When you are comfortable with your smile, you are happier and more confident—an important asset in both social and business settings.
One way to brighten your smile is porcelain veneers, which improve discoloration and fix worn or chipped teeth. They are instant orthodontics, which can transform a crooked, uneven, stained smile to a straight, white one in only two to three visits.
Want to get dental veneers for your teeth? Greenspoint Dental in Houston, TX is just one call away.
Dentists might recommend using veneers for:
- Discoloring associated with root canals, drugs, or fluorosis—stains from fluoride exposure during infancy and early childhood.
- Repairing teeth worn from aging or chipped, broken teeth.
- Cost-efficient alternative to braces for crooked or misaligned teeth or gaps in between teeth.
Some porcelain veneer advantages include:
- Natural: The veneer’s color and shape matches the teeth around it.
- No irritation: Since the porcelain doesn’t harm the gum tissue.
- Brighter: More than other materials such as resins.
- Versatile: Conceal most cosmetic flaws—stains, chips, spaces between teeth, cracks and misshapen teeth.
- Easy to maintain: Do not require any special care when brushing or flossing.
- Extremely durable: No food considerations.
- Stain-resistant: Material is dental-grade porcelain veneers and does not stain.
Veneers require reasonably healthy teeth, so although porcelain veneers are suitable for most, those with the dental conditions listed below are not good candidates:
- Significant and deep tooth decay
- Unhealthy gums or gingivitis
- Numerous cracks in teeth
- Severely misaligned teeth
- Loss of underlying tooth structure
- Significant erosion of the tooth enamel
- Those who grind, or clench their teeth
If you have any of these conditions, your dentist will devise a treatment plan to address them. Once these conditions are resolved, you might be a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers.
The first appointment assesses your dental health through an exam and possibly X-rays, to determine if porcelain veneers are appropriate. Then a treatment plan is developed.
The second appointment involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the tooth or teeth where the veneer will be placed. A teeth impression is made and sent to the lab to serve as a model for the veneer.
At the next appointment, the veneer is attached, and you can enjoy your new, confident smile.
Costs of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers costs include the dentist’s fees, porcelain production costs, dental lab fees, and the number of veneers placed. If you have dental insurance, our office manager will check your cost estimate. Dental veneers are usually seen as a cosmetic procedure, but there are situations that some insurance will pay for the veneers.
Porcelain Veneers: Frequently Asked Questions
How are porcelain veneers different from crowns?
Porcelain veneers require the underlying tooth structure to be intact since the veneer is a shell attached to the front of the tooth by your dentist. The primary function of porcelain veneer is to enhance your smile.
Are veneers “one size fits all” so my smile looks like everyone else’s smile that has veneers?
The dentist makes porcelain veneers from a mold from your teeth so your smile remains your own. The porcelain is tinted, so it is similar to your existing tooth color, just brighter. Porcelain veneers appear natural, so people will only notice a brighter, straighter smile.
Will I have to replace the porcelain veneers? If so, how frequently?
Porcelain veneers can last decades and in some cases, even a lifetime. Your dentist can inform you if you need to have the veneers replaced based on your age and dental health.
Types of Veneers
Lumineers® Veneers
Lumineers differ from traditional veneers in that they do not require numbing, drilling, or etching of the tooth enamel prior to bonding. Using a contact-lens ultra-thin porcelain material, the veneers are placed on your teeth during a quick and painless procedure. Lumineers are designed to match your tooth enamel’s natural appearance. They are the easiest way to transform the shape and color of your smile.
A follow-up visit will be scheduled to check on the dental veneers and make any adjustments as necessary. Patients can expect veneers to last approximately 10 to 20 years.
Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
Composite veneers are done in one visit, and the cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers. Unlike porcelain veneers, an impression is not sent to the lab, but instead is created in the office. The cosmetic dentist places them directly on each tooth and then smoothes and polishes them. You walk out of the office with a new smile in only one day.
Some disadvantages to composite are that they are not as strong as porcelain veneers, and can break more easily. But they can also be repaired easily. Also, the color is not stable and may change over time.
Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Dental bonding uses a special dental resin that is applied directly to the chip or crack of a tooth. This dental resin is sturdy and, once it dries and is set properly, your teeth will be able to endure normal wear and tear. The dental resin matches the color of your tooth. The bonding lasts from three to ten years.
