Have you ever looked at celebrities on the big screen or the cover of a magazine and felt envious of their picture-perfect smile? For actors and models, their smiles are a huge part of their success. But, what you may not have realized is that many (it is probably more accurate to say, most) celebrities do not naturally have million-dollar smiles.

Those pearly whites that are perfectly straight and in-line are typically created with care by cosmetic dentists, just like the same cosmetic dentists in Houston. You, too, can have a celebrity-worthy smile. One of the common procedures used by celebrities to create their brilliant and glamourous smiles is by applying porcelain veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

While many people are familiar with orthodontia, veneers are still a mystery to most. WebMD describes, “Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.”

Since the purpose of dental veneers is to enhance your smile, you do not have to veneers applied to your entire set of teeth. Instead, your Houston cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth and determine which teeth would benefit the most from veneers. For example, if you have one bad tooth that has a noticed chip or discoloration, you can have a veneer applied to this tooth alone. However, the dentist may find it is better to do a section of your teeth to get the best results.

It is a Simple, Quick Process

One of the reasons dental veneers are popular for cosmetic dentistry is because it involves a simple and quick process. With veneers, you can transform your smile in as little as two or three visits to your Houston dental office!

After your initial assessment dental appointment, your next appointment will be when the dentist removes a thin layer of the tooth enamel where the veneer will be placed. Using this layer, a tooth impression is made, and the veneer is created. At the following appointment, your veneer is applied.

Corrects a Variety of Dental Imperfections

A major benefit of choosing dental veneers is that they can be used for a variety of dental imperfections. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, which require different dental techniques like teeth whitening or orthodontics, dental veneers can address multiple issues at once. For instance, dental veneers can cover discoloration issues that have resulted from root canals or childhood fluoride exposure, as well as chipped or aging teeth, misaligned and crooked teeth, or gaps between teeth.

They are Durable and Long-Lasting

Another bonus for choosing dental veneers in Houston is that they are durable and long-lasting. Porcelain veneers can last for decades and even lifetimes. Plus, they are extremely durable. You don’t have to worry about eating certain foods with veneers in comparison to other dental fixes.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Braces

The Balance explains, “According to statistics from the American Dental Association (ADA), the cost for braces on average for children is $4,685 to $6,500, and the cost for adult braces is $4,800 to $7,135. The price for braces could be higher or lower than these amounts, depending on how long your treatment plan lasts. Treatment plans last on average 24 months.”

While braces are an effective means for correcting misaligned teeth, it is costly and timely. Additionally, it is a noticeable correction tool that many adults would rather avoid. This is why some adults opt for dental veneers instead. Having dental veneers placed on just a section of teeth rather than a mouthful of braces can wind up being cheaper in the long run.

They Are Easy to Maintain

Dental veneers are also easy to maintain. Unlike other cosmetic dental techniques, veneers do not require any special care when brushing or flossing beyond what is standard dental care. Likewise, porcelain dental veneers are made of stain-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about the veneers losing their bright and natural coloring over time.

Differences in Types of Veneers

Like most things, there are different types of veneers. At Greenspoint Dental, we use three different types of veneers: Lumineers, composite, and porcelain. Ultimately, the type of veneer you choose will come down to your specific dental needs and budget.

Lumineers veneers are the easiest and fastest way to transform your smile, and they last for approximately twenty years. Unlike other veneers, they do not require any etching of the tooth enamel. Instead, the ultra-thin Lumineers are placed directly on the teeth.

Composite veneers are a cheaper option, but they are not as strong or stain-resistant as porcelain veneers. However, they allow patients to leave the dental office in Houston with a brand new smile in just one visit! The cosmetic dentist makes an impression in the office that day and applies the veneer to each tooth during the visit.

Porcelain veneers are designed to give patients a brighter, straighter, natural-looking smile. As discussed earlier, they are durable, long-lasting, easy to maintain, and stain-resistant.

But They Are Not for Everyone

Unfortunately, dental veneers are not for everyone. Before you get your hopes up, you need to consider the following reasons why dental veneers may not be the right choice for your smile.

• If your teeth are severely misaligned, dental veneers will not correct the issues like orthodontia.
• If you suffer from tooth decay, gingivitis, or tooth erosion, you may need other dental procedures.
• If you are a tooth grinder or a clencher, dental veneers will not prove effective in the long term.

Greenspoint Dental Often Offers Specials on Houston Dental Veneers

The cost of having porcelain veneers applied will vary from one patient to the next. Typically, having porcelain veneers applied is considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance may not be helpful. However, Houston dental practice Greenspoint Dental often offers specials to make picture-perfect smiles a possibility for all budgets.