Advanced cosmetic restorations like porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of common dental imperfections with long-lasting results that look and feel natural. If your teeth are discolored, misshapen, misaligned, or chipped, our cosmetic dentists can help. Porcelain veneers and options such as Lumineers® provided by Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Chesapeake can ultimately give your smile a cleaner, whiter, more refined look.
If you would like to see what porcelain veneers can do for your smile, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin yet durable shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Custom-designed to mask a variety of aesthetic dental concerns, porcelain veneers cover the most visible area of the affected teeth, giving the smile a healthier, more cosmetically pleasing appearance. This highly individualized treatment will be tailored to fit your smile, and can be artistically combined with other cosmetic dentistry treatments for more comprehensive results.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
Enhancing the appearance of your teeth does not have to mean invasive surgery or tooth replacement. Porcelain veneers can improve your look and boost your self-esteem by dramatically enhancing the overall appearance of your smile. Some of the potential benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Improvement in the appearance of chips, spaces, and gaps between the teeth
- Improvement in signs of deep stains and discoloration
- Improvement of teeth misalignment
- Improvement in signs of “wear-and-tear” among the teeth
In addition to improving your smile in their own right, porcelain veneers can be combined with other services, such as teeth whitening or dental crowns, for a more dramatic enhancement. This treatment is also a popular option to include in a full Smile Makeover. Our team of doctors is committed to providing you with the best treatment options and the most satisfying results, so choosing Eastern Virginia Family & Cosmetic Dentistry means receiving the highest quality care.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Your candidacy will be discussed in detail during your initial consultation, but as long as you are in generally good health and free of periodontal disease and tooth decay, porcelain veneers may be right for you. Your cosmetic dentist will go to great lengths to find the best treatment for you and to make your experience with us a positive one.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
While porcelain veneers can be an excellent option for a number of cosmetic concerns, some patients are better suited for dental crowns. Like veneers, crowns are custom-designed to provide the best fit and appearance, and are often impossible to discern from natural teeth. The main difference between veneers and crowns, however, is that crowns cover the entire tooth rather than just the front and side portions. Additionally, they are typically used to treat functional and dental health concerns as well as cosmetic issues, ultimately reinforcing the tooth’s structure while protecting it from further deterioration. If you are unsure whether you need crowns or veneers, our dentist can help you weigh your options at your consultation.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers®
There are numerous types of dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are the most common form of veneers utilized here at our practice; however, a Lumineer® is a type of veneer that also may be ideal for the right patient. Lumineers® essentially serve the same purpose as porcelain veneers, but they are distinct from porcelain veneers in a number of ways. These customized, minimal prep (or “no-prep”) veneers are made of a thinner material and offer patients a way to mask dental imperfections with little need for modifying the original structure of the tooth before placement. While Lumineers® can be advantageous for some patients, they are not the best choice for everyone. Porcelain veneers may necessitate some modification of the original tooth structure; however, the materials used to create porcelain veneers are highly durable and the results are known to be very long-lasting and natural-looking. In addition, our cosmetic dentists are extensively skilled with porcelain veneers procedures and can often provide conservative treatment that requires minimal modification of the existing tooth structure.
During your initial consultation, our dentist will examine your teeth and help you determine whether a porcelain veneer or a Lumineer® is the best option for your needs and goals.
Understanding the Porcelain Veneers Process
As with any of our procedures, the process to place porcelain veneers begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation. This appointment will give us a chance to discuss all of your treatment options, your current dental condition, and your goals. We encourage you to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have about the treatment process.
On the day of your treatment, a small amount of your tooth’s enamel will be gently removed to make room for your veneer. In many situations due to the minimal preparation, anesthesia is not required. We will take a mold of your teeth, which will be used to guide the creation of your veneer. After about two weeks, your veneer will be ready. You will return for a second appointment in which your veneer will be tried on and then permanently cemented onto the front surface of your tooth for a natural-looking enhancement.
Taking care of your porcelain veneers requires the same management as your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help maintain your oral health and the aesthetics of your veneers.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
As long as you take good care of your porcelain veneers, the results should last for many years. In fact, porcelain veneers have been known to last decades for many patients. This is due in part to properly caring for their veneers and maintaining excellent oral health regimens, along with regular dental check-ups. The state-of-the-art materials we utilize for porcelain veneers, combined with the skills and experience of our cosmetic dentists, can also increase the chances that the results of porcelain veneer treatment should last several years into the future.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
Porcelain Veneers Additional FAQs
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
Veneers are designed to match the unique shapes and colors of your teeth. As such, one of their basic functions is to look natural. While some practices use veneers made of alternative materials, porcelain veneers are often considered to provide the most exceptional strength, durability, and aesthetic results available. These options consistently yield natural-looking results and, because they are made of higher-quality materials, they generally function much more efficiently.
Do porcelain veneers hurt?
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, having porcelain veneers placed is not considered especially painful. A local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment areas to minimize discomfort. You may experience mild soreness immediately following the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Will I have tooth sensitivity after porcelain veneers treatment?
Most patients find that any sensitivity, tenderness, or soreness from the veneers procedure typically fades within a few days. Afterwards, your veneers should start to feel like a natural part of your mouth. In the unlikely event that your veneers cause an extended period of discomfort, we encourage you to contact us (keep in mind, though, that this is extremely rare).
Can I just get one porcelain veneer or will I need a whole set?
You may opt for as many or as few veneers as necessary per your aesthetic and/or functional goals. If you undergo a full Smile Makeover, you might find you need multiple veneers to enhance your smile. Others only need one or two veneers at a time. Your dentist can help you decide on the number of veneers you may need to achieve your goals during your consultation.
How do I clean and care for my porcelain veneers?
Taking care of your porcelain veneers requires the same management as your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day will help maintain your oral health and the aesthetics of your veneers. In addition, we advise you to avoid certain foods, such as nut shells or ice cubes, as biting down too hard may hurt the veneers.Those who grind their teeth at night (a condition known formally as bruxism) may be advised to consider a mouthguard to protect their veneers.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
Redefine the appearance of your teeth and recapture your confident smile. In just two quick appointments, we can send you home with a brand new look and a renewed confidence. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for porcelain veneers, contact us today.