What are Porcelain Veneers?
If you have cracked, chipped or broken front teeth, you probably work hard to hide your smile. In Houston, many patients put their trust in Dr. Roberto Velasco at Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to restore a mouthful of beautiful teeth using porcelain veneers, reclaiming a Hollywood smile.
How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?
A Porcelain veneer is a customized shell or thin cap of porcelain that fits over each natural tooth. Every porcelain veneer is individually made to cover a specific tooth. One or two teeth may be covered with a veneer or a patient may choose to have their whole mouth covered. The veneers are bonded on to the natural tooth for long-lasting results. By bonding the porcelain veneers to the teeth, they are designed to never fall out.
Porcelain veneers are a very popular choice for those who want to improve their appearance and brighten their smile, all with removing a minimal amount of the natural tooth. People from all walks of life, from celebrities to stay at home moms, choose porcelain veneers to restore confidence in how they look.
What Issues Can Be Fixed with Porcelain Veneers?
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- A wide gap(s) between your teeth
- Your teeth are worn down
- Misaligned, uneven, or oddly shaped teeth
- You are simply unhappy with your smile
Things Porcelain Veneers Can Do For Your Smile
Color
Have a bad coffee habit? Trying to kick smoking to the curb? Then you know all too well teeth can be easily stained with even the food we eat or habits we keep. But teeth can also become stained or discolored by many other things. Age-induced yellowing, bad oral hygiene, genetics, and color additives in foods and beverages. Sometimes brightening can be attained with better hygiene practices, teeth whitening kits or a professional whitening. Some cases, however, there is nothing that can be done and the teeth will always have a discoloration that goes beyond the surface. Adding veneers with a more natural life like color would be the best way to match your teeth that aren’t discolored. The process has become so advanced that the color of your good teeth can be matched almost like a swatch.
Shape
Teeth are mainly made of calcium and enamel and are very strong. That being said it doesn’t mean teeth can’t become fragmented or lose their shape and strength. A bad fall face first can cause a significant oral injury and knock out a tooth or chip it significantly. Sleeping habits can also cause tooth deformation like people who grind their teeth in their sleep. Genetics can play a role in the shape of a tooth as well. You could have easily inherited that distinctly crooked tooth of your grandfather or teeth that are too round or pointed. Veneers that are shaped to a custom look that you like and that fits your smile is a permanent solution and adds confidence to your smile.
Tooth Spacing
Sometimes a large gap between your teeth can be a signature smile, like Michael Strahan of the New York Giants, but in most cases it’s a sore spot with people. In most cases, gaps or misaligned teeth like these are corrected with orthodontics. If the gaps or alignment issues are minor though, veneers are a more efficient option and give instant results.
Size
Typically the size of your teeth should be proportionate to your lips and the size of your visible gumline. Teeth that fall short of this size can be compensated with porcelain veneers. The veneers add length to the teeth and balance out the proportions which result in a beautiful uniform smile. It should be noted though that veneers aren’t always effective, sometimes a tooth is just too short or has been worn down by infection or injury. In that case, a porcelain crown is another option that you should explore.
Am I A Candidate for Veneers?
The ideal candidate for porcelain veneers will be generally healthy and display good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. Any plaque, decay, and gum disease must be addressed prior to the procedure. The technique is only for someone with fully grown teeth, so children are never a candidate for porcelain veneers. During your free consultation appointment, Dr. Velasco will determine if you will make a good candidate for the procedure.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
During the appointment, you will be comfortably seated in a private treatment room, Dr. Velasco will remove a tiny bit of enamel from the teeth to make way for the extra width needed for the veneers. Next, an impression will be taken from your mouth covering all of your teeth. This impression will be used by our in-house lab to create a customized porcelain veneer for each tooth.
At your next visit, a special cement will be used to bond each veneer to the corresponding tooth. These must be placed one by one, to ensure the closest possible fit over the original tooth. Once each porcelain veneer is in place, a specialized, concentrated beam of light will warm the cement so that it will adhere with a strong bond. When this is complete, Dr. Velasco will check over the mouth and ensure the veneers have not disrupted your natural bite.
Porcelain veneers will normally require two to three visits, depending on the number of teeth being treated and the individual patient. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Velasco may be scheduled in a few weeks to make sure your new veneers are settling in and there is no irritation to the gums.
