Dental veneers are thin sheaths of porcelain bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They mask a wide range of cosmetic flaws like tooth staining, chips, and mild misalignment. They are also durable and long-lasting.
With proper care, veneers can last for ten years or more. Our cosmetic dentistry team offers Oral Surgery, porcelain and composite veneers in Harrisonburg VA to enhance your smile.
Natural Appearance
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to mask cosmetic flaws and improve smile health. A popular treatment for a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including discolored or chipped teeth, veneers can also conceal small gaps and mild misalignment.
Because they’re crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, veneers closely resemble healthy tooth enamel and reflect light similarly, creating a lifelike appearance. As an added benefit, porcelain is stronger and more resistant to staining than composite resin alternatives.
After removing a small amount of tooth enamel to prepare the surface, your dentist will make impressions to fabricate custom veneers. Once your dentist bonds them securely in place, they’ll provide a natural-looking and beautiful finish to your smile. Depending on your goals, you may want to combine porcelain veneers with other treatments such as dental crowns or teeth whitening for a dramatic smile enhancement. With proper care, your veneers will last for many years to come.
Stain Resistance
The porcelain veneers we utilize are highly stain resistant, allowing patients to enjoy their favorite foods and beverages without fear of tooth discoloration. However, it’s still important to practice excellent oral hygiene. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and flossing daily. In addition, we encourage patients to commit to routine dental visits. This will allow us to monitor your oral health and spot any potential problems early on.
Cosmetic veneers are also a popular option for patients with a “gummy” smile who do not want to undergo extensive gum tissue reduction. The procedure involves a minimal amount of enamel preparation and reshaping to improve the balance of your smile.
Composite veneers are a great option for patients who want to repair chipped teeth, close minor gaps or correct mild misalignment issues. They are also a more affordable alternative to dental veneers Harrisonburg VA. However, composite veneers are not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain and are prone to cracking or discoloring.
Durability
Veneers can be used to conceal a number of smile flaws. The wafer-thin shells are crafted from porcelain or resin composite materials that mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They are also durable and stain resistant, and can last for 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Porcelain veneers are ideal for patients with deep tooth stains that aren’t responsive to teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments. They can also correct small gaps between the teeth and minor misalignment problems. They can even make the teeth appear longer.
A less invasive version of porcelain veneers, known as Lumineers, is available to reduce tooth sensitivity during the treatment. It requires no shots or drilling and requires a smaller amount of enamel to be removed from the teeth. A dentist can use a digital scanner to create the veneers in-office or “chairside.” The dentist will apply a composite resin directly to the teeth, shape it, and bond it into place.
Affordable
Veneers can cover the front of a broken tooth, concealing the crack and giving it a healthy appearance. They can also mask crooked teeth and close small gaps when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.
Veneer sheaths can be made of porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain veneers are longer-lasting and more stain-resistant than composites. Porcelain veneers require the removal of a little enamel from the surface of the tooth, although less than with whitening treatments or other restorations.
Lumineers are an alternative to traditional dental veneers Harrisonburg VA that use laminate material. They require no shots, no drilling and less preparation than traditional veneers. Harrisonburg cosmetic dentist uses composite resin that is directly sculpted onto the tooth and hardened with a high-density light, typically in a single appointment. This is an affordable way to fix a chipped or discolored tooth and improve the appearance of your smile. It cannot address the alignment of your bite, however, which will require actual orthodontic treatment.