Dental Veneers

veneersNo longer do you have to live with stains, gaps, or unsightly chips in your teeth; no longer must you feel embarrassed, or like you have to hide your smile.

Yes, there is a solution.

 

Dental Veneers in Loudoun County, VA

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of a tooth, designed to look just like natural enamel. They’re one of our most popular cosmetic options for patients who want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregularly shaped teeth all at once, with results that look completely natural.

The process of getting dental veneers involves several steps:

  1. Consultation and Examination: A consultation with our dentist is the first step. Our dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your cosmetic goals, and determine if veneers are a suitable option for you.
  2. Preparation of Teeth: To prepare the teeth for veneers, a small amount of enamel (a thin layer of the outer tooth structure) is usually removed. This ensures a proper fit for the veneers and helps create space for the added thickness.
  3. Impressions: Impressions or molds of the prepared teeth are taken to create custom-made veneers that perfectly fit the individual’s teeth.
  4. Temporary Veneers (Optional): In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed on the teeth while the permanent ones are being fabricated in a dental laboratory.
  5. Permanent Veneer Placement: Once the custom veneers are ready, the dentist checks their fit and color. The permanent veneers are then bonded to the teeth using a strong adhesive. A special light may be used to cure or harden the bonding material.

What Veneers Can Fix

  • Stained or discolored teeth, including intrinsic stains that don’t respond well to teeth whitening
  • Chipped or worn teeth
  • Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth, without orthodontic treatment
  • Small gaps between teeth

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

We primarily use porcelain veneers, which are more durable and stain-resistant than composite. According to the Cleveland Clinic, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, compared to about five to seven years for composite. Composite costs less up front, but porcelain tends to be the better long-term value since it needs replacing less often. If you’re only looking to fix one or two small chips, dental bonding might be a simpler, less expensive alternative worth discussing.

What to Expect

  • Consultation: we examine your teeth and talk through your goals to confirm veneers are the right fit.
  • Preparation: a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make room for the veneer.
  • Impressions: we take an impression of your prepared teeth, which is sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom veneers.
  • Temporaries: you may wear temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made.
  • Placement: once ready, we check the fit and color, then permanently bond the veneers in place.

Caring for Your Veneers

Porcelain veneers resist stains well, but limiting coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco will help keep them looking their best. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups matter just as much as they do for your natural teeth — veneers don’t decay, but the tooth underneath still can.

Cost and Financing

Veneer cost varies by material and how many teeth are involved. We accept most major dental insurance plans (though cosmetic treatment is often not covered) and offer CareCredit financing. Visit our Financial Info page, or call and we’ll go over your specific costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do veneers last?

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with good care; composite veneers last about five to seven years.

Do veneers require removing healthy tooth structure?

Yes, a small amount of enamel is typically removed to fit the veneer properly. This is why veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic change.

Are veneers or bonding better for me?

It depends on what you’re fixing. Bonding is more conservative and affordable for small chips or gaps; veneers offer a longer-lasting, more comprehensive smile makeover.

Does insurance cover veneers?

Veneers are usually considered cosmetic, so most insurance plans don’t cover them. We can help you understand your specific plan and financing options.

Schedule a Consultation

Call (703) 542-7600 or schedule your appointment online.