Transformative Porcelain Veneers in Virginia Beach
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular options in cosmetic dentistry, and they are available from Dr. Sarah Esparza at Esparza Family Dentistry! These thin coverings made of dental porcelain are used to enhance the size, shape, and color of the teeth that show when you smile. Veneers are placed in just two visits to our office and can last for years with proper upkeep.
What Do Veneers Correct?
Dental veneers can correct any number of cosmetic issues all at once. They work by simply covering up the problems with a thin layer of beautiful dental porcelain. Some of the most common flaws that can be corrected with veneers include:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Teeth with irregular surfaces (pitted and grooved or chalky looking)
- Pointy incisors or teeth that look short or stubby
- Minor gaps between teeth
- Off center or slightly misaligned teeth
- Severely stained teeth that have not responded to professional teeth whitening
How Are Veneers Placed?
If veneers are the right option for enhancing your smile, we will put together a treatment plan that takes place over the course of two visits to our office. In the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a small portion of enamel from the front surface. This step is necessary to make room for the new veneers. We’ll then take a mold of your prepared teeth, cover them up with temporary restorations, and schedule a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later.
In the time between visits, your permanent veneers are crafted by an expert in our partner lab. Be careful when eating with the temporary veneers -- it’s a good idea to avoid biting directly into chewy or crunchy foods.
When you return to our office, we will carefully remove the temporary restorations and check to make sure everything is just right with the new ones. Dr. Esparza can still make adjustments as needed at this point -- and once we get your final approval, they are securely bonded onto the front surface of each tooth!
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Customizable for natural looking results
- Corrects any number of cosmetic issues
- Highly stain resistant
- Long lasting with proper upkeep
Are Veneers Right for You?
Veneers are reserved for making cosmetic improvements to healthy teeth. If you are in good oral and overall health, free from gum disease and significant dental damage or decay, porcelain veneers could be a wonderful option for your smile. They can be used as instant orthodontics in cases of minor gaps or off center teeth, but severe misalignments are still better served by traditional orthodontic methods.
Learn More About Veneers Today!
If you are interested in learning more about your options in cosmetic dentistry, like whether or not you are a candidate for dental veneers, we invite you to contact Esparza Family Dentistry! We can’t wait to help you reveal your very best smile. Request an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach today.
Veneers FAQs
Veneers in Virginia Beach can give you a flawless smile to be proud of, but they are a big commitment. We understand you might have a few concerns. Dr. Sarah Esparza will explain everything during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about veneers to determine if they are right for you.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers are not permanent because they need to be replaced, eventually. However, they aren't reversible, either. Dr. Esparza must remove a small amount of enamel during the preparation process. This ensures your veneers fit flush to prevent any uncomfortable ridges or ledges. It also promotes a stronger bond to enjoy long-lasting results. Although this doesn't harm your teeth, your enamel will not grow back if your veneers are removed. Therefore, your teeth can be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, and damage if they aren't covered by restorations.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
A veneer can be applied to a single tooth to improve its appearance, like fixing a chip or covering a stain. However, the overall goal of veneers is to enhance your entire smile. As a result, your cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach will recommend bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling. Since every mouth is unique, there's no way to know how many you'll need without first examining your smile. Some patients may need 4 or 6, while others may require 8 or more.
Do Veneers Feel Natural?
Your veneers may feel a little foreign at first, but in no time at all, you'll forget they are there. Veneers are thinner than ever, so they won't feel heavy or bulky. Each veneer is carefully crafted to fit your tooth like a glove. Your teeth will feel smooth and sleek when running your tongue across them. They will feel like your real teeth and look like them, too. Porcelain resembles enamel, so you'll enjoy natural-looking results. Only a trained dental professional will know they are there.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The average lifespan of a veneer is 10 years, but many factors will affect how long your new smile will last. It's not unusual for veneers to last for a decade or more with the correct care, like brushing and flossing. Only use non-abrasive dental products to avoid scratching your restorations. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Commit to flossing at least once a day. Break any bad habits that can damage your veneers, like chewing on your fingernails. Dr. Esparza recommends limiting hard and sticky foods to prevent damaging your restorations. Besides caring for your smile at home, schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to get the most from your investment.
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