disappears for the majority of people within a few days to a few weeks.
Can food get caught under veneers?
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. Hard meals should normally be chewed with your back teeth because it is possible for food to become trapped beneath veneers, or for 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 them staining, because veneers maintain their color over time. There are some foods that may damage your veneers, but staining is not a concern.
Can veneers get cavities?
Porcelain veneers are resistant to tooth decay and cavities, however, the teeth they are attached to are still vulnerable to decay. Due to this it is crucial that you continue to practice good oral hygiene after you get veneers.
Enhance your smile with porcelain veneers in Vienna, VA! Do you want to refresh the look and feel of your teeth? Try dental veneers today. Call Dr. Gerald at (703) 721-4796 or request a dental appointment with his team on our website.