A: Veneers in Houston are basically a cosmetic procedure to help improve the overall look and smile of a patient. You can replace all your teeth with veneers—partial, upper, lower. What we call our Smile Design, takes into account what your smile window is. So, when you smile as an individual how big is your smile, how many teeth are you showing? Some people only show upper, some only lower.
Ultimately, a veneer is an outer replacement of that tooth. So, each tooth that we’re putting a veneer on to improve your smile, will have a new outer piece of ceramic which will give it a much better look.
Who Needs Dental Veneers In Houston?
Have you ever obsessed over a tooth that you’ve chipped or one that is heavily stained through the enamel? Maybe your teeth are slightly out of alignment, grew in crooked—either way, everyone wants a straight, bright smile. When your smile issues are minor cosmetic defects or blemishes that otherwise don’t affect your oral health—veneers are an ideal solution. They can help you achieve that perfect smile you’re trying to attain but can’t because of something minor.
When patients are seeking veneers in Houston it is always due to strictly minor cosmetic issues—more severe cases require implants. The great thing about veneers is that you keep your original teeth yet you get the satisfaction of essentially hiding the issues. Unlike dental implants for more serious issues, veneers do not require any complex surgery. It’s a very simple procedure that gives you quick results and is minimally invasive.
The most common cosmetic issues we conceal with veneers in Houston are problems that thousands of people deal with such as:
- Teeth that have been ground down
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Large gaps or uneven space between front teeth
- Teeth that are stained beyond what whitening can correct
- Misaligned teeth (within a certain degree)
These issues often can affect one’s self-image just as much as more severe problems such as overbites or missing teeth. No one should have to live with that kind of confidence killer—but you don’t have to. In fact, veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures we perform, second only to dental implants.
However, despite their popularity—many people know the term, but few can actually describe what they are and how they work.
More About Dental Veneers
Veneers can be thought of as a cover of sorts for your teeth, they conceal the irregularity of shape, size, or color. Dental veneers in Houston are a widely available service at many dental offices. While there may be different application and design methods—they’re all made of either porcelain or composite resin. Regardless of the process, each material has its pros and cons. Your dentist can help you figure out which material is the best for your situation.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is a very durable material that aesthetically, provides the closest match to natural teeth. Patients who get porcelain veneers in Houston are swayed by their benefits such as:
- Durable, strong, and long-lasting
- Natural appearance and texture
- The amount of tooth enamel that needs to be removed is less than a crown or cap
- Do not stain easily
Applying Porcelain Veneers
- First, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front and the side of the teeth receiving veneers. This provides enough room for the veneers to sit flush with existing teeth which looks natural.
- Then, the dentist will take a mold or impression of your prepped teeth. At this stage, the dentist also chooses the best shade of veneer to match your smile.
- That impression is forwarded to a dental lab that creates custom-fit porcelain veneers to fit over your teeth with precision. This process could take a few days, so some dentists may give you temporary veneers while you wait.
- On your next visit, the dentist checks the veneers for fitment and shape. If adjustments are needed they are made there, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are bonded to your teeth permanently.
- If any changes need to be made after bonding, a follow-up appointment would be necessary.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a more economical veneer that is created from a tooth-colored resin that is permanently bonded to your teeth. This is often the choice for patients on a limited budget, they also offer some other benefits as well.
- Composite veneers require less enamel removal than porcelain veneers
- Often, composite veneers can be completed in just one appointment
- They cost less than porcelain veneers
- Although not as strong or durable as porcelain, composite veneers are very easy to repair compared to porcelain.
Applying Composite Veneers
- Teeth are prepped the same as with porcelain, albeit with less enamel removal.
- Once the prep is done the composite material is applied to your teeth, sculpted, colored, and cured with a UV light to bond it.
- The veneers are then smoothed and are polished to give a natural, tooth-like appearance.
What To Know Before Getting Veneers In Houston
Even though getting veneers is a routine and simple procedure, there are still some important things to know beforehand. Being knowledgeable and prepared about veneers and the process and aftercare is the best way to ensure a smooth experience.
- You must have healthy gums and teeth before undergoing the process for veneers. If you have any gum disease or tooth decay, it must be corrected before getting veneers.
- Veneers are not always a viable option for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Since veneers are very thin, intense grinding or clenching can chip or break them. While they are durable under normal pressure, grinding and clenching exceed that normal pressure. If you do suffer from this, your dentist may suggest sleeping with a dental guard at night as protection.
- The prepping that your teeth go through is not reversible—when the enamel is removed, it’s gone for good. This is something to seriously consider before committing to veneers.
- Veneers can in some cases become loose over time. If that happens, you may end up needing new veneers which would be an additional investment.
- Proper dental care is your responsibility and required for a successful procedure. Always discuss your expectations and other options for smile correction with your dentist. With any procedure you get, you must keep regular dental visits and proper aftercare.
After You Get Veneers
Once you get veneers you need to follow important aftercare to get the most out of them. Veneers over time will wear down like any material. However, with proper dental care and careful usage habits, you can get a lot of life out of them. It is important to keep in mind:
- Veneers with the right amount of pressure can break or chip. For this reason, you should avoid chewing on hard objects such as fingernails, ice, or pen caps. Damage done to your veneers is your responsibility and the expense to repair falls on you as well.
- You might take a few days to adjust to the feel of your new veneers. Naturally, veneers will feel foreign at first, but you should get used to it after a few days. You should, however, let your dentist know if your bite feels out of alignment after the veneer has been placed. Don’t wait until they’ve been bonded and you leave the office. If you let them know right away, it can be corrected right there.
- Maintain a proper oral care routine that includes daily brushing and flossing. Cavities can still develop underneath or around veneers. Always use toothpaste, brushes, and flossers that have the American Dental Association seal of acceptance. Products with this seal have met strict standards set by the ADA.
Perfect Your Smile With The Best Veneers In Houston
If you’ve been researching veneers in Houston and are looking for a dentist you can trust with your smile—you’ve found us! Comprehensive Dental Group of Houston has performed thousands of veneer applications. We specialize in restoring smiles that need everything from just a cosmetic touch up like veneers, to major reconstruction like dental implants.
Contact us today to book your free consultation and to go over the best options for your custom veneers.
