Dental veneers are thin shells of custom-crafted porcelain placed on the front of tooth enamel. They have many benefits as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. We can address problems like worn, discolored, uneven, and slightly crooked teeth with veneers. Dr. Christopher Banks offers porcelain veneers for patients at Dupont Dental in Washington, DC. He ensures natural-looking veneers that meet your aesthetic dentistry goals.
Veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that can cover one or all teeth that show when you smile. We recommend veneers for a straighter or brighter smile without needing orthodontics or teeth whitening treatment. Veneers create a more uniform, beautiful smile.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Benefit You?
Veneers can cover gaps between teeth, stained teeth, black triangles, and misshapen teeth. Porcelain veneers in our Washington, DC, office provide many benefits:
A One-Step Smile Makeover
One of the reasons veneers are so popular is that they can treat almost any cosmetic dental problem. If you have discolored teeth, veneers completely cover the discoloration and can be any shade of white that you desire. Veneers can give the appearance of straight teeth, even for those with mild dental misalignment.
If you have chipped or cracked teeth, veneers repair and replace the area that’s been chipped away. Veneers are also good for teeth worn down from years of use, giving you a younger-looking smile.
Unlike other restorations, veneers don’t require intensive preparation for your smile. We remove a small amount of tooth enamel so the veneer lays flush with the rest of your teeth. Treatment options like dental crowns require a large amount of tooth structure removal.
Veneers are a permanent treatment option for your smile. They last longer than other cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental bonding. On average, veneers last 10-15 years if you care for them properly.
You customize your porcelain veneer treatment. They’re made to the size, shape, and shade you desire for your smile while making it look natural. There’s no added bulk or discomfort; they also feel natural in your mouth. You don’t have to spend time and money on multiple treatment options to get the smile of your dreams.
Durable
While veneers aren’t as strong as natural tooth enamel, they’re still durable. They are also a durable option for addressing worn enamel, giving your teeth a refreshed and polished look. Dental porcelain is tough and requires a lot of pressure to chip or crack a veneer.
You can still eat a varied diet and consume the foods you enjoy because they’re built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday functions. Because the material is slightly flexible, it can resist damage, as it has some give.
Dental porcelain is also highly stain-resistant. Lifestyle habits like drinking coffee and wine discolor teeth, but porcelain veneers can resist discoloration from these things. If you take care of porcelain veneers, they can last a lifetime.
If you lose a veneer, we’ll replace it with another one. Like before, we’ll match the veneer to perfectly blend in with your smile. Veneers also add a layer of strength to your teeth to preserve the natural tooth structure.
Low-Maintenance
With some restorations or treatments, you have to learn new techniques to ensure they stay healthy and functional. With porcelain veneers, you only have to brush and floss as you’d normally do. Visit the dentist regularly to ensure that everything is as it should be.
They look and feel like your natural teeth, so there isn’t much we need to do. If you notice a problem with your veneers, let us know so we can check it out.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Washington, DC
Before veneer treatment, Dr. Banks will ensure you’re in good oral health. Veneers can shift or loosen if patients experience tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Banks will take digital images of your smile to send to a dental lab. These images will also show you what veneers can do for your smile.
Preparation
Dr. Banks will prepare the teeth for veneers by removing a layer of tooth enamel. This preparation ensures that the veneers properly adhere to the teeth. Dr. Banks will also color-match your teeth to your veneers, ensuring they have a uniform shade and blend in with other natural teeth.
Crafting the Veneers
He will send impressions and specifications to a lab, where technicians craft the veneers from porcelain. The lab technicians match the veneers to the shape, size, and shade of your desired teeth.
Dr. Banks will also provide temporary veneers while the lab creates the permanent veneers. He temporarily cements these veneers to your prepared teeth.
Final Placement
Once the permanent veneers are complete, Dr. Banks will remove the temporary veneers. He will ensure your custom veneers are the correct shape and shade before he permanently places them on the teeth. Then, Dr. Banks will polish your veneers for a natural sheen.
How to Care for Veneers
After you receive your veneers, you may notice that it will take time to get accustomed to the feel of the restorations on your teeth. However, there isn’t much downtime with veneers; you can quickly return to everyday life.
We typically recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that can stain, including coffee, berries, and tea. While veneers are stain-resistant, they can still discolor over time.
In addition, do not chew on ice, use your teeth as tools, or bite your nails with your veneers. These bad habits can chip or crack your veneers. Taking care to avoid these actions will help extend the life of your veneers and keep your smile looking its best.
You can clean your veneers just like natural teeth. Floss between your veneers and gently brush them with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
With the proper care, porcelain veneers can last ten or more years. If you already have old or damaged veneers, we can provide veneer replacements for you.
How Much Are Veneers?
The cost of veneers will depend on the type of veneers and the number of veneers. A full set of veneers consists of eight veneers.
No-prep veneers cost less than veneers that require preparation. However, these veneers will not last as long. Veneer cost often depends on the quality of the material. We will provide an estimate of your treatment cost after we provide a full examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veneers make my teeth look whiter than professional whitening treatments?
Yes, veneers can make your teeth appear significantly whiter—often brighter than professional whitening can achieve. Veneers use custom-made porcelain shells, allowing your dentist to choose an exact shade, creating a consistently bright and natural appearance. Whitening treatments remove stains but can’t dramatically change the tooth’s natural color. Veneers are a good solution for a noticeably brighter and longer-lasting result.
Is there a risk of tooth sensitivity after getting veneers?
Some patients experience mild sensitivity right after the veneers are placed because we slightly reshape the tooth enamel. This sensitivity typically fades within a few days to weeks. We can recommend special toothpaste or other treatments to ease discomfort during this period. Long-term sensitivity from veneers is rare when placed properly.
How long does it take to get used to the feel of veneers after placement?
Most people adjust to their veneers within one to two weeks. Initially, veneers might feel a little strange or bulky as your tongue and lips adapt. Eating and speaking will quickly feel normal again as you get comfortable with the new shape of your teeth. If veneers still feel uncomfortable after two weeks, your dentist can make minor adjustments.
Can veneers fix minor gaps between teeth without needing orthodontics?
Yes, veneers are excellent for closing small gaps without braces or aligners. Veneers slightly widen teeth to close gaps and create a smooth, even appearance. For large gaps or alignment issues, orthodontics might still be recommended. Your dentist will evaluate if veneers can fix your spacing issue.
Do porcelain veneers feel different from natural teeth when chewing?
Properly placed porcelain veneers should feel almost identical to natural teeth when chewing. Veneers are thin, strong, and securely bonded, allowing normal eating without discomfort. If they feel unusual or bulky, minor adjustments by your dentist usually solve the issue. Most patients quickly forget they’re even there.
How many veneers do I need for a full smile makeover?
Most smile makeovers involve 6 to 10 veneers on the upper front teeth to achieve a balanced, natural look. The exact number depends on how many teeth show when you smile and your specific cosmetic goals. Some patients may require fewer or more veneers based on their individual cases. Dr. Banks will help you determine the right amount to create your ideal smile.
Can I get veneers if I have gum disease or receding gums?
Before getting veneers, you’ll need to treat and stabilize gum disease to ensure healthy gums and proper veneer placement. Veneers on teeth with significant gum recession may not look natural, so your dentist may suggest gum treatments first. Once your gums are healthy, veneers become a safe and effective cosmetic option. Our office will provide a customized treatment plan based on your gum health.
Get Veneers Today
Do you want a brighter and straighter smile? Contact Dupont Dental for veneer treatment today at (202) 946-4720. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about your dental care. We’re here to help you meet your goals.