About Porcelain Veneers at NOVA Dental Studio

Porcelain Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure in Falls Church VA in which thin porcelain facings are placed on the front (visible) area of the teeth.  These thin porcelain facings placed on your teeth increase the aesthetics of your smile, including shape, color, brightness and position.  Generally, a small amount (less than 1mm) of natural tooth structure must be removed to allow the veneer to fit seamlessly into the smile line.

Veneers can also be used to repair minor chips and fractures to the front showing teeth.  They are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible during general conversation.  This treatment can be accomplished either by placing composite resin on the teeth during a visit, known as bonding, or by placing thin porcelain facings on the teeth.  They are an investment but can bring out a very desirable and confident presentation.

When comparing veeners and crowns, veneers are advantageous and often preferable since less natural tooth material is removed, and the procedure has a higher degree of comfort.  Crowns are favorable for teeth that have less tooth structure or considerably sized fillings.

Bonding Technique

The Bonding Technique involves a composite resin can last several years and is easily removable, repairable and replaceable. With this technique, Dr. Paesani can transform the appearance of your teeth to achieve the smile you desire. We prepare your teeth with minimal grinding to adjust the shape or just to roughen the surface. A tooth shade or combination of shades and the composite resin is added (similar to a putty). This is later shaped and cured with a bright light. It is then beautifully polished to a shine.

Porcelain Veneers

Falls Church porcelain veneers are aesthetically pleasing and can last more than twenty years. However, they are a more expensive treatment overall. They usually involve two appointments as the veneers need to be fabricated at a dental laboratory. During the first of the two appointments, the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are provided a temporary covering. When the veneers return from the laboratory, we remove the temporaries and the veneers are then bonded to the applicable teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are typically made using porcelain or pressed ceramic.

Contact the Professional Dentists

If you have any more questions regarding some of our different veneers or any other cosmetic dental procedures please do not hesitate to contact Nova Dental Studio today. Our office is ready to help you make the right decision for your dental health. We are just a phone call away, contact our dental professionals today!

Virginia Porcelain Veneers Specialists at NOVA Dental Studio

Porcelain Veneers, which are also referred to as dental porcelain laminates or dental veneers, are extremely thin, tooth-colored shells that are designed to improve the appearance of the teeth. These shells cover the visible surfaces of the teeth to change their shape, color, length or size. Dr. Michael J. Paesani is an experienced, top-rated, general and cosmetic dentist who improves his patients’ smiles with custom-tailored veneers at the NOVA Dental Studio, which is located in Falls Church, Virginia.

Which Cosmetic Issues Can Porcelain Veneers in Virginia Address?

Whether an individual’s teeth are crooked, discolored or chipped, dental veneers can help.

At the NOVA Dental Studio, Dental Veneers are used to address:

Discolored teeth caused by:

• Excessive fluoride intake.
• Medications, including doxycycline.
• Root canal treatment.
• Large fillings that consist of resin.
• Mouth washes and rinses that contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine.
• Any other reason an individual has discolored teeth.

Other issues addressed with dental veneers include:

• Chipped teeth.
• Broken and worn-down teeth.
• Gapped teeth.
• Misaligned or uneven teeth.
• Oddly shaped teeth (e.g., teeth with bulges or craters).

Porcelain Veneers Beautifully Mimic the Natural Teeth

Dental veneers made of porcelain offer patients in Virginia a natural-looking solution to address aesthetic issues. The ability of these veneers to reflect light just like the natural teeth is one of the reasons these veneers are so convincing. Furthermore, since these veneers consist of porcelain, they resist stains.

Who Should Consider Porcelain Veneers in Virginia?

People from Virginia who have healthy gums and practice good oral hygiene may be good candidates for dental veneers. These individuals can improve the way their teeth look or their overall smile with this long-lasting cosmetic solution. Dr. Michael J. Paesani can use dental veneers to address a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Some of the people who choose to have Porcelain Veneers applied are those with mildly crooked teeth. These individuals would rather cover their teeth with a veneer than seek orthodontic treatment.

