Dental veneers dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. These thin shells match the color of your teeth and attach to the front of your tooth. You can use them to address a number of cosmetic defects with your smile. At our cosmetic dentistry office, we install veneers for clients who want a non-invasive way to improve the function and look of their teeth and gums.
What Are Dental Veneers Used For?
Patients often visit our Buffalo Speedway office in Houston with chipped, discolored, broken, or too-small teeth. We often recommend dental veneers to improve cosmetic appearance and functionality. Your veneers come in porcelain or resin composite materials that create a permanent bond with your natural teeth. You can use veneers to correct issues with more than one tooth. In fact, some clients choose to have six or more veneers installed in a single sitting to create a symmetrical smile. At Lovett Dental West U, we often recommend porcelain veneers for the most natural look and an even smile.
How Are Veneers Different than Implants and Crowns?
Veneers are different than dental crowns and dental implants, which replace a lost or damaged tooth. On the other hand, dental veneers only cover the fronts of the tooth. This is typically the part people see when you smile.
A Beautiful Smile Is Near in Houston’s West U Area
Once you decide to get dental veneers, you come in for a consultation and fitting. At the following appointment, our cosmetic dentist makes an impression of the impacted teeth. We need this to create a mold so that a lab can fabricate your veneers. In the meantime, you receive temporary veneers that look like natural teeth.
It may take up to two weeks for the veneers to come back to our office. Once we receive them, we’ll call you to confirm or make an appointment for a final fitting. During this visit, the dentist will install the veneers, trimming and shaping them as required for the perfect fit and look.
Before attaching the veneers to your teeth, we clean them thoroughly to remove any bacteria. This prevents decay and further damage from developing. The dentist uses ultraviolet light to cure the cement bonding your tooth to the veneer. Then, you emerge from the office with a new smile and confidence that your dental veneers will serve you as well as your natural teeth.
What Is the Recovery Time for Dental Veneers?
Some dental procedures have recovery times lasting from a few hours to a few days. With dental veneers, you won’t have pain or discomfort for extended periods. Most clients are able to eat normally immediately after the office visit. However, we typically caution patients to avoid eating until the anesthetic wears off to avoid biting their tongue or cheeks.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers last as long as 15 years. The longevity of your veneers depends on how you take care of them and your eating habits. Here are a few preventative dentistry tips to prolong the life of your veneers and to avoid damaging them:
- Avoid chewing on ice and hard objects such as pens.
- Don’t use your teeth to open condiments or food packages.
- Eat harder foods using the back teeth.
- Cut up harder foods to avoid biting down directly with your front teeth with veneers.
We often recommend a night guard for those who clench their teeth at night. This is important to protect your dental veneers. Those who play sports must wear a mouth guard to protect their new smile.
Factors to Consider When Considering Veneers
Finding the right dentist is so important in maintaining good dental health and fighting dental anxiety. A cosmetic dentist will be able to give you a new, fresh-looking smile with the use of dental veneers. It is important to find a dentist with up-to-date technology and equipment.
The atmosphere of the dental office contributes to patient satisfaction. Therefore, we do our best to ensure that your family feels welcome and comfortable the minute you walk in the door. Other factors to focus on when choosing a dentist include the following:
- Anesthesia
- Cost of services
- Preferred payment methods
- Mode of patient-dentist communication
- Availability of emergency dental services
- Location of the dental office
As discussed, dental veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures. While many people use at-home teeth whitening, the results aren’t always what’s desired, and the process can be time-consuming, preventing individuals from engaging in other activities. Our in-office teeth whitening services deliver immediate results that last longer than at-home whiteners at Lovett Dental North Heights, done more quickly and effectively. Our In-office whitening is the safest method to brighten your smile.
Dental Veneers in Houston, Texas
Come to Lovett Dental West U for a free consultation regarding dental veneers and other treatment options that can restore your smile. Contact us at 832-617-5530 to schedule an appointment today.