"Today cosmetic dentists have many tools in their toolkit to improve their patients' smiles and oral health. Probably the most well-known and most popular is the dental veneer or often called porcelain dental veneers. The most obvious portion of a person's face is their smile and sparkling white dental veneers produce an impressive smile," stated Dr. Lauren Nguyen, owner of Pinnacle Dental in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. "Dental veneers are usually the last step when a patient is receiving a complete smile makeover. It is a happy day."
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, slightly curved coverings for teeth. They are primarily part of a cosmetic enhancement for a person's smile to correct problems such as gaps, discolorations, tooth wear, and misshapen or misaligned teeth. There are different types of dental veneers but they are usually made of porcelain. However, there are less durable and inexpensive veneers made of resin-composite material. Dental veneers are bonded or cemented to the front surface of the teeth.
How Long Does It Take To Get Veneers?
In general, a cosmetic dentist can take as little as two appointments, two to three weeks apart, to complete the process from consultation to final placement of porcelain veneers. However, other dental procedures may be required before the final fitting.
Do Dental Veneers Only Cover The Front Of Teeth?
Yes. They are primarily cosmetic but they can improve the function of teeth such as closing small gaps. Sometimes dental veneers are confused with crowns, which cover the entire tooth.
Do Dental Veneers Stay On Forever?
Many patients ask how long dental veneers last. With proper care and oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last 10 years and up to 20 years. However, they are not indestructible and they can become cracked or chipped and need replacement. Lower cost veneers, made of materials other than porcelain, have shorter lifespans.
Bad Habits That Damage Dental Veneers
- Chewing ice
- Chewing pencils or pens
- Chewing fingernails
- Eating hard or firm foods without care (apples, raw carrots, hard candy, etc)
- Use your teeth to open packages
- Teeth grinding during sleep
Is It Painful To Get Dental Veneers?
The procedure can be performed comfortably with just a local anesthetic. There may be some minor discomfort and sensitivity after the procedure, but this is only temporary. Some patients have gum sensitivity. But this discomfort is normal and will usually disappear in a matter of days. The benefits will last for years.
How Many Dental Veneers Should I Get?
The number of veneers will depend upon the concerns of the patient. It can range from one veneer to correct a single tooth to as many as 8-10 veneers to cover all of the teeth that can be seen when talking or smiling. A full smile makeover may reveal other dental issues and require more than eight.
How Much Does A Full Set Of Veneers Cost?
A porcelain veneer is a highly crafted custom product that is precisely measured to fit an individual tooth. A full set of dental veneers will cover eight individual teeth. Generally, the price will range from $1000 to $2500 per tooth.
Are Dental Veneers Worth The Cost?
Veneers offer a significant improvement in a person's smile. This is especially true if the patient's teeth are discolored and will not whiten with traditional dental procedures. They also can hide defects or repairs to teeth that have been chipped or malformed. Porcelain dental veneers look like real teeth, will not stain, and can be applied in two dental visits. A beautiful smile radiates confidence, excitement, vitality, and health. Your smile plays an important part in the happiness of your everyday life so having a brilliant smile achieved from dental veneers is well worth the cost.
"As a cosmetic dentist working in the Uptown and Galleria areas of Houston I have seen patients from all walks of life. One thing they all want is a beautiful, healthy smile. Of all the dental procedures available I like dental veneers the most because they can have such a dramatic effect on a patient's smile and life. I have seen patients blossom - their self-confidence and overall well-being rising to new levels. It gives me and my staff great satisfaction to see patients get more enjoyment out of life," commented Dr. Nguyen.
