Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Thinking about Veneers? You want to Know These Details!

By: | Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 | Veneers

Wednesday, March 15th, 2017


VeneersIf you’ve been considering how you can finally get the smile you picture yourself having, veneers have probably crossed your mind. These ultra-thin sheaths of porcelain, or a thin covering of composite material, can go far beyond just brightening up your smile. Veneers are hands-down the most versatile of all cosmetic treatments, capable of disguising tough stains, of closing gaps, of leaping buildings in a single bound! Oh wait, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Veneers are great. Let’s leave it at that.  If you think this treatment may be in your future, you want to know some of the finer details.

Veneers are pretty conservative.

Whether you choose a direct veneer (bonding), or a composite or porcelain indirect veneer that is made in a dental lab, your smile makeover can be completed without extensive tooth reduction. A veneer is only about as thick as a fingernail. So, this is how much surface enamel needs to be reduced. Without this step, there would be a slight ridge where the veneer meets the gums, and that would attract bacteria. We don’t want that.

Sensitive teeth may love veneers.

Veneers are intended as a cosmetic enhancement to the smile. There is no restorative value to speak of, really. That is, unless you are one whose teeth tend to be sensitive due to erosion. Because a veneer builds up the surface, it creates a barrier between the nerve and external factors such as hot or cold temperatures. This is very slight, but it may be enough for some patients to notice a decrease in sensitivity.

Upkeep is required.

A veneer that is affixed to the front surface of a tooth will not last forever. Veneers have a life expectancy of anywhere from five to 15 years. In some cases, however, with excellent care, dentists have seen veneers last up to 20 years. If a veneer is damaged or the bond becomes compromised at some point, it will be necessary to replace the porcelain or composite with a new covering. The good news is that porcelain needs to special upkeep to stay bright and white! Unlike natural enamel, this material is highly stain-resistant.

Your face shape may change.

This can be a big advantage, but one that you don’t want to sneak up on you. When you do a serious smile makeover, the overall appearance of your face may change – in a good way! Lips and cheeks may be better accentuated by your new smile, and facial symmetry may also improve.

Call the Burke office of Dr. Price at (703)750-9404 to learn more about veneers.

 

 

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