Houston Dental Veneers

What are Veneers?

Veneers were originally created decades ago as a temporary tooth covering that gave actors the appearance of a whiter smile. Dental technology and procedures have come a long way since then. Today, Veneers are a popular cosmetic device for your teeth that requires very little up keep and can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

The Veneers used today are thin shells shaped to your specifications, made of either porcelain or a composite material similar that of teeth. It is then bonded directly on top of your teeth.  Imperfections are hidden without resorting to invasive surgery or dental crowns, which are better suited for moderate to severe dental defects.

Are Veneers a Match for You?

Veneers provide a convenient solution for many unavoidable dental issues, including:

• Discoloration of Enamel: over time your enamel, the protective substance surrounding your teeth, may become worn or permanently stained. This can occur due to genetics, but it is typically the result of corrosive food, drink, or medication side effects. Coffee, cigarettes, and certain medications are frequent offenders for discoloring teeth.

• Wear and Chips: a life-time of chewing and biting can cause teeth to naturally wear down. As we age, our teeth grow dull and the enamel fades. This can also leave teeth susceptible to chips and cracks, creating a rough appearance.

• Uneven Spacing: genetics often play a large part in the way our teeth grow and space out. Wide gaps can sometimes occur and grow wider with age.

• Grinding: Clenching and grinding teeth is common. Many of us do it without realizing it, whether from daily stress or while we sleep. However, the leading causes of grinding are misshapen teeth and awkward bites. Over time, this leads to dental complications, such as fractures, tooth loss, and severe wear.
  

  Oral veneers have many advantages over other types of corrective dental options. They effectively mimic tooth structure, while providing a very durable surface that can resist wear and stains for many years. Each individual veneer “cap” is colored to the exact shade that you prefer, from a natural white to a dazzling Hollywood-like appearance. These cosmetic aids are applied with minimal invasion and little or no local anesthetic.

  A Variety of Veneers

  There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite.

  Porcelain veneers, also called porcelain laminates, are specially created and bond directly to the teeth. They can be shaped and colored to match your unique facial structure and preferences. The material is extremely durable and gives off the same translucence found in natural teeth. Using these veneers may require that your natural teeth be shaped slightly, prior to placement. If maintained properly, porcelain veneers can last several decades.

  Direct Composite veneers do not require specific impressions to be made. The composite material can either be placed directly on the teeth or created in a dental laboratory and bonded to the teeth at a later time. It is an extremely malleable material, which can be shaped and applied in one visit. Because it does not require multiple impressions to be made, it can be a price effective option, one that requires moderate maintenance and can last over a decade.

  The Creation Process

  During an initial consultation, we will discuss your dental goals, medical history, and practical options. Each smile is unique, so we create a custom plan reflecting the size, color, and appearance you wish to have. Keep in mind that not all cosmetic dentists are created equal. Dr. Farah has the artistic eye and steady hand necessary to create a flawless smile, in addition to years of experience.

  Certain types of veneers may require a partial reshaping of the front teeth. The material that veneers are made of is exceedingly thin, but buffing the teeth slightly will eliminate the possibility of bulkiness and create a natural-looking smile. The veneer will eventually be adhered to the newly created surface, with no evidence of the shaping underneath.

  Depending on the type of veneer, we will take impressions of your teeth. It is a painless step in the process that gives us an accurate measurement of the size of your bite, teeth shape, and size. The mold that is created will be sent to a specialized dental laboratory, where experienced technicians will build custom veneers to match your exact specifications.

  Oftentimes, a special temporary set of veneers will be made to protect your newly shaped teeth until the permanent set is created. Any fractures or changes to your teeth after the initial impressions can disrupt the accuracy of your future veneers. These temporary veneers are for your protection, a nearly invisible mouth guard that can be worn comfortably every day.

  Your new veneers will be bonded to the teeth during your final visit at Lakewood Dentistry. If temporary veneers were used, they can be gently removed with the help of a local anesthetic. Dental cement is then applied to the surface. The placement is extremely important as porcelain veneers are not easily removed. It requires a skilled cosmetic dentist. Cared for properly, veneers can give you a brighter smile for many years.

  Aftercare

  Veneers are a visually appealing solution for dental deficiencies, but require mild maintenance. Immediately after receiving your new veneers, it is best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods as your teeth may be temperature sensitive for a couple of weeks.

  A few long-term care tips are as follows:

• Solid foods that may crack your teeth should be consumed with moderation. Veneers are extremely durable, but frequent chewing of hard foods may cause stress to the material. If possible, chew these foods with your back teeth.
• Avoid foods that may stain or corrode the bonding cement, such as coffee, certain spices, and red wine.
• Keep in mind that smoking habits can also discolor your new white veneers.
• Brush and floss regularly. The veneer is resistant to decay, but it is still important to maintain the health of your natural teeth and gums.
• If you engage in certain sports, such as basketball, football, or soccer, it may be necessary to create a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from accidents.
• Frequently grinding your teeth at night can damage the veneers. Please contact us immediately, so we can create a night guard to keep that smile looking flawless for years to come.
• Contact our office to obtain toothpaste that is not abrasive.

Once we provide you with that amazing smile, it becomes a team effort to make sure it stays that way for years to come.

Contact us today!

If you are interested in improving the quality of your smile and would like a consultation with an experienced, qualified dentist, please contact the Lakewood Dentistry office at 281-320-0400. We have years of experience using veneers to create beautiful smiles in the Houston, Tomball, Spring, and Cypress communities of Texas.