Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Washington DC Teeth Whitening Arlington smile makeover 2 Porcelain Veneers are the instant makeover of the cosmetic dentistry world. They can instantly change the individual look of each tooth resulting in a beautifully aligned, dazzling bright smile.

Porcelain veneers can instantly solve the problem of stained, chipped, misaligned teeth or teeth with gaps.

What is the dental science behind porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable shells of glass-like porcelain that can be applied over your own natural teeth. They can be manufactured to the size, style and color that you desire.

What are the advantages of Porcelain Veneers over other types of cosmetic dental bonding?

There are definite advantages of Porcelain veneers over composite bonding. The porcelain used to make veneers is extremely durable and stain resistant. Veneers resist cracking or chipping and will retain their dazzling whiteness over their lifetime which is typically 15 to 20 years. Another significant advantage is their glass-like quality. They exhibit translucent, reflective qualities like your own natural teeth and so have a very life-like appearance. Because your veneers can be finished in as little as 3 visits, you can change the appearance of misaligned teeth immediately without having to wait the 12 to 24 months it would take braces to do the same job.

What happens during the procedure?

Your first visit with your doctor will be to discuss the smile you envision for yourself. The planning of your new smile is a very collaborative effort and your doctor should listen closely to what effects you wish to create. Be honest with your doctor if your not happy with any element of the design you are both creating because these changes will be permanent.

On your next vist your doctor will prepare your teeth for your veneers according to the design you have created. A small amount of tooth enamel will be removed from your teeth to create room for your veneers. Impressions of your teeth are than made and sent to the lab. It will typically take 2 weeks to get your manufactured veneers back and in the meantime your doctor can fit your teeth with temporary veneers. These temporary veneers will not match the quality of your final ones since they have not been specifially designed for your teeth.

On your last visit your permanent veneers will be first "tried on". Take your time on this step and make sure you are happy with the look and fit of each veneer. Your doctor's concern is to achieve the look you want so he will be happy to make needed adjustments at this point. Once you are both satisfied with the look of your veneers they will be permanently bonded into place.

How about maintenance?

Obviously, your new teeth will feel signficantly different from your old ones so give yourself some time to get used to your new beautiful smile. Continue to practice a routine of good oral hygiene and follow any recommendations of your doctor for caring for your new veneers.

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Kathleen Mullaney DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers to the areas of Washington DC, Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.

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