Veneers
What Would You Like to Change About Your Smile?
Not everyone is born with perfect teeth, but that doesn't mean you can't have a stunning smile. The dentists at Thornton Dental Associates, P.C., in Washington, DC, have years of cosmetic dentistry experience and can use veneers to turn a so-so smile into a beautiful one. While there are many cosmetic solutions for imperfect smiles, our dentists often turn to veneers. Among the concerns our dentists use veneers to mask are:
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolored or Stained Teeth
- Short teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Minor misalignment
Are You Ready to Make a Great First Impression? Call for a Consultation
A friendly, engaging smile goes a long way in an always-networking city like Washington, DC, with its culturally diverse neighborhoods and ever-shifting mix of politicians, suits, and 20-somethings. Using advanced technology and high-quality dental materials, the cosmetic dentists at Thornton Dental Associates can take natural-looking porcelain veneers and design a smile ready for any encounter.
What are you waiting for? You can have a new smile in a few short weeks. Request a consultation now by contacting us online or by calling:
(202) 293-5805
"I have been going to this practice for almost 20 years for cleanings and routine dental issues. It has always consistently been great. This year I had Dr. Van der Linden help me with some much needed “cosmetic” dentistry and the results were fantastic! Dr. VdL made the whole process from beginning to end easy and painless. He took such great care and showed such attention to detail with the veneers I got — he was like an artist! I could tell how much pride he took in his craft and how important it was to him to get it just right — exactly what you would dream of in a doctor doing this kind of work. I was sooooo impressed with the final product AND with the doc himself." Daniel Vail, 5-Star Google Review in 2023
What Exactly Is a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain that are carefully crafted to fit onto the front of your natural teeth. Each one is custom-designed to enhance your smile and camouflage distracting imperfections. Our dental office in Washington, DC, uses premium dental porcelain to create your custom veneers.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
If you are bothered by chips, stains, or other cosmetic problems with your teeth, you are most likely an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. The dentists at Thornton Dental Associates in Washington, DC, can determine this during a consultation and walk you through the procedure, explaining important considerations. Qualifying traits include:
Good Oral Health
For porcelain veneers to last, the tooth supporting it needs to be healthy. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, the dentists at Thornton Dental Associates will recommend treatment before moving forward with veneers.
Good Oral Hygiene
While porcelain veneers won't decay, the underlying tooth and your gum tissue can. You should be committed to a daily routine of brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits after the veneers have been placed.
No Grinding
Grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, can damage veneers. If you are prone to grinding or clenching, our dentists can recommend a nightguard to protect your veneers. More extreme cases may require uncovering the underlying issue.
A Lifetime Commitment
Because a small layer of enamel is removed to place the veneer, the procedure is irreversible. Any tooth that is prepped for veneers will require some sort of restoration to protect it moving forward.
Ready for a Veneers Consultation? We Can Assess Your Candidacy at our DC Practice
Porcelain veneers are a fantastic cosmetic dentistry option to enhance the appearance of your smile. However, not everyone is initially a good candidate. During your first consultation, one of our skilled cosmetic dentists will examine your mouth and discuss your goals to determine if you qualify for this treatment. For those who do not qualify, your dentist can craft a custom treatment plan to address concerns that may prevent you from qualifying for veneers or offer treatment alternatives to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Ready to start your smile transformation? Request a consultation by filling out our online form or by calling our practice in Washington, DC, today.
(202) 293-5805
"Professional. Clean. Kind. Top of the line equipment. They are the best!"
Lisa Renee Heintz, 5-Star Google Review in 2023
Preview the Results
Dental technology has come a long way: patients no longer have to commit to dental treatments without knowing what the results will look like. At Thornton Dental Associates, P.C., we use the latest technology to let you preview the results of your treatment before committing to it.
Want a Sneak Peek of Your New Smile? Request a Consultation With Our Dentists
Since veneers are cosmetic in nature, it is essential that they match or exceed your aesthetic expectations. We begin every veneer treatment with a thorough consultation at our Washington, DC, office where you can ask questions and discuss any concerns about your smile. Our dentists will build your treatment plan around your desired results, and we highly encourage bringing in a photo that highlights what you're looking for in a treatment. We can then give you a preview of what your teeth will look like after receiving veneers and other dental work.
Ask us more about our preview technology by submitting a form, or take the first step toward a brighter smile by calling our Washington, DC, office at:
(202) 293-5805
Veneers Treatment Timeline
Our dentists have the advanced training and artistic eye you are looking for in cosmetic dentistry.
Do You Have Questions?
