A: Patients choose to get veneers when they’re really not happy with their teeth. Generally, the shape of the tooth, the coloring, and various things that make patients unhappy. The purpose of a veneer Is to improve that. Often when you’re doing veneers—you’re doing let’s say several teeth that need to have a better look for that patient. What we do, is take a little surface area off the tooth, then we come back with new porcelain. It’s cemented to the tooth and will last 15-20 years and gives the patient a brand new smile.
Often, we get patients that come in with minor cosmetic smile issues—not just dental implants. One of the most common procedures to correct a minor smile issue is porcelain veneers. Whether your teeth are kind of crooked, have a chip, or are stained beyond correction—veneers are a solid option. Many of our patients are embarrassed about their smile for various reasons but the issues aren’t severe enough to warrant a major procedure. So, they research getting veneers in Houston yet, they’re often left with many questions.
If you’ve never looked into the process of getting veneers in Houston you should first really understand the basics of this common procedure. We say this because veneers are a permanent decision, you can’t just change your mind 3 months in.
What You Should Know About Getting Veneers In Houston
We check our Facebook messenger account several times an hour and lately we have been inundated with questions about veneers. With many people working from home due to the pandemic, they probably have more time to focus on personal care.
The most frequently asked question surprisingly is “Do I go to a dentist for veneers?” People probably assume that because it is a cosmetic procedure, a dentist doesn’t handle that. Even though veneers are a cosmetic solution, they are still a serious dental procedure and will be handled by a dentist.
With the UT Health Science Center Houston boasting a top-tier dentistry school, Houston has no shortage of options for cosmetic dentistry. So, it’s all a matter of finding a dentist that you’re comfortable with that specializes in veneers. Keep in mind, not all dental clinics will offer advanced cosmetic procedures. Comprehensive Dental Group of Houston does, as we are a state-of-the-art facility geared towards smile restoration of all levels.
You should do your research on several dental clinics and the dentists that perform this procedure. A reputable clinic will offer free consultations on veneers and will answer as many questions as you have. You should always try to find the best option that’s conveniently located for you so that if you ever have an issue, they are conveniently close. Unfortunately, just because a clinic is close to you doesn’t mean their work is the best. So, always put the quality of work as your priority and the location as a close second.
Here are some more of the questions we get most often, some of them might be some of yours too.
What Is A Veneer?
Without getting too technical and complex, a veneer is a wafer-thin piece of porcelain that is permanently adhered to your tooth. Veneers can mask a stained tooth, misshapen teeth, or teeth that are misaligned. Veneers in Houston are available for a single tooth or multiple teeth, up to an entire arch. Additionally, you can either get a full veneer or a partial depending on what kind of coverage you need and your budget. Every case is different, that is why we offer a free consultation to ensure a smooth process.
Now, keep in mind, you can’t just come in with a picture of Matthew McConaughey and tell the dentist you want that. It all depends on the size, shape, and placement of the teeth in your mouth already—however, we can improve on what you have. Basically, it’s our job to take ideas from your inspiration and then do the best we can with your smile.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers In Houston?
If you practice good oral hygiene, have healthy gums and no decay, but want to correct minor issues—veneers are an option. For example, if you have some slightly crooked or misshapen teeth but don’t want to wear braces—veneers. If you have teeth that are stained beyond correction through whitening procedures—veneers. We even have some patients that have gotten veneers that were not done very well or are too thick. Those patients can come in and get those removed and have better quality, brand new veneers created for a more natural look.
How Many Visits Do Veneers Take?
Typically, veneers take a few appointments to complete properly. The results you receive from well-done veneers make the extra time worth it. At CDG Houston, our veneers are extremely customized meaning we consider more than your teeth. We ask you questions about your needs, your expectations from veneers. We also then consider your personality and lifestyle, how you talk, how you smile, and your expressiveness. All of these things are what go into the signature of a smile that many people overlook.
To ensure you’re going to like your permanent veneers, we also provide you with what we call a “trial smile.” It’s temporary veneers we give you to wear and get used to while we handcraft your new veneers.
Are Veneers Reversible?
If you struggle with commitment issues—veneers may not be a good fit for you. Veneers are a permanent solution—your existing teeth are shaved down a bit to accommodate them. If suddenly you decide a year in that you don’t want them—there’s no going back. The protective enamel on your teeth that was shaved off will make your teeth vulnerable to damage. When you get veneers, sure, the enamel is shaved down, but the veneers then protect your teeth.
Although the benefits of veneers greatly outweigh the downsides, it is still a decision worth thinking about—remember it’s for life.
Is It True They Shave Your Teeth For Veneers?
This question is related to the previous but we want to touch on it a bit more since this is a hot question. In most cases, your teeth do need to be shaved down so that the porcelain veneers fit naturally. However, 99% of the time it takes no more than .5 millimeters shaved off to make room for your custom veneers. For a point of reference, that is about the thickness of the average pinky nail.
We go into great detail to know exactly how we want to design your new smile so that the shaving is minimal. Now, in some cases where a patient has very crooked teeth that are discolored severely—that might require extra shaving. However, it should be noted, those cases are quite rare, at less than 1%.
Do I Still Have To Brush Veneers?
Veneers need to be cared for just like your natural teeth would be. Regular brushing and flossing, twice a year checkups, and regular cleanings at the dentist are in order. If you want your veneers to look natural and healthy for a long time make sure you don’t break this routine. Think of veneers as an investment—you need to take good care of them. If you do, they will easily last you upwards of 15-20 years.
Is It Worth It To Get Veneers In Houston?
Everyone’s needs and circumstances are different, so whether veneers are worth it, depends on your own situation. However, it all comes down to how you feel about your current smile, how you think veneers might make you feel, and your budget.
Remember, veneers are irreversible, so you should talk things over before committing to the procedure. The best thing to do is contact us and set up a free consultation for veneers. Our team will treat you with dignity and privacy and answer any questions you may have.
