Porcelain veneers are thin custom shells bonded over the front of your teeth, correcting shape, gaps, and color in a way whitening and bonding can't, it's a bigger commitment, and we'll be upfront about that.
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain, custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. It changes the tooth's shape, length, and color all at once, which makes it the go-to fix for chips, gaps, worn edges, and discoloration that doesn't respond to whitening.
Getting a veneer requires removing a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth so the shell sits flush and doesn't look bulky. That step is irreversible, once enamel is removed, that tooth will always need a veneer or crown to cover it. We think that tradeoff is worth discussing honestly before you commit, not after.
Porcelain resists staining far better than composite bonding and holds its shape for many years, which is why we recommend it for patients who want a long-term, low-maintenance result on visible front teeth.
Veneers are a strong fix for cosmetic issues on otherwise healthy teeth. They're not the answer for every problem, and we'll tell you if a more conservative option fits better.
Veneers rebuild the edge and shape of a tooth that's been chipped or worn flat, permanently.
Veneers close small to moderate gaps without the months of movement orthodontics would require.
Stains from tetracycline, fluorosis, or old trauma that whitening won't lift are covered entirely by the shell.
Veneers standardize the size and shape of teeth that look uneven next to each other.
Porcelain resists staining and holds its shape for a decade or more with normal care.
If there isn't enough healthy enamel to bond to, we'll discuss bonding or a crown instead.
We evaluate your teeth and gums, discuss the shape and shade you want, and can show you a digital preview of the planned result before any tooth is touched.
A thin layer of enamel, usually less than half a millimeter, is removed from the front of each tooth being treated, under local anesthesia. Sedation is available.
We take a digital scan, match the shade, and send the specs to the lab. You wear temporary veneers so you're never without a functional, presentable smile.
At your second visit we check fit, shape, and shade before permanently bonding each veneer in place. Minor adjustments happen chairside before anything is final.
Bonding is faster, cheaper, and reversible, so it's often the right first option for a single small chip. Veneers cost more and require removing enamel, but they last longer, resist stains better, and hold up better across multiple teeth.
Veneer cost depends on how many teeth are being treated and the amount of shaping needed to get an even, natural result. Because veneers are cosmetic, dental insurance typically does not cover them. We offer financing through Lending Club and CareCredit, and Membership Club members receive a discount on cosmetic treatment, to help spread out the investment.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We'll verify your benefits and file the claim on your behalf.
Spread payment over time with interest-free financing through Lending Club or CareCredit, so cost isn't the reason you delay treatment.
Not insured? Our in-house membership plan simplifies preventative care and saves on treatment, a smart alternative when insurance isn't a fit.
Learn About MembershipOur cosmetic team plans veneer shape and shade around your face and existing teeth, not a generic template, so the result looks like you, just refined.
Over a decade of practice in the DC area. Certified Invisalign provider and AAFE-certified in Botox therapeutics for TMJ and facial pain.
Restorative, cosmetic, and complex oral surgery. Invisalign and dental implant certified, with a special focus on patients with dental anxiety.
Compassionate care with a friendly approach. A Fairfax native who combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth that puts patients at ease.
Multi-disciplinary, comprehensive dentistry with a pragmatic approach. Passionate about patient education and staying current with advances in dental care.
Still weighing veneers against another option? Book a consultation and we'll compare them honestly against your specific case.
Book ConsultationThe enamel removal that prepares your tooth for a veneer is permanent, that tooth will always need a veneer or crown covering it going forward. The veneer itself can eventually be replaced when it wears out, typically after 10 to 15 years.
The tooth is numbed before we remove any enamel, so the procedure itself isn't painful. Some mild sensitivity to temperature is normal for a few days afterward while the tooth adjusts, and sedation is available if you'd prefer to be more relaxed.
Porcelain resists staining much better than natural enamel or composite bonding, so coffee and wine are far less of a concern. The cement line at the edge can pick up minor staining over many years, which regular cleanings help manage.
It depends on what you're trying to fix. Some patients need just two on the front teeth, others do six to eight to get an even, symmetrical smile. We'll recommend the minimum number that gets you the result you want.
It can be repaired or replaced, usually without affecting the surrounding teeth. Avoiding hard foods like ice and using a nightguard if you grind your teeth significantly lowers the odds of this happening.
Whitening only lightens the existing enamel and can't change shape or fix deep discoloration. Veneers change shape, length, and color simultaneously, which is why they're the answer when whitening alone won't get you there.
Bring us the specific thing you want to change about your front teeth. We'll show you a preview, walk you through the tradeoffs, and give you a real cost estimate before anything is prepared.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear picture of what's possible.
New patients always welcome. Fill out the form and we'll reach out to schedule your veneer consultation, or call the office nearest you.