What Our Patients Have to Say
The Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry team are extraordinary. I have never had such a pleasurable experience in being a patient than with this group. Dr. Velasco did major work on my unfortunate smile. As I was nervous, as anyone would be, he developed a plan that I was happy with, and reassured me everything will be okay. I am extremely satisfied with the work, I am personally moving my family’s dental care to him and his team.
The staff provided me with such support and attention to care, I don’t think I would’ve gone through with my treatment without them. Danielle worked with me in understanding Dr. Velasco’s plans and various options, Candice made sure my insurance was lined up, and Maryam, Evelyn and Paigely supported me in the procedure room and made sure I was okay.
I can smile and eat without feeling self-conscience. I wouldn’t have the confidence of my smile without anyone in this practice, and words simply cannot thank you enough.
Veneers Gallery
Types of Veneers
Low-prep Veneers
These veneers are the thinnest option available. This means that when it comes time to shave off some enamel, your dentist will shave off a minimal amount. They are best used for minor tooth repairs. Because of their thin nature, low-prep veneers may not be able to deliver the best possible color.
Traditional Veneers
Traditional veneers are thicker compared to their low-prep relatives. As a result, more of each tooth’s enamel will have to be shaved off. However, they do offer some advantages. Their thickness allows for more customization in terms of shape and color. Thus, they are more suitable for serious repairs than low-prep veneers.
Direct-bonded Veneers
Direct-bonded veneers are arguably the least invasive of the veneer options. This is because they do not require the removal of enamel, and your existing tooth structure stays intact. The difference is that this type of veneer is not constructed of the same material as the other two. A plastic resin is used instead of the traditional porcelain. Consequently, they do not last as long and will have to be replaced more frequently.
Porcelain Veneers Recovery And Results
There will be very little discomfort after your porcelain veneers have been put in place. Dr. Velasco will discuss aftercare instructions and if any pain medication is required. While each patient is different, it is common to need a short adjustment period to get used to the new set of teeth. You will be able to eat and drink as usual right away. Although strong, porcelain veneers are not indestructible. As with normal teeth, do not pry open bottles, chew on ice, or partake in any activities that could chip or crack a natural tooth.
Your new dental veneers will look beautiful in the mirror, and just as wonderful laughing and smiling in public. Dr. Velasco is careful to use a shade of porcelain similar to your own tooth color, ensuring your teeth look natural, healthy, and youthful. Continue with normal brushing and flossing, as well as regular checkups and cleanings. With good dental hygiene, your porcelain dental veneers can last for up to 30 years or longer.
Porcelain Veneers Before & After
What Our Patients Have to Say
The staff at this office is so friendly and helpful. They know you by name and make you feel welcomed. Dr. Velasco knew exactly what I needed and was thorough and honest explaining my treatment plan. Will definitely recommend to any friends and/or family.
Porcelain Veneers FAQ’s
Everyone is different, however, at Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we can provide porcelain veneers in just two office visits. The first appointment is for taking a mold of your natural teeth. When our in-house lab has made your new teeth, a second visit will be scheduled to place your porcelain veneers.
While everyone is different, porcelain veneers will last up to 30 years or longer if good dental hygiene is followed.
The cost of porcelain veneers will vary by patient and procedure, but on average each tooth will cost between $950 and $2000. It is important to schedule a consultation with Dr. Velasco at Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to make sure you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers and find out the exact cost of your prospective treatment.
Yes, Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry makes getting a mouth full of porcelain veneers an option on any budget. We accept cash and all major credit cards. We also offer flexible payment plans to make sure the treatment you need can be attainable. We also recommend healthcare financing through CareCredit, Lending Club, and Healthcare Finance Solutions.
Porcelain veneers are known to provide a bright white smile. They usually should not stain although, you should be wary of you drinking too much coffee or tea. Keep in mind that teeth whitening will not work on porcelain veneers due to the material.
Porcelain Veneers are bonded to your teeth so they will never fall out. You will be able to chew like normal, however they are made of glass therefore they can break if they are under too much pressure. It is advised to not bite on food that is extremely hard, especially with the front teeth, in order to avoid chipping.
Learn More
If you are in the Houston-area, take the first step and call Uptown Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 713-766-1493. We will answer your questions and help you arrange a private consultation with one of Houston’s top cosmetic dentists, Dr. Velasco. Contact us today!
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