Porcelain veneers in Texas

Your Quick Guide to Porcelain Veneers in Texas

Are you considering improving the aesthetics of your smile with veneers? Check out our guide below, featuring answers to our most commonly asked questions, and then call our practice today to schedule a consultation with one of our talented dentists to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.

What Are Veneers, Exactly?

Each veneer is a thin porcelain shell made to fit over the front of your teeth to conceal a range of cosmetic imperfections, which might include:

• Chips and minor cracks
• Discoloration
• Minor misalignments
• Size or shape irregularities

You can get a single veneer to cover a damaged tooth, or you can completely makeover your smile by placing veneers over multiple teeth. Veneers are often the secret behind the flawlessly white and sparkling smiles of our favorite celebrities.

Veneers are made from dental porcelain. Because of the way porcelain reflects light and the slightly translucent nature of the material, once placed, veneers are almost impossible to tell from your natural enamel. Porcelain is used in several different kinds of dental restorations, including porcelain fillings and porcelain crowns. Although we often think of porcelain as a delicate material, it’s actually highly durable. Best of all, porcelain is resistant to stains, which helps increase the longevity of your new smile.

How Is a Veneer Different Than a Crown?

The key difference between porcelain teeth restorations like veneers and crowns is that crowns fit over the entire tooth while veneers are only placed over the fronts of your teeth. While veneers are used to address cosmetic concerns, crowns are typically used when additional support or protection is needed. For instance, a minor chip or crack that only affects the enamel can be addressed with a veneer, but if the damage penetrates through the enamel into the dentin below, then a crown is the right solution.

While porcelain is popular—especially on teeth that are visible when smiling, crowns can be made of materials other than porcelain. Molars and other teeth that require extra stability and support often need crowns made of metal, like gold or stainless steel.

What Should I Expect at My Porcelain Veneers Procedure?

Getting porcelain veneers in Texas is a fairly simple process. Before we begin, we’ll need to prepare your teeth, which involves removing a thin layer of enamel, typically less than a millimeter thick. This allows the veneer to fit properly and align with the rest of your teeth.

Some types of veneers, like the popular brand Lumineers®, require little to no enamel removal. If this feels like a good fit for you, let us know and we can discuss this option. We’re proud to offer Lumineers to our patients!

Once your teeth are prepped, we’ll take photos and impressions of your teeth, which will be sent along with your dentist’s specific instructions to the lab we trust with all our restorations.

When your veneers are back from the lab, we’ll call you back to our office, and after reviewing the veneers with you and testing the fit, we’ll bond them to your teeth. After that, you’re all set and ready to show off your new smile!

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The cost of veneers can vary greatly depending on what type of veneer is used, where it’s being placed, and how many veneers you are getting. Because veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they aren’t covered by dental insurance.

We do offer financing to help the porcelain veneers cost fit more easily into your budget. If this is something you are interested in, please reach out to our office and let us know so we can go over your options with you.

Are Veneers Hard to Take Care Of?

You take care of teeth with veneers on them the same way you would your other teeth—good brushing and flossing habits and regular visits to our office for cleanings and check-ups. Common sense will go a long way in protecting your veneers. Don’t bite on anything that isn’t food (like a pencil or your fingernails), and use caution when biting into anything especially hard, chewy, or sticky (like salt-water taffy or a caramel apple). We also recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that is free from abrasives, which could cause micro-scratches to the finish of the veneers.

If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, we will recommend a night guard to protect your veneers—and the rest of your teeth.

How Do I Get Started?

All you have to do is request an appointment with one of our skilled dentists. Call today and schedule your veneers consultation. We can’t wait to help you transform your smile!