Veneers in Alexandria

What are porcelain veneers?

Correcting minor flaws such as chips, cracks, discoloration, small gaps, and misalignments in your smile can be as simple as getting porcelain veneers. At Dr. Van Stralen’s office in Alexandria, porcelain veneers can correct a wide range of imperfections and give you a beautiful, even smile in just a few visits.

 

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells custom-shaped to fit over the front surface of individual teeth. Each veneer is a translucent shell bonded directly to a tooth, concealing imperfections. It looks like a natural tooth, but better.

 

Types of Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are made of the highest quality porcelain and are attached to the tooth’s outer surface after the top layer of enamel has been removed. Removing a thin layer of enamel ensures proper bonding of the veneer and a natural appearance without the tooth appearing too thick.

Porcelain veneers are the gold standard due to their light-reflecting qualities and translucence, which are similar to those of natural teeth. They are also stain-resistant for long-lasting beauty.

 

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers are less costly than porcelain veneers, but they are less durable. However, they can be easily replaced or repaired. Instead of being bonded to the teeth as shells, the composite resin is applied to the teeth as a liquid in thin layers that harden, then cured and polished.

 

Lumineers®

These are a less invasive alternative to porcelain or composite veneers. Lumineers are a thin laminate applied over your teeth without having to remove any enamel. Instead, the teeth are lightly etched to provide a rough surface before the Lumineers are attached. Less preparation is needed to attach Lumineers® so that the teeth are not damaged.

 

Benefits of Veneers

• Dental veneers are minimally invasive but can correct several types of imperfection.
• Veneers can last up to 15 years or more.
• Veneers prevent tooth discoloration because they are stain-resistant.
• Dental veneers are easy-care; you brush and floss them like natural teeth.
• Veneers help protect the underlying teeth against cavities.
• Van Stralen creates veneers that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

 

Process of Getting Veneers

During your first appointment, Dr. Van Stralen examines your teeth and gums to determine whether you are a candidate for veneers. If you are getting porcelain veneers, he prepares the teeth by carefully removing a small layer of enamel from the front of each one. This process is painless and ensures a proper fit for the veneers. He then takes impressions of the teeth to be used by the dental lab to create the veneers. For composite resin veneers, no impressions are needed.

 

When the porcelain veneers are ready, you return to Dr. Van Stralen’s office. He checks the fit of each veneer, carefully smoothing any uneven edges and bonding them permanently to the front of each tooth. He examines the veneers to ensure a perfect fit, comfort, and proper bite alignment.

 

For composite resin veneers, Dr. Van Stralen applies thin layers of the liquid composite over the teeth, letting each layer harden as he continues applying them and carefully shaping them into the proper shape. After placing the final layer, the veneers are cured and filed into their final shape for comfort.

 

Cost of Veneers

 

The cost of veneers depends on the materials used, the number of teeth being treated, the time needed, and other factors. At your first visit, Dr. Van Stralen will explain the process in detail and provide you with an accurate price.

Porcelain veneers are the most expensive due to their beauty and durability, while composite resin veneers are a more affordable option that does not last as long. However, the long-term benefits of veneers often outweigh the initial cost.

 

Veneers vs Crowns or Bonding

• Veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment used to correct minor imperfections and improve the appearance of your smile. Crowns may also be used for cosmetic reasons but are also restorative treatments that can restore damaged or decayed teeth.
• Veneers cover the front surface of the teeth. Crowns cover the entire surface of the teeth above the gum line. Bonding may cover all or part of the teeth.
• Both veneers and bonding are cosmetic treatments, but bonding can be done immediately without damaging the tooth or removing any enamel.
• Veneers are more expensive than dental bonding but last about 2-3 times as long.
• Veneers are stain-resistant—bonding stains like natural teeth.

 

Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Anyone who is unsatisfied with the appearance of their teeth and would like to fix one or more problems with their appearance may qualify for porcelain veneers if they are in good health and do not have any active gum disease. They should have sufficient enamel and not have a habit of teeth grinding or chewing on ice, pens, and other hard objects.

 

You may not be a candidate if your teeth are significantly misaligned, you grind your teeth, or you have a habit of chewing on hard objects such as pens or fingernails.

 

How long do Veneers last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, porcelain veneers can last 15 years or longer. Composite resin veneers usually last 4-8 years with proper care.

 

How do I Care for My Veneers?

 

Dr. VanStralen will check our veneers a few weeks after they are placed to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. Please be sure to keep this appointment, as it is crucial that he ensures your veneers are fitted and performing properly.

 

Brushing and flossing properly are central to preserving your veneers. Avoid staining foods and beverages such as red wine, berries, coffee, and tea to maintain their brightness. If you smoke, quit or severely cut back, as smoking can severely stain your veneers. Be sure to visit Dr. VanStralen’s office for a checkup every six months.

 

Veneers can take your smile from mediocre to fabulous in just a few appointments and without invasive surgery. To learn more about how porcelain or composite resin veneers can give you something to smile about, contact our office at Kenneth M. Van Stralen, DDS office Phone Number 703-317-3900 to schedule a consultation.

 

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.

Dr. Van Stralen will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.

Refraining from using your veneers as tools to open and to cut things will prolong their life, and if accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.