We often consider a captivating smile an asset. Indeed, a head-turning smile can help you win friends, achieve career success, and experience heightened confidence. Cosmetic dentistry treatments, like dental veneers, can deliver these remarkable results while also enhancing your oral well-being.
Are you pining for a set of picture-perfect teeth? Explore your options with Dr. Mihir Patel and Dr. Shaun Sigurdson at Lakewood Dental Group in Dallas, TX. Our team can help you choose solutions that meet your health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget. Call (214) 827-1885 now to reserve your consultation.
Whether you’re looking to correct discoloration, reshape teeth, or fix minor imperfections, dental veneers offer a highly-customizable and effective cosmetic dentistry option. In this comprehensive guide, our Lakewood dentists explore the different types of veneers available, going into detail on the procedure itself, candidacy, cost considerations, longevity, maintenance tips, and alternative options.
Types of Dental Veneers
When it comes to these versatile dental prosthetics, patients have plenty of options to choose from, including:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers have a positive reputation, as they are renowned for their natural appearance and durability. Professionals custom-craft these dental prosthetics to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, integrating seamlessly with your smile.
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and typically require less removal of tooth enamel compared to other types.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers (usually crafted from a tooth-colored composite resin substance) are a more economical solution when compared to porcelain veneers. Although, they may not be as durable and stain-resistant. Nonetheless, composite veneers can be a suitable option for minor cosmetic enhancements.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a common and popular choice among patients looking to enhance their smiles quickly and on a budget. These ultra-thin porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation, making them a more conservative option. They are often chosen for their ability to transform smiles without the need for extensive enamel removal.
The Procedure
Typically, the process of getting dental veneers involves multiple steps:
Consultation
The journey begins with a consultation with our Dallas dentists. During this initial visit, you can discuss your goals, expectations, and the type of veneers you’re most interested in. Our team can then assess your oral health to ensure that this treatment is best suited for your needs.
Preparation
In many cases, veneer treatment requires some minor preparation of the treated teeth. Usually, this means removing a paper-thin layer of enamel from the treated teeth to make extra room for the prosthetic. By removing a small amount of enamel, our team ensures a proper fit, which helps the veneers bond snuggly to your teeth.
Impressions
The next step after enamel removal is acquiring dental impressions. These impressions serve as the blueprint for crafting your custom veneers, guaranteeing their fit, feel, and function.
Temporary Veneers
In most cases, permanent veneers take several days to a couple of weeks to create. So, to protect the teeth that have already been prepared, our Lakewood dentists fit patients with a set of temporary veneers. These prosthetics not only protect teeth but also maintain your smile aesthetics while you wait for your permanent prosthetics.
Fitting and Bonding
Once your veneers are ready, then our team can place them on your teeth for a fitting. During a fitting, our team can make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and appearance. The final step involves bonding the veneers to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
Who is a good candidate?
Not everyone is an ideal contender for this procedure, but ideal candidates often include those with:
- Good oral health: Patients must have healthy teeth and gums before treatment.
- Adequate tooth enamel: Candidates must have sufficient dental enamel for proper placement.
- Cosmetic concerns: This treatment is ideal for patients who have mild to moderate cosmetic concerns, such as discoloration, minor misalignment, and chips.
- Realistic expectations: Candidates should understand the limitations and possibilities of this treatment.
Cost Considerations
The cost of veneer treatment changes based on certain variables, such as:
- The type of material patients choose
- The number of teeth involved in treatment
- The dentist’s expertise
Nonetheless, it is common for porcelain veneers to range from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth, while composite veneers may be slightly more affordable. It’s essential to consult with your dentist to discuss all potential costs, including preparatory procedures and follow-up appointments.
Longevity and Maintenance
Dental veneers, when adequately cared for, can last for several years. However, some prosthetics last longer than others. For example, porcelain veneers have superior durability and resistance to stains, providing a longer-lasting solution. To maximize the lifespan of your veneers:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing become even more important after treatment. Otherwise, patients may run the risk of complications. So, prioritize twice-daily brushing accompanied by once-daily flossing to maintain overall oral health and prevent gum disease.
Avoid Excessive Force
While veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. So, patients should avoid activities that may place excessive force on teeth (such as biting on hard objects or chewing on pens or fingernails) to prevent damage.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Prevention is key to successful long-term veneer treatment. So, schedule regular dental visits to monitor the condition of your veneers and address any issues promptly.
Limit Stain-Causing Habits
Limit the intake of staining substances like tobacco products, coffee, tea, and red wine to preserve the appearance of your veneers.
Making Veneers Last Longer
To extend the lifespan of your investment, consider the following tips:
Creating a Customized Oral Care Routine
Work with your dentist to develop a personalized oral care routine that caters to the specific needs of your veneers.
Using a Mouthguard for Grinding
If you clench your jaws or grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard at night can prevent damage to your veneers and natural teeth.
Avoiding Damaging Behaviors
Be mindful of habits that may jeopardize your veneers, such as opening packages with your teeth.
Alternative Options
While this treatment is a popular choice for enhancing smiles, alternative options exist for those seeking cosmetic improvements:
Teeth Whitening
For individuals whose primary concern is discoloration, professional teeth whitening treatments can be a more straightforward and cost-effective solution.
Orthodontic Treatment
For misalignment issues, orthodontia like braces or clear aligners may be a more suitable long-term solution.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-hued resin substance to address minor irregularities and flaws. This treatment is a less invasive option compared to veneers.
Schedule a Dental Veneers Consultation in Dallas, TX
While this transformative procedure can provide significant and life-changing results, it may not be right for everyone. Verify your candidacy at Lakewood Dental Group today. You can request a consultation with our Dallas dentists online or at (214) 827-1885.
