Porcelain Veneers

Your teeth are your most prominent feature, and a beautiful smile helps make great first impressions. If there’s something about the look of your teeth that makes you want to hide your smile, veneers can help you look and feel your best.

Dr. Olivia Oriani is a cosmetic dentist who is passionate about beautiful smiles. With a keen eye for artistry and symmetry, she creates custom veneers that help you look and feel your best.

Problems Veneers Fix

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or ceramic bonded to the front surface of your teeth. We recommend them to improve the appearance of broken teeth or address shape or alignment issues. Common problems we resolve with veneers include: 

  • Discolored teeth
  • Chipped and broken teeth
  • Uneven gaps between teeth
  • Large spaces between teeth
  • Teeth with worn edges or broken points
  • Teeth that are too small 
  • Mild tooth misalignment

We can create a full set of veneers for a dramatic makeover or treat just one or two teeth to perfect your smile's appearance.

Steps for Getting Dental Veneers

Here's everything you need to know about the process of getting veneers!

Initial Consultation and Exam

We want to be sure that veneers are the best option for your smile. Your veneer journey starts with an appointment with Dr. Oriani so you can explain your smile goals and the issues you’d like us to address. 

Next, she will perform an exam to confirm that you are a good veneer candidate. If there are underlying issues like cavities or gum disease, we need to address those first. 

Preparation and Impressions

If you and Dr. O decide that veneers will help you achieve your aesthetic goals, the next step is preparing a wax mock-up to help you visualize the improvement to your smile. To do this, she takes digital impressions that our custom dental lab uses to prepare the mock-up.

The next step is preparing your teeth, which involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel so the restorations fit properly and look natural. Next, we take traditional dental impressions that a custom lab uses to create your final veneers.

Veneer Fabrication and Placement

It takes 2–3 weeks to prepare your final restorations, and in the meantime, you’ll wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth.

When the lab returns your veneers, we’ll schedule an appointment so Dr. O can place them on your teeth. She will check the restorations for fit and comfort and cement them securely on your teeth.

How to Care for Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a great investment in your smile because they can last 10 years or longer with proper care. Here are some helpful tips to protect your restorations, so they continue to enhance your smile for many years.

  • Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing once.
  • Limit consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, which can discolor your veneers over time.
  • Visit OC Dental regularly for check-ups and teeth cleanings to maintain the health of underlying teeth.
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bite into hard foods.
  • Avoid biting your fingernails or chewing on hard objects like ice or pens. 
  • Wear a custom mouthguard if you engage in contact sports.
  • Ask us about a custom nightguard if you have a teeth-grinding habit.

Ready to Take the Next Step with Veneers?

You don't have to let dental imperfections hold you back or keep you from sharing your biggest smile. Schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Downtown DC today!