People who are unhappy with the color of their natural teeth and would like to permanently whiten them may choose to accomplish this with veneers. In addition, individuals who have a single discolored or chipped tooth may decide to have that specific tooth covered with a veneer. At the NOVA Dental Studio in Falls Church, Virginia, Dr. Paesani performs dental veneer procedures.

Full and Partial Porcelain Veneers Are Available

Patients can have their tooth covered completely or only partially covered. It is the issue being addressed that determines which type of dental veneer will serve the patient best.

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

The dental veneers that are used at the NOVA Dental Studio in Falls Church, Virginia, offer patients a variety of benefits.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers include:

• Dental Veneers offer patients a long-lasting solution. When Dr. Paesani applies a patient’s dental veneers and they are properly cared for, the patient’s veneers can last 20 years, sometimes longer.
• These veneers are easy to care for. Patients just need to keep their veneers from becoming scratched or getting broken. This can be accomplished by using a non-abrasive, gel toothpaste while brushing and wearing a mouthguard if they choose to participate in physically demanding activities or sports.
• Since porcelain is a nonporous material, it is unlikely that Virginia Porcelain Veneers will absorb the pigments in red wine, coffee, tea, blueberries and other foods or beverages that are known to stain natural teeth.
• Offer a natural-looking result. Since Dr. Michael J. Paesani creates every patient his or her own personalized treatment plan. Each veneer is custom designed to cover a specific tooth.
• Gum tissue tolerates Porcelain Veneers well.
• Darker teeth can be covered with a whiter, brighter veneer.

At the NOVA Dental Studio, Dr. Paesani helps patients decide which color, shape and size veneers will achieve the results that he or she desires.

An Initial Consultation with Dr. Michael J. Paesani at the NOVA Dental Studio in Virginia

Dr. Paesani will ask what the patient would like to accomplish with Porcelain Veneers. Dr. Michael J. Paesani examines the patient’s teeth and gingival tissue (i.e., gums) to determine if dental veneers can be used to fix the cosmetic issues that the patient would like addressed. In addition, during this appointment, X-rays may be taken.

Once Dr. Paesani knows what the patient wants to accomplish, looks at the X-rays and examines the patient’s mouth, he can determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental veneers.

If Dr. Michael J. Paesani determines that Porcelain Veneers can address the patient’s issues, he may go ahead and prepare the patient’s teeth for the veneers. Once the teeth are prepared, an impression is created. This impression is used by the dental lab to create the patient’s custom-designed veneers.

During their initial consultation at the NOVA Dental Studio in Virginia, patients are encouraged to ask questions.

If the patient is not considered a good candidate for Porcelain Veneers, Dr. Paesani discusses which dental procedure could benefit the patient.

The Dental Veneer Process

Preparing a Tooth for Veneer Application

Some patients prefer to be numb during this preparation process. To ensure they remain comfortable, patients who would like to be numb should inform Dr. Paesani before the preparation process begins.

To prepare the patient’s tooth for a Porcelain Veneer, Dr. Michael J. Paesani needs to reshape its surface.

He trims off a portion of the enamel on the front of the tooth. The amount he trims away is equal to the thickness of the veneer that will be placed.

After the teeth being addressed are prepared, an impression is made. This impression is sent to the dental laboratory.

The patient receives temporary veneers to cover his or her teeth. These veneers are worn until the patient’s permanent, custom-tailored Porcelain Veneers arrive from the lab.

It typically takes from two to four weeks for a patient’s completed set of custom veneers to arrive at the NOVA Dental Studio in Falls Church, Virginia.

Once the custom veneers arrive, an appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, Dr. Michael J. Paesani removes the temporary coverings and then bonds each of the patient’s permanent veneers to its corresponding tooth.

Applying the Porcelain Veneers

Before using cement to bond the patient’s custom-designed veneer to its tooth, Dr. Michael J. Paesani places the veneer over it to ensure that the fit and color are correct.

