Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers – Chevy Chase, MD
Beautify Your Smile and Make it Your New Favorite Trait
When you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror, does it drag down your self-esteem? Your cosmetic dentist in Chevy Chase, Dr. Freyne offers a variety of services like porcelain veneers and Lumineers to restore worn-down and damaged teeth. These are thin, durable custom-made porcelain shells that cover the visible portion of your teeth to conceal flaws. We understand just how much of an impact a smile riddled with flaws can have on your everyday life. When you visit our office, you’ll be greeted by our friendly and warm staff of dental professionals and we’ll get you started on your journey towards a smile that you’re proud to have.
What’s the Process of Getting Veneers?
When you visit us to get porcelain veneers in Chevy Chase, it’ll be a couple of visits before the process is complete. During your initial appointment with Dr. Freyne, he’ll discuss your desires for your smile, take any X-rays if necessary, and help you determine whether this process is right for you. After you decide on porcelain veneers as your cosmetic solution, we’ll begin to prepare your teeth for them by removing a thin layer of your natural enamel. This helps your veneers lay flush with the rest of your teeth and keep them from protruding from your mouth.
Next, we’ll make a model of the teeth that you’d like to have fixed and send it off to a dental laboratory to craft your custom porcelain veneers. It typically takes anywhere from two to four weeks for us to receive your permanent veneers back from the lab, but in the meantime, we’ll fit you for temporary ones.
During the last visit, we’ll make sure that your permanent veneers are made to our specifications and match the rest of your smile. We’ll then clean, polish, and etch your teeth after removing the temporary veneers. This will allow for a strong bond. We’ll apply a special dental cement to the veneer and strategically place them on your teeth. After curing the cement and removing any excess, we’ll make sure your bite is even and make any final adjustments.
What are the Benefits of Getting Porcelain Veneers?
Patients often choose porcelain veneers because they can fix a variety of cosmetic problems. Some advantages of this procedure include:
- Dental porcelain reflects light like your natural enamel would, creating a natural appearance.
- Porcelain is gentle on your gums.
- Veneers are stain-resistant.
- The color of your veneers can be customized.
What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Lumineers?
You may have heard of Lumineers while researching porcelain veneers and wondered what exactly the difference is. Just like porcelain veneers, Lumineers are thin, durable shells that are custom-crafted to fit over the visible portion of your teeth to conceal any flaws. The main difference between the two treatments is that Lumineers don’t require any preparation of your natural tooth-like veneers do. They’re simply bonded into place. This is possible because they’re ultra-compact, making them still able to lay flush with the rest of your teeth.
Am I A Good Candidate For Veneers?
If you’re looking into getting porcelain veneers in Chevy Chase, the best way to determine whether this is the best cosmetic treatment for you is to visit Dr. Freyne for a consultation. He can discuss any questions you may have and let you know what problems they can fix. If you’re unhappy with several flaws in your smile, you’re a great candidate for veneers. They can conceal issues such as:
- Worn-down teeth.
- Chipped or broken teeth.
- Misshapen teeth.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Uneven or misshapen teeth.
- Severely discolored teeth.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have! We’ll be more than happy to look into financing options with you and schedule a consultation.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers & Lumineers
Veneers and Lumineers are excellent options for transforming numerous aspects of your smile at the same time, but they aren’t necessarily the right option for everyone. It’s important that you explore all of your options and have a thorough understanding of their cost. Continue reading to learn more about your cosmetic treatment options so you can make the best decision for your smile.
Cost VS Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?
For many patients, veneers or Lumineers may seem like an ideal option, but you should take a look at all of the cosmetic treatments available to see how each one would affect your smile. They have a variety of price points and help patients achieve numerous different outcomes. Here are some of the most common solutions available:
- Invisalign – Invisalign can straighten teeth in dramatic ways, but they cost several thousands of dollars. They’re a big-time investment but are an excellent option for correcting misalignment.
- Teeth Whitening – Professional teeth whitening is a quick solution to surface discoloration, and it is much more affordable than other cosmetic options. Results can last anywhere between a couple of months to several years depending on how well you care for them.
- Cosmetic Bonding – This is one of the most affordable cosmetic options out there. This treatment is quick but only available for minor changes, like reshaping a damaged tooth. Cosmetic bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
- Veneers – Veneers aren’t the cheapest option out there, but they are one of the easiest ways to transform numerous aspects of your smile at once. This includes the shape, color, and minor misalignment. The whole process can be completed in as few as two appointments and lasts up to 15 years or longer with proper maintenance.
- Lumineers – Lumineers are similar to veneers, but they don’t require the same amount of preparation. Ultimately, the average cost of Lumineers tends to be less than the average cost of veneers. Just like veneers, Lumineers can alter the shape and color of the teeth.
To find out exactly how much you can expect your treatment to cost, give us a call to schedule a consultation. We’re eager to help you achieve a smile that you’re proud to show off!
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How many veneers will I need?
There isn’t any way to determine how many veneers you’ll need without first having a consultation. You can have a veneer placed on a single tooth, but Dr. Freyne often recommends you place them on the front 2, 4, or 8 teeth because they are the most visible when smiling. Dr. Freyne will determine how many you’ll need depending on your aesthetic concerns and the goals you want to achieve.
Do I also need gum sculpting?
Veneers and gum sculpting often go hand-in-hand; however, both aren’t always necessary. Gum sculpting is recommended when too much tissue covers the surface of a tooth. When it’s removed, it enhances the proportion of your teeth while creating a more attractive gum line. Our office uses a soft tissue laser to offer precise results through a less invasive procedure. If you need gum sculpting, you’ll enjoy a shorter recovery using a virtually pain-free method.
How much do veneers cost?
There isn’t a set fee for porcelain veneers because the cost is determined by your individual treatment plan, like the number of teeth you’re improving. Your cosmetic dentists in Chevy Chase, Dr. Freyne will provide you with a custom estimate and discuss the fees associated with your procedure during your initial consultation.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Unfortunately, most dental insurances won’t cover the cost of veneers because they are an elective treatment; however, every policy differs. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file any necessary claims or forms to reduce the amount you need to pay.
If there’s any out-of-pocket expense, our office accepts several payment options to cover the balance, like third-party financing with CareCredit. You’re given the funds you need to pay for your treatment, which are repaid using a payment plan that accommodates your budget. You can get the beautiful smile you deserve without breaking the bank.
How long will my veneers last?
Although veneers are thinner than ever, they are durable. In fact, they can last a decade or longer with the right aftercare. You can promote how long your smile lasts using a few simple tips:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to prevent scratches on your veneers.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each session.
- Floss in between each tooth before going to bed.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools or chew on inedible objects.