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Veneers Questions and Answers

Woman getting matched for veneers in dental office

With the help of a skilled dentist, veneers can restore your smile and enhance self-confidence. We will talk about many of the frequently asked questions in this article to help you make an informed decision about getting cosmetic dentistry in Washington, D.C.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Vector image of porcelain veneer installation procedure.Veneers are thin porcelain that overlays each individual teeth to cover up imperfections. It is a type of cosmetic dental procedure to improve the look and function of your teeth. They are one option to repair chipped or misshaped teeth or gaps between teeth. They can recreate the look of your smile, providing resilience and strength similar to natural tooth enamel. Veneers are custom-made and bonded to the tooth’s enamel.

How to Care for Your Veneers

Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth is the first step to having a beautiful smile. That includes especially when you have veneers. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and try to use non-abrasive toothpaste. It is possible to stain your veneers so avoid coffee, red wine, and other stain-inducing liquids.

Veneers will last many years and you can extend their look and function when you practice good oral hygiene.

Placement

Placing veneers usually takes one to two dentist appointments. Local anesthesia may not be required but can be used depending on the patient’s sensitivity.

Dr. Rinaldi in Chevy Chase near Washington, D.C., will first clean the tooth and shave off a thin layer of your enamel. This helps in two ways—one, the adhesive can grip and hold more firmly, and two, the veneer is able to lay flush on the tooth.

Dr. Rinaldi will take an impression of your tooth for the lab and place temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready.

When the permanent veneers are ready, Dr. Rianldi removes the temporary ones and cleans the tooth. The permanent veneers are rinsed and then air-dried. Dr. Rinaldi applies adhesive and then cement to permanently place the veneers. Curing takes just a minute to seal to the tooth.

Dr. Rinaldi then polishes the margins of the dental veneers and schedules a follow-up appointment.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Yes. Veneers are permanently attached to your teeth and last between 10-15 years. However, you can maximize their life by practicing good dental hygiene habits. It would also help to visit Dr. Rinaldi regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. With regular dental checkups, we can check whether there are issues that need to be addressed. To protect your veneers, make sure that you use mouthguards especially when you play sports. Avoid tooth grinding and never use your teeth to open something.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Veneers cost a minimum of around $30,000+ for a full set by a skilled cosmetic dentist. Prices can be cheaper, but you are sacrificing quality, appearance, and longevity. Prices depend on the cosmetic dentist’s skill, location, types of veneers, technology, and other factors. Don’t be fooled by low prices online. You get what you pay for. Lower-priced veneers will likely cost more in the long run because of repairs.

To know the exact cost for your specific procedure schedule an appointment with Dr, Rinaldi.

Are Veneers Covered By Insurance?

It depends on your dental insurance. Some insurance companies may cover up to 50% of the dental costs. Check your dental coverage or speak with your insurance company to see if they cover it and how much.

Which Veneers Are the Best?

There are four types of veneers: porcelain, composite, Lumineers, and removable. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years. Composites can last up to 5 years and are half the cost of porcelain. Lumineers are semi-permanent and last up to 10 years, while removable veneers can last up to 5 years.

We highly recommend porcelain as they last the longest and look the most natural. The initial cost may be more expensive compared to the other types, but it’s more cost-effective in the long run.

Will Veneers Ruin My Teeth?

No. Dental veneers are meant to improve your appearance and correct chipped or flawed teeth. However, you do need an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist to place them. Having a good cosmetic dentist ensures that you won’t have problems later on.

Will Veneers Help Receding Gums?

Your gums are designed to frame your teeth and make them look uniform and straight. When your gums begin to recede, your teeth will look uneven. Receding gums may be caused by teeth grinding, age, gum injury, gum disease, and aggressive tooth brushing. Speak with Dr. Rinaldi right away to treat receding gums first.

Porcelain veneers may not treat receding gums, but they can address some issues associated with it. When your gums start receding, your tooth may become sensitive as the root may be exposed. Porcelain veneers placed over the tooth including the root can help alleviate the discomfort from gum recession.

Can Veneers Fall Off?

Technically, yes, they can fall off but it is not very common, especially with a highly proficient cosmetic dentist like Dr. Rinaldi. If this happens to you schedule an appointment with Dr. Rinaldi immediately so he can help you replace them.

Can Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains. However, those made from composite material can stain over time. If your natural teeth no longer match with your veneers, it could be that they were made of porous material.

Speak with Dr. Rinaldi as you may already need to replace them. If you’re concerned about staining, consider avoiding teeth-staining drinks such as red wine, tea, and coffee.

If you need to have your natural teeth whitened to match your veneers, schedule an appointment with us. We are more than happy to assist.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Tooth?

Veneers are cosmetic as well as a restorative method to improve the look and function of your teeth. Unlike crowns that cover the whole tooth, veneers are bonded only to the front of your teeth.

It doesn’t only fix crooked teeth, but it can also fix discolored teeth, decayed, weakened, cracked, chipped, or broken teeth.

To work properly, it is essential to have enough enamel for your veneers to bond to the teeth. To know if you’re a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rinaldi. He will discuss everything you need to know about the procedure, what to expect, proper care techniques, and the type of veneers best for you.

Are Veneers Worth It?

Veneers can last up to 15 years and can significantly improve the quality of your life. It can fix gaps and stained or discolored teeth. They are also durable and look natural, especially when done by a highly skilled dentist like Dr. Rinaldi.

A full set is a considerable up-front cost but keep in mind that veneers are a long-term investment toward your dental health and confidence. It’s one of the best cosmetic procedures that can greatly enhance your smile and correct imperfections.

Not everyone will be a candidate. Some patients will need to undergo other dental treatments first. Going through different dental procedures plus the cost of veneers itself may be expensive, but in return, it helps improve your quality of life which is worth it.

One of the Best Cosmetic Dentists in the Washington DC Area

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Rinaldi is one of the best. Based in the Washington DC area, Dr. Rinaldi has been voted top cosmetic dentist in Washington, D.C. His mastery of veneers is second to none. Dr. Rinaldi has placed more than 30,000 porcelain veneers and still counting. He’s an expert in Full Mouth Reconstruction and all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Most importantly, he’s committed to providing only top-quality dental services to all of his patients.

His team is also talented and will make sure that every client has a positive experience. Our ultimate goal is to consistently deliver what is promised and to ensure that you go home with the best smile possible.


Woman getting matched for veneers