Porcelain Veneers and the Balance Between Beauty and Strength

Most people think porcelain veneers are just for making your smile more beautiful and covering issues like badly stained teeth or chipped or damaged teeth. And yes, veneers are considered to be cosmetic dentistry. But having this treatment done by cosmetic dentists like Drs. Erick Hosaka and Valerie Cassisi at Health 360 Dental can also offer unexpected benefits.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made using ultra-thin sheets of porcelain that are between 0.5 and 0.7 mm thick. That’s about the same thickness as a contact lens.

When our team makes veneers, they design them to match the color, shape, size, and spacing of your natural teeth. Color, shape, size, and spacing. They’re then bonded to the front of your teeth.

Veneers

Video Transcript

Veneers are thin handcrafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained or worn. Veneers are thin as contact lenses, and are an aesthetically pleasing option of closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and providing symmetry to make your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers may be right for you.

How Can a Cosmetic Dentist For Veneers Fix Imperfect Teeth?

Porcelain veneers can hide a surprisingly wide array of dental flaws.

Chipped teeth.
Cracked teeth.
Badly discolored teeth that haven’t responded to professional whitening .
Teeth that are either longer or shorter than the others.
Small gaps between your front teeth .
Mildly crooked teeth .
Worn-down dental enamel.
Uneven gum lines.

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Why Is Porcelain the Best Material for Veneers?

This is where beauty and strength come into play. Porcelain looks nearly identical to dental enamel because light passes into it and reflects just as it does with enamel. That translucency keeps the surface from looking flat and fake.

Porcelain is also an extremely hard material. Almost as tough as enamel.

Do Porcelain Veneers Get Stained?

Not really. Teeth are not the same as bone. They are porous. That means stains can get into them and discolor your teeth. You don’t have that issue with porcelain. It’s a smooth ceramic surface that’s naturally stain-resistant.

Do Porcelain Veneers Look Fake?

Modern veneers rarely look fake when an experienced dentist does them. Our team does meticulous work to make sure that they look natural and match the rest of your teeth. That includes the shape around the edges.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Most people have their veneers for between 10 and 15 years. Some patients report that theirs are still in great shape after 20 years or more.

To keep your veneers looking like new, avoid what causes problems. For example, avoid cracking pistachio shells with your teeth. And keep in mind that teeth are never designed to be tools.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Compare to Other Treatments by a Cosmetic Dentist in Bethesda?

Teeth whitening only changes the color of your teeth. For chips and small gaps, some people choose bonding. It can mask staining, too, but it’s not stain-resistant like porcelain. Also, it’s not as durable over the long term.

For gaps and mild misalignment, clear aligners can work. But that’s a long-term process. Veneers give immediate change.

Who Offers Porcelain Veneers in Bethesda, Maryland?

Drs. Erick Hosaka and Valerie Cassis offer porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options. Get in touch with the Health 360 Dental team today by calling (301) 686-5255. They’ll schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at 5530 Wisconsin Ave #525. Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

Dr. Erick Hosaka, DDS, MBA, FAGD

Dr. Erick Hosaka is a fourth-generation dentist with over 28 years of experience in Chevy Chase. He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Hosaka's commitment to excellence has earned him recognition as a Top Dentist by Washingtonian Magazine and Bethesda Magazine. He is known for his expertise and patient-centered care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and watching the Ravens.

Dr. Valerie Cassis, DMD

Dr. Valerie Cassis is a compassionate and skilled dentist who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine. She further honed her expertise through a General Practice Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital near Philadelphia. Now proudly serving the Bethesda community, Dr. Cassis is dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, crocheting, drawing, and spending time with her beloved cat, Amelia.