Adjusting the veneer may require some trimming and since achieving the proper fit is vital to the longevity of the patient’s veneers, an experienced cosmetic dentist is essential.

Once Dr. Paesani has completed trimming the veneer and shaping the patient’s tooth, he cleans and polishes the tooth receiving the veneer. Then, he roughens (i.e., etches) the surface of the tooth. Etching the teeth before placing Porcelain Veneers in Virginia helps create a strong bond between the tooth and the veneer.

After applying a light-cured esthetic resin cement to the Porcelain Veneer, he places it on the corresponding tooth.

Once the Porcelain Veneer is properly positioned, Dr. Paesani uses a curing light to activate chemicals that are within the cement. Following activation, these chemicals cause the cement to harden very quickly.

After the cement hardens, Dr. Paesani removes any excess cement that has accumulated around the veneer and in between the teeth.

He checks the patient’s bite and then makes any necessary adjustments.

What to Expect Directly After a Dental Veneer Application in Virginia

After Porcelain Veneers are applied, the gums will go through a healing process. During this process, the gum tissue forms around the veneers. At this time, patients can use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to address any discomfort they are experiencing.

A Follow-Up Visit with Dr. Paesani at His Office in Virginia

Patients usually return to the NOVA Dental Studio in Falls Church, Virginia, a couple weeks after their veneers are placed. At this follow-up visit, Dr. Michael J. Paesani checks the patient’s gums.

In addition, now that the patient has had some time to wear the Porcelain Veneers, he will evaluate them to ensure their placement is optimal for biting, chewing and creating a naturally beautiful smile.

Following Porcelain Veneer Placement, Good Oral Hygiene is Essential

For a patient to get the most out of his or her veneers, including longevity, practicing good oral hygiene is vital.

A good daily regimen consists of:

• Brushing at least twice a day, in two-minute intervals, with a manual toothbrush. Ideally, Dr. Michael J. Paesani recommends that patients brush directly after waking and before going to sleep.
• Using a non-abrasive gel toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association’s (ADA)Seal of Acceptance.
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Flossing at least once a day.

Patients also need to continue having their biannual cleanings and exams at the NOVA Dental Studio.

What Patients Can Expect While Adjusting to Their Porcelain Veneers

Many of Dr. Paesani’s patients from Virginia experience an adjustment period following the placement of their dental veneers. During this adjustment period, patients may experience twinges of pain and a bite that feels off. If a patient is experiencing either of these symptoms, he or she should call the NOVA Dental Studio at (703) 237-7725 to make an appointment with Dr. Paesani. During this appointment, he uses a dental file to make some slight adjustments to the patient’s veneers. In addition, Dr. Michael J. Paesani will remove any microscopic pieces of cement that have become lodged between the teeth.

Potential Side Effects Following Dental Veneer Placement in Virginia

Some patients experience what is referred to as bonding sensitivity. This symptom occurs when a reaction occurs between the tooth and the cement used to secure the dental veneer. This side effect occurs directly after the Porcelain Veneers are applied.

Initially, the pain associated with bonding sensitivity is substantial. The pain becomes evident after the anesthesia that was used during the procedure wears off.

Once the steady pain diminishes, a dull pain may present itself, this pain comes in waves. To remain as comfortable as possible after Porcelain Veneer placement in Virginia, patients should go ahead and have an over-the-counter pain medication on hand (e.g., ibuprofen) to take before their anesthesia wears off. Patients can continue using this medication while these symptoms persist.

Please keep in mind that any pain experienced is temporary. After about a month, most of Dr. Paesani’s patients state that their veneers feel just like their natural teeth.

Is There Anyone Who is Considered a Poor Candidate for Porcelain Veneers in Virginia?

Yes, people who have active gum disease or tooth decay must first address these issues before Dr. Paesani can determine if he or she would be considered a good candidate for dental veneers.

