Dental veneers are thin shells of custom-crafted porcelain placed on the front of tooth enamel. They have many benefits as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. With veneers, we can address problems like worn, discolored, uneven, and slightly crooked teeth. Dr. Christopher Banks offers porcelain veneers for patients at Dupont Dental in Washington, DC, ensuring that veneers look natural and address his patients’ cosmetic goals.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Benefit You?
There are multiple different things that porcelain veneers can give your smile.
They’re a One-Step Smile Makeover
One of the reasons veneers are so popular is that they can treat almost any cosmetic dental problem. If you have discolored teeth, veneers completely cover the discoloration and can be any shade of white that you desire. With chipped or cracked teeth, they repair and replace the area that’s been chipped away. Veneers are also good for teeth worn down from years of use, giving you a younger-looking smile.
Unlike other restorations, veneers don’t require intensive preparation for your smile. A small amount of tooth enamel is removed so the veneer lays flush with the rest of your teeth, whereas treatment options like dental crowns require a large amount of tooth structure removal. Veneers are a permanent treatment option for your smile. On average, they last 10-15 years if you care for them properly.
You customize your porcelain veneer treatment. They’re made to the size, shape, and shade you desire for your smile while making it look natural. There’s no added bulk or discomfort; they also feel natural in your mouth. You don’t have to spend time and money on multiple treatment options to get the smile of your dreams.
They’re Very Durable
While veneers aren’t as strong as natural tooth enamel, they’re still very durable. Dental porcelain is tough and requires a lot of pressure to chip or crack a veneer. You can still eat a varied diet and consume the foods you enjoy because they’re built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday functions. Because the material is slightly flexible, it can resist damage, as it has some give.
Dental porcelain is also highly stain-resistant. Lifestyle habits like drinking coffee and wine discolor teeth, but porcelain veneers can resist discoloration from these things. If you take care of porcelain veneers, they can last a lifetime. If you lose a veneer, we’ll replace it with another one. Like before, we’ll match the veneer to blend in with your smile perfectly. Veneers also add a layer of strength to your teeth, preserving natural tooth structure.
They’re Low-Maintenance
With some restorations or treatments, you have to learn new techniques to ensure they stay healthy and functional. With porcelain veneers, you only have to brush and floss as you’d normally do. Visit the dentist regularly to ensure that everything is as it should be. They look and feel like your natural teeth, so there isn’t much we need to do. If you notice a problem with them, let us know so we can check it out.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Washington, DC
Before veneer treatment, Dr. Banks will ensure you’re in good oral health. Veneers can shift or loosen if patients experience tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Banks will take digital images of your smile to send to a dental lab. These images will also show you what veneers can do for your smile.
Dr. Banks will prepare the teeth for veneers by removing a layer of tooth enamel. This preparation ensures that the veneers properly adhere to the teeth. Dr. Banks will also color-match your teeth to your veneers, ensuring they have a uniform shade and blend in with other natural teeth.
He will send impressions and specifications to a lab, where technicians craft the veneers from porcelain. Dr. Banks will also provide temporary veneers while the permanent veneers are created. Once the permanent veneers are complete, Dr. Banks ensures they are the correct shape and shade before he permanently places them on the teeth.
After you receive your veneers, you may notice that it will take time to get accustomed to the feel of the restorations on your teeth. There isn’t much downtime with veneers; patients who receive them can quickly return to everyday life.
We typically recommend that patients avoid foods and drinks that can stain, including coffee, berries, and tea. With the proper care, porcelain veneers can last ten or more years. Care for your veneers by gently brushing them with non-abrasive and soft-bristled toothpaste.
Receive Dental Veneers Today
Do you want a brighter and straighter smile? Contact Dupont Dental for veneer treatment today at (202) 946-4720. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions about your dental care. We’re here to help you meet your goals.