"Doctors are amazing and the staff are so friendly. I will not go to different dentist again."
Radmila Djuric, 5-Star Google Review in 2023
Veneers vs Bonding
While veneers and bonding can address similar cosmetic issues, such as chips and cracks in your teeth, they have a few important distinctions.
Veneers
- Look more natural than bonding
- Are more durable and last longer
- Require some enamel to be removed
Bonding
- Typically costs less than veneers
- Is reversible and does not reduce enamel
- May not cover more extensive issues that veneers can
Our dentists can help you determine which treatment best fits your needs during a consultation.
Porcelain Veneers vs Invisalign
Veneers and Invisalign® are both options used at our DC office to address mild orthodontic concerns. Porcelain veneers can conceal a host of issues, including minor gaps and misalignments. They do not correct the issues and are not a good option for more severe orthodontic issues.
Invisalign is an orthodontic alternative to braces that corrects the misalignment. Because Invisalign corrects orthodontic issues, there are several additional benefits, such as improved oral health. Orthodontic treatment can also reduce pain and excess wear on the teeth due to a misaligned bite.
Veneers are often referred to as instant orthodontics because they conceal gaps and misalignments in as little as two appointments. Invisalign typically takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months to correct the issue.
Veneers vs Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great cosmetic dentistry treatment for surface stains. This type of staining is known as extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains are deep below the surface and often do not respond to professional teeth whitening treatment. In these cases, veneers are a great option to conceal the discoloration and give your smile a whiter appearance. Patients often undergo teeth whitening before veneers to brighten their entire smile.
Veneers Are Often
Part of a Smile Makeover
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With a smile makeover, our dentists can rejuvenate your smile by combining treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. Veneers are a great foundation for smile makeovers since they cover your front teeth and can fix multiple cosmetic issues at once. Our practice in Washington, DC, can schedule multiple treatments in advance around your schedule.
"What an awesome office. Staff was friendly and kind. Dr. Thornton put me right at ease and explained everything and answered all my questions. Highly recommend!"
Alison McQuade, 5-Star Google Review in 2023
Contact Us for More Information About Using Veneers in a Smile Makeover
With a complete smile makeover, we can tackle extensive cosmetic issues and restore your confidence in your smile. Like each of our patients, no two smile makeovers are completely alike. Our skilled dentists will cater the cosmetic overhaul to your desired results and oral conditions. During a consultation, we can discuss your options and recommend treatments that best fit your needs.
Reach out to our practice to learn more about smile makeovers during a consultation. You can also ask us any questions with this form or call our Washington, DC, office at:
Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers From Our Washington, DC, Patients
How much does it cost to get porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers can cost anywhere from $925-$2,500 per tooth depending on a variety of factors. While insurance typically doesn't cover the cost of veneers, we offer flexible financing options such as CareCredit payment plans. For a more accurate price estimate, request a consultation so our dentist can take a look at your dental situation and give you a quote.
Can you get a full set of veneers?
Yes, you can get a "full set" of veneers, but a full set of veneers typically covers your front teeth and not your entire set of teeth. Veneers are cosmetic in nature, so they won't provide many benefits for teeth that do not show prominently in your smile. For molars and other posterior teeth, we'd recommend another treatment depending on your dental needs.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes and no. While the porcelain shells can last a decade or longer, they will eventually need to be replaced. However, the slight reshaping of your teeth to make room for the veneers is permanent. Our dentists can explain the effects of veneers in detail so you have a complete understanding of the procedure before making a decision.
Do veneers stay white?
While porcelain veneers have stain-resistant properties, the veneers will not stay white forever. Food, plaque, and other materials can stain your veneers over time. Good hygiene can help you maintain the bright shade of your veneers, and regular deep cleanings can help reverse any discoloration.
Are veneers painful?
No, veneers only require a thin layer of enamel to be removed for the treatment. If you have sensitive teeth, we can always use a local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment so you feel virtually no pain.
Will people be able to tell if I have veneers?
No. Veneers are crafted to look as natural as possible and blend with your natural teeth. People shouldn't be able to tell you have porcelain veneers unless you tell them.
What do I do if my veneer falls off or is damaged?
If your porcelain veneer falls off or is damaged, preserve the veneer and contact our DC dental practice. If the veneer has simply fallen off, your dentist may be able to bond it back onto the tooth. If the porcelain veneer is damaged, your dentist can examine it to determine if a new veneer is needed or we can repair the restoration.
Each of our veneers is custom-designed to enhance your smile and camouflage distracting imperfections.