If an individual has teeth that are fractured or have become weak due to cavities or large dental fillings, getting Porcelain Veneers placed in Virginia is not recommended.

An individual who has thin tooth enamel is not a good candidate for veneers.

People who tend to clench their teeth and individuals who grind their teeth are poor candidates for dental veneers because these actions could damage the veneers, causing them to chip or crack.

Porcelain Veneers in Virginia: What Patients Need to Know

• Once started, this process cannot be undone.
• Although rare, veneers may become dislodged and fall off. To reduce the likelihood of this complication, patients should avoid chewing on hard foods and inanimate objects (e.g., ice, hard candy, pen lids, pencils, etc.). Patients also need to stop biting their nails.
• Since there are very few times when repairs are possible, if a Porcelain Veneer chips or cracks, it will probably need to be replaced.
• Patients who would like to whiten their natural teeth that are not receiving a veneer need to do so prior to having their Porcelain Veneers placed.
• Once the veneers are in place, their color cannot be altered.
• When a patient is having Porcelain Veneers placed next to his or her natural teeth, the color of the veneer may not perfectly match the color of the patient’s teeth.
• During the preparation process for Porcelain Veneer placement, enamel must be removed from the surface of the tooth, therefore, the patient may experience sensitivity to the temperature variations of foods and beverages.
• Teeth that are covered with veneers can still decay, resulting in the need for a crown. A crown can cover and protect the entire tooth.

Alternatives to Dental Veneers in Virginia

Crowns and dental bonding are the alternatives for veneers. Bonding is used when the patient would like to change the shape of his or her teeth more than is possible with veneers, but not enough to require a full crown.

A Veneer vs. a Crown; What is the Difference?

Sometimes, crowns are used instead of veneers. A crown encompasses the entire tooth, whereas, veneers only cover the front portion of a tooth. For the most part, Porcelain Veneers are stronger and look better than crowns do. Furthermore, a crown usually requires Dr. Paesano to spend more time shaping it than a veneer.

The Cost of Porcelain Veneers in Virginia

How much an individual’s veneers will cost depends on several factors, therefore, the only way that Dr. Michael J. Paesani can determine an individual’s treatment cost is to evaluate his or her teeth during an initial consultation at the NOVA Dental Studio in Falls Church, Virginia.

At this consultation, Dr. Paesani will determine if the patient is a good candidate for Porcelain Veneers. Although most dental insurance companies do not cover veneers, patients should always check with their dental insurance company before starting treatment just to be sure.

As a General Dentist

Dr. Michael J. Paesani is a top general and cosmetic dentist in Virginia. His state-of-the-art office, the NOVA Dental Studio, is located in Falls Church, Virginia. With his experience in general dentistry and exceptional skill, Dr. Paesani provides individuals in the Virginia area with a variety of services.

As a Cosmetic Dentist

When Dr. Paesani is providing cosmetic dentistry services, he uses his experience, artistic vision and skill to create his patients beautiful, natural-looking smiles with Porcelain Veneers, dental implants, bridges and crowns.

A Dedicated Dental Staff at the NOVA Dental Studio in Virginia

The dental staff at the NOVA Dental Studio is dedicated to providing patients with the compassionate, high-quality and personable care they deserve. Dr. Michael J. Paesani’s dental staff want patients to feel comfortable as they receive treatment and they do their best to accomplish this.

At the NOVA Dental Studio, whether a patient is receiving Porcelain Veneers or having root canal therapy, Dr. Paesani creates personalized treatment plans for each of his patients. By creating custom-designed plans, Dr. Michael J. Paesani can provide all his patients with optimal results.

If you reside in or around Virginia and you are interested in learning more about Porcelain Veneers, or any other type of general or cosmetic dentistry procedures, contact Dr. Michael J. Paesani’s office at (703) 237-7725 to schedule an initial consultation. If you prefer to request an appointment using an online form, please click here.

The NOVA Dental Studio is located at 200 Little Falls Street, 101, in Falls Church, Virginia.

 

Dental Services offered at our office