PORCELAIN VENEERS FAQS In Reston, VA

Reston, VA

When it comes to “killing two birds with one stone” with cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are a fantastic option. With just one procedure, they allow us to hide multiple smile flaws and give you a whole new appearance.

On this page, you’ll find answers to common questions about porcelain veneers to help you learn more about this cosmetic dental option offered in our Reston, VA dental office. But if you have any questions that aren’t answered here or would like to know more about how porcelain veneers can benefit you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Myles.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PORCELAIN VENEERS

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PORCELAIN VENEERS?

As a cosmetic dentist in Reston with your best interest at heart, Dr. Myles will always recommend treatment that benefits the appearance of your smile, while making sure you’re in great oral health as well. To ensure that porcelain veneers are successful for you, he’ll start by checking that you don’t have untreated cavities beforehand. If you clench and grind, he may recommend a nightguard to protect your new veneers from chipping or cracking. Additionally, there are certain bite alignment issues that could impact the longevity of a veneer, which will be addressed during a consultation.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PORCELAIN VENEER AND A DENTAL CROWN?

A dental crown sometimes called a “cap,” is a dental restoration that completely covers an entire tooth. A porcelain veneer is a strong, thin shell that’s only adhered to the front of a tooth. Dental crowns are best suited for patients with weakened or fractured teeth. Tooth crowns support the bite while improving the look of the treated tooth. Porcelain veneers add structure to the front of the tooth but are not used for extensive restorations.

WILL MY NATURAL TEETH BE AFFECTED?

In addition to being quite strong, porcelain veneers are also very thin, so we only have to remove a tiny amount of your existing tooth structure. However, although they’re quite conservative, porcelain veneers are still considered a permanent restoration, so we can’t remove them in the future without replacing them with a new veneer. But you’ll be glad to know that porcelain veneers can last 10-20 years with proper care.

HOW CAN I HELP MY VENEERS LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE?

A veneer adheres to a natural tooth structure that’s still subject to cavities and other dental problems. In general, the cleaner and healthier you can keep the teeth underneath, the longer veneers will last.

Dr. Myles and our team want to make sure your beautiful new smile stays that way as long as possible, so we’ll always review tips and tricks for keeping your porcelain veneers looking great, including:

Gently but thoroughly brush 2-3 times per day and floss once.
Continue to see us for checkups and cleanings so we can catch any potential problems as early as possible.
Wear a nightguard if you clench and grind at night.
To prevent chips, avoid chewing on ice, pens, and hard candies.
Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching and dulling your porcelain.