In general, porcelain veneers are a wiser choice since they look natural; and fix chips, cracks, major dental stains, and minor unevenness. Dental bonding is a lot cheaper, however, and in the case of minor tooth chips and cracks dental bonding can be very effective.
Give Greenspoint Dental in Houston, TX a call today or submit a form online to see if porcelain veneers are the right option for you.
Veneers
Can anyone notice if I have veneers?
The purpose of cosmetic dental treatments, including porcelain veneers, is to create a completely natural look. Veneers expertly installed at our dental office will be almost indistinguishable from your other teeth. Porcelain veneers look similar to real teeth and blend in perfectly with your smile. Dr. Bosse will ensure that the veneers will look natural fit perfectly with your face. No one will be able to determine if you have had some work done.
Can veneers make my teeth sensitive?
You can expect to have some tooth sensitivity until the permanent veneers are placed. The process involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel to fit the veneers. Once the thin layer is removed, many patients are likely to experience slight sensitivity. However, this lasts only until permanent veneers are applied. In rare cases, some patients may experience slight sensitivity after the permanent veneers are placed. In that case, we may prescribe special sensitivity toothpaste.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Anyone who desires to improve their smile or looks within a shorter period of time can be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Still, we will check for a few conditions before recommending veneers. For example, you must be free from cavities or gum disease. Overall good oral health is also recommended. If you clench or grind your teeth, we will require you to wear a nightguard to prevent any damage to the veneers.
What dental conditions can be fixed with veneers?
Veneers can be used to fix a wide range of dental problems and conditions. We commonly use them to fix broken, chipped, gapped, discolored, and worn teeth. Since veneers can completely cover the front and sides of your teeth, you can consider them to fix most types of cosmetic problems. We can also consider veneers if you have permanent stains that can’t be fixed with whitening treatments. They can also be used to give a uniform shape and size to uneven and misshapen teeth.
Can I eat everything when I have veneers?
Yes, you can eat most foods with your veneers on. However, you should be careful about your choice of food when you have temporary veneers. It takes a few weeks for your permanent veneers to be ready and until then you should be careful with what you eat. We recommend avoiding the following foods during that time:
- Hard foods including nuts, chips, seeds, and hard breads
- Steak and other meats
- Crunchy vegetables
- Ice
- Sticky or hard candies
- Foods & beverages that can stain your teeth
- Chocolate
Even with permanent veneers, you should avoid hard foods, acidic foods, alcohol, ice, and sticky candies.
Will the procedure cause any hurt?
No, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. We will use a local anesthetic to prevent any pain. When it comes to the process of bonding the veneers to the teeth, it is a completely painless procedure. You will feel fully comfortable, as we will numb the area around the spot where the veneers will be cemented. After the numbness vanishes, you may experience soreness in the jaw and gums only if it is a larger procedure involving 8 or more veneers.
Will my teeth look straighter after applying veneers?
If you have slightly crooked teeth, veneers can give them the shape to look straighter. In many cases, they can also prevent the need for lengthier orthodontic treatments. However, we will have to assess your dental condition to determine if you are a good candidate for it. Most of the time, other orthodontic treatment options such as braces or Invisalign may be recommended.
Can porcelain veneers stain?
One of the greatest benefits of porcelain veneers is that they are resistant to staining. You can enjoy your favorite beverages including red wine and coffee without having to worry about developing a yellow smile. However, we recommend rinsing your mouth after taking anything that can stain your teeth. This is because the teeth under the veneers are still likely to stain.
How many veneers will I need?
The number of veneers required will vary from one patient to another. While some patients require only a few, others may require up to a dozen. This can depend on the patient’s goals and desires and the condition of their teeth. When you smile, you will want all your teeth to look good and match together. The number of teeth visible during a smile can vary from one person to another.
Do porcelain veneers need any special maintenance?
No, your porcelain veneers will not need any special maintenance or care. All they will need is the kind of care involved in your normal dental hygiene. This includes nothing more than regular brushing and flossing, and periodic visits to your dentist. However, there are some tips to enhance the life of your veneers. This includes using toothpaste free from abrasive substances, avoiding foods that damage teeth, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.