Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment option for patients looking to improve their smile. Slate Dental offers patients in and around Washington, DC, high-quality veneers to help them achieve the look they desire. Our practice uses high-quality veneers that are unique to each patient. In fact, our lab technician layers the veneers by hand in Lithium Disilicate or Feldspathic porcelain.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that Dr. Slate bonds to the front surface of your teeth. They cover imperfections and enhance the overall look of your front teeth. Veneers can address a range of issues, including discoloration, chips, and gaps between teeth.
One of the main benefits of porcelain veneers is their natural look. The material mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Additionally, veneers are durable and can last many years with proper care. They also resist staining better than natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure in Washington, DC
The veneers process will include several visits with us to ensure you get a beautiful, lasting result. The first step in getting porcelain veneers is a consultation with Dr. John Slate. During this visit, Dr. Slate will evaluate your oral health, examine your teeth, and discuss your goals. He will determine if veneers are the right solution for you.
Once you decide to proceed with veneers, the next step is to prepare your teeth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from each tooth. This ensures that the veneers fit properly and look natural. Dr. Slate takes great care to minimize discomfort during this process.
At this point, he will create a wax model help you visualize the expected result. This will also help him make sure you get the best possible fit and function with the final veneers.
Next he will prepare your teeth by etching them so the veneers will have a surface to attach to. After Dr. Slate prepares your teeth, he will take impressions to create the custom veneers. Once your veneers are ready, Dr. Slate will carefully bond them to your teeth. The final result is a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Porcelain Veneers Care
Caring for your porcelain veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You should regularly brush and floss around them. It’s also important to use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of the veneers. Dr. Slate can recommend the best oral hygiene techniques for your needs, but you won’t need special products for the veneers.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial to maintaining the health of your veneers and natural teeth. During these visits, Dr. Slate will check the condition of your veneers and address any issues. Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough exam and cleaning.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers have many benefits, so they’re one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments. They’re durable, look natural, and can treat multiple different cosmetic issues at the same time.
Durable and Stain-resistant
Porcelain veneers are a strong, long-lasting dental restoration. With proper care, they last 10-15 years or more. Though they aren’t indestructible, it’s hard for them to incur damage unless you bite down and put a lot of pressure on them. They’re meant to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
They’re much more stain-resistant than teeth. Your teeth have open pores that let staining agents penetrate deep inside the tooth. Since porcelain isn’t a natural material, it has no pores. This makes it harder for staining agents to penetrate the material. It’s smooth and non-porous, so the staining agents don’t adhere to the veneer.
Natural, Immediate Results
Porcelain veneers are designed to look natural. Dr. Slate color-matches the veneers to the shade of white you desire. This can make them blend in with your smile or whiten your teeth if you want a brighter smile. The porcelain material has a translucence that matches the one on your teeth, making it blend in.
When you get porcelain veneers, you leave your final appointment with instant results. We permanently bond the veneers to your teeth, and you walk out of our office with a brand new smile. It doesn’t take months or years to get results like with orthodontic care or other solutions. You get quick and dramatic results that you can see immediately.
Treats Multiple Concerns
Veneers can treat almost any cosmetic dental issue. They cover the front and sides of the tooth, hiding any discoloration, disfigurement, cosmetic cracks or chips, and more. They’re an easy solution that makes it simple to correct all of your cosmetic problems immediately.
Once you have your cosmetic smile issues treated, veneers will bring you more confidence and self-esteem. It’s hard to show off a smile you’re not proud of and would rather hide. Porcelain veneers give you the confidence to smile and laugh freely in public. You get a better first impression from both social and professional contacts, more likely to make new friends or get that promotion that you’ve been hunting.
Common FAQs About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can treat almost any cosmetic dental flaw you have. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers from a dentist are strong and durable. With proper care, they can last between 10 to 15 years or even longer. Avoiding habits such as chewing on hard objects can help extend their lifespan.
Do porcelain veneers stain like natural teeth?
One of the great advantages of porcelain veneers is their resistance to stains. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers don’t absorb pigments from foods and drinks as easily. This keeps your smile bright and white for much longer.
Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?
The cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the number of veneers needed and the complexity of the case. During your consultation, Dr. Slate will provide a detailed cost estimate. Some dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost, but you should check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for those looking to enhance their smile. With proper care, your veneers can provide a lasting and beautiful smile. Dr. John Slate in Washington, DC, offers expert care and personalized treatments. Call us at (425) 584-3751 to fix your flaws, improve your look, and more with porcelain veneers. You can also request an appointment online.