Dental veneers for the teeth are very thin shells that are typically made of resin composite or porcelain and are permanently bonded to the front of the tooth to improve the aesthetic appearance of your dentition.
Cosmetic issues like broken, cracked, chipped, discolored, misaligned or disproportionate teeth can all be corrected with veneers.
While one veneer may be sufficient to repair a broken or chipped tooth, many people opt for a full set of veneers—anywhere from six to eight—to achieve a more beautiful, symmetrical smile. It is most common to have dental veneers placed on the upper eight front teeth.
What Are the Different Dental Veneers Available?
Dental veneers for teeth are typically made of composite resin or porcelain and call for extensive preparatory work. Yet another type of veneer, “no prep,” does not necessitate any prior tooth preparation before being bonded to the tooth.
In order to apply dental veneers, traditional methods often require reducing the tooth’s structure through grinding and, in extreme cases, even removing significant portions of tooth enamel. This allows for precise positioning, but it can be a painful, irreversible process that usually necessitates the administration of a local anesthetic for a patient to get through the procedure.
The number of teeth that can be reduced and the severity of dental problems are both factors to consider. When multiple natural teeth need to be veneered, your dentist may order a wax model to demonstrate the final result before the actual procedure. However, no-prep veneers in cosmetic dentistry may require only minimal tooth preparation or alteration.
Porcelain Veneers
Before making a mold of your teeth, some dentists will first reduce the size of your teeth by grinding them down. Porcelain veneers will be made from the mold, which will be sent to a dental laboratory.
Your permanent porcelain veneers may take some time to be ready. However, if the porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will bond it to your freshly prepared and shaped natural tooth. In the event that your permanent porcelain veneers will not be ready on the same day, your dentist will still prepare your tooth and place temporary veneers until your next scheduled appointment when the veneers will be removed and replaced with permanent porcelain veneers.
Your dentist may use computer-aided design (CAD/CAM) and manufacturing technology to create the porcelain veneers. The porcelain veneers can also be fabricated in a lab by your dentist during your initial appointment and have it ready for fitting.
Composite Resin Veneers
If you opt for veneers made of composite resin rather than porcelain veneers, your dentist will etch your tooth’s surface and then cover it with a very thin layer of the material.
To get the desired effect, you may need to apply additional composite layers. At the end, your dentist will use a special reflect light to cure (or harden) the composite veneer.
No-prep Veneers
Name-brand porcelain veneers (like Lumineers and Vivaneers) fall into this category. Application is quicker and causes less discomfort.
No-prep dental veneers only modify the enamel, as opposed to requiring the removal of several layers of the tooth structure. No-prep dental veneers can often be installed without preliminary numbing or temporary dental veneers.
Which dental veneer material performs the best?
Is there a way to tell which dental veneers material will work best for my teeth? There are several factors to consider including:
- the cost of the dental veneers
- the time required for the dental veneers procedure
- the overall outward appearance or aesthetic value of the dental veneers
- how long the dental veneers will last according to the suggestion of your dentist
Why do people get veneers for their teeth?
The most noticeable benefit of veneers is the enhancement of the aesthetics of your teeth to give you a whiter and more uniform smile makeover.
The cosmetic issues below are commonly treated with dental veneers:
- dental damage, such as a chipped teeth or crooked teeth
- disproportionate teeth
- gapped tooth
- teeth that are too pointed or oddly shaped
- teeth discoloration that cannot be remedied by professional teeth whitening
Depending on the type of veneer you get, you can expect it to last for more than ten years, making it a semi-permanent investment in providing you with a great smile makeover and boosting your confidence.
How to prepare for your initial consultation appointment with a cosmetic dentist
You will have an initial consultation meeting with your dentist before your veneers are placed. This appointment is designed to access your current condition in order to determine the best treatment plan and the number of veneers you will eventually need. If you have crooked teeth or chipped teeth, your dentist may recommend braces before having veneers done.
At this point, your dentist will likely take X-rays to assess your oral health. He or she will be on the lookout for symptoms of tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and the need for root canals. Of any of these dental issues are spotted, then you would not qualify as an ideal candidate for veneers. However, if you have none of these dental problems, then your dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will be used in making the permanent veneers.
Your dentist will also prepare your teeth by reducing its size by about half a millimeter so that the veneers fit properly. Your veneers will be crafted using this impression and returned to you from the lab.
How are veneers applied to the teeth in cosmetic dentistry?
After your dentist makes a mold of your teeth, it usually takes a week to two weeks for the lab to have your permanent veneers ready.
When the veneers arrive, you can then arrange to have them bonded to your teeth. Your veneers will be checked for proper fit, shape, and color at this appointment by your dentist.
The next step is a complete dental cleaning. Bacteria can get trapped under the veneer and cause tooth decay if proper care and dental cleaning is not done by your dentist.
After this is done, each tooth that will receive a veneer is given a rougher texture with the use of a grinding tool. This is done to promote proper bonding as the veneer will adhere more securely to your tooth this way.
Your veneer will then be bonded to the tooth with dental cement by your dentist. Ultraviolet light will be used to speed up the curing of the dental cement.
In most cases, the second appointment (during which your veneers are actually placed) will not take more than 2 hours. However, this estimate is subject to change based on factors, such as; the number of veneers being placed and the use of a local anesthetic.
How do Veneers differ from Crowns and Implants?
Different from dental implants and crowns, veneers have their own advantages and disadvantages. In contrast to crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers only cover the front surface. Veneers are about 1 mm thick, while crowns are about 2 mm thick.
Veneers are a non-surgical option as well. When preparing your tooth for a crown, your dentist will have to remove more enamel than is necessary when placing a veneer.
A crown is placed atop an implant, which is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. It may take several months for the gum tissue and bone around the implant to heal so that the artificial tooth can be affixed to it.
Aftercare instructions for porcelain veneers by your cosmetic dentist
The healing time for veneers is much shorter compared to other dental procedures. When the veneers are cemented into place and any numbness has worn off, you can resume your normal eating and chewing habits. While the anesthesia is fading, it is important to avoid biting on your tongue and inner cheeks.
When veneers are first placed, it is not uncommon for them to have a slightly rough texture. Normal chewing and brushing over the course of several days tends to smooth-out these rough spots (typically caused by extra cement that can adhere to the veneer itself). However, your dentist can fix them if they the surface of the veneers do not smoothen over a period time.
How Long do dental veneers last?
Typical porcelain veneers have a 10-year lifespan. But there is evidence to suggest they can persist for up to 20 years in some cases.
No-prep veneers typically last between five and seven years. Taking care of them properly will ensure that they last as long as possible. Examples of such measures include:
- It is not a good idea to chew on things like pencils, ice, or your fingernails.
- Never attempt to rip open a package with your teeth.
- When possible, avoid using your front teeth for chewing. To avoid damaging your front teeth, save them for softer foods and cut tougher foods into smaller pieces.
- Wearing a splint or retainer at night can help protect your veneers from damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding or clenching.
- Wearing a protective mouth guard is recommended for athletes.
- To prevent damage to your teeth from grinding or clenching, a mouth guard or retainer can be helpful.
Do veneers have a high price tag?
Since veneers are mostly considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies rarely pay for them. According to the ADA, the average cost to have a tooth extracted is between $925 and $2,500.
Composite veneers have a 5-to-7-year lifespan and a cost of between $400 to $2,000 per tooth. Traditional veneers are often the most cost-effective solution over the long term.
There are also a number of variables that can affect how much you spend on veneers, including the type of veneers you get, the brand name your dentists offer, the cost of living in your area, and the dentist’s level of experience. To know the payment plans that would be ideally suited to your needs, discuss with your dentists today.
FAQ About Veneers in Houston TX
What is the lifespan of veneers?
It all depends on the type of veneers you have on. Porcelain veneers tend to last anywhere from 10 to 12 years while composite resin veneers last for between 4 to 8 years.
Is having veneers done a wise thing to do?
Veneers are ideal for a perfect smile makeover today. They help you to cover up cracked, chipped, broken, misaligned, discolored or gapped tooth to give a new you to be proud of.
Is it advisable to brush veneers?
Yes. You need to care for your veneers in the same way you would your natural teeth. Flossing is also important and flossing daily is highly recommended in addition to daily brushing with a soft bristle toothbrush and with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.
Visit Discover Dental Center For The Best Veneer In Houston
Discover Dental Center offer you the best dental veneers in Houston TX. Our highly skilled, well-trained, and experienced cosmetic dentists will meet with you to discuss the intricacies of your case. You will receive a thorough examination to determine your suitability for dental veneers with a mold impression of your teeth taken to our state-of-the-art dental laboratory for the preparation of your permanent dental veneers. You can be sure of having a a new smile and enhanced overall appearance once your dental veneers are fitted. we are available on call at (713) 997-9390. You can also make an appointment request with us online today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your dental veneer procedure today.
