Cosmetic dentistry treatments should do much more than improve the appearance of your smile. They should improve your oral health and function, too. Dental veneers in Dallas, TX, are an ideal way to fortify and enhance your smile for years to come. If you’ve never heard of veneers, then let the team at Lakewood Dental Group tell you everything you need to know!
Dr. Mihir Patel and Dr. Shaun Sigurdson are proud to offer comprehensive services at an affordable price, including cosmetic treatments! If you’re ready to enhance your smile, then schedule a consultation online here or by calling our Lakewood dental office at (214) 827-1885.
Meanwhile, let’s talk about dental veneers in Dallas, TX. Knowing what they are and what to expect from treatment could help you enjoy your newly-upgraded smile for longer.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are shell-like prosthetics. Dentists design them to adhere to the front surface of the teeth, which effectively hides numerous smile imperfections, such as:
- Minor dental damage, like chips
- Large gaps between the teeth
- Misshapen or short teeth
- Worn tooth enamel
- Stubborn or whitening-resistant dental stains
Dentists work closely with their patients to choose the perfect size, shape, and shade of veneers. This means that dental veneer treatment can be tailored to your exact specifications. That’s right – you can build your very own smile with veneers in Dallas, TX!
Am I a good candidate?
Ideal candidates for dental veneers include patients with:
- Sufficient tooth enamel
- Cavity-free teeth
- Disease-free gums
- No history of teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Relatively straight teeth
Patients with cavities and gum disease should resolve these issues before seeking veneer treatment. Otherwise, treatment may worsen these issues over time.
Similarly, patients with sleep bruxism should consider getting custom-made night guards. Without sufficient protection, bruxism can damage natural teeth and veneers, which can prove quite costly.
Perhaps the most important factor to consider before getting veneer treatment is sufficient tooth enamel. A skilled dentist must remove a very small amount of enamel before adhering the veneers to the teeth. If there is not enough enamel, then the veneers may not properly adhere to the teeth, making treatment unsuccessful.
How do I prepare for dental veneers in Dallas, TX?
First, patients should treat any and all oral health issues before getting started (like treating cavities and gum disease). Then, a thorough dental exam and cleaning can kickstart the process.
After an exam and cleaning, then it is time to discuss your smile goals with your dentist. You may want to discuss the preferred size, shape, color, and orientation of your smile for the best results.
At Lakewood Dental Group, our team uses advanced imaging software to help you visualize the end result before committing to treatment.
Once you and your dentist agree on the perfect size, shape, and color of your prosthetics, then it is time to prepare your teeth. This requires the removal of a thin layer of dental enamel. Removing tooth enamel roughens the surface of the tooth, which helps the dental adhesive properly stick to the tooth and veneer.
Unfortunately, your final veneers may not be ready within the same appointment. Instead, your dentist may fit your smile with temporary veneers while a special laboratory crafts your unique prosthetics. It may take several days or weeks before your veneers are complete.
Once your final prosthetics are complete, your dentist will schedule another appointment to permanently attach them to your teeth. This process is similar to attaching temporary veneers, but the final prosthetics are not designed to be removed.
All in all, most patients require roughly two to three appointments before they can get their custom-made smiles. These appointments may span over the course of weeks. But, don’t let that deter you! The final product is well worth the wait.
How do I take care of dental veneers?
Dental veneers are relatively easy to take care of because they require little more than regular oral hygiene practices. This means that twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing may be enough to keep them clean.
But, is it enough to keep them functional? Maybe not. However, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your new veneers, such as:
- Avoid eating overly hard or crunchy foods (we’re looking at you, peanut brittle and ice cubes!)
- Stay away from excessively chewy candies, like caramel and taffy
- Do not use your teeth as tools, like to open packaging
- Protect teeth during high-impact sports
- Shield teeth from damaging conditions, like sleep bruxism
- Visit a dentist in Dallas, TX, at least twice a year
With the proper care and upkeep, a set of new veneers may last you at least 10 years. However, one study suggests that many patients can comfortably enjoy their prosthetics for at least 20 years without repairing or replacing them. Talk about longevity!
How much do dental veneers in Dallas, TX, cost?
The cost of veneer treatment is highly variable depending on:
- The number of teeth requiring treatment
- The material used (e.g. porcelain, composite resin, temporary, etc.)
- The dentist’s geographic location
- The dentist’s experience level
The types of materials that dentists can use to craft veneers are not created equally, and their price tags reflect that. For example, porcelain veneers may cost at least $500 per tooth while composite resin veneers may cost at least $250 per tooth. Typically, the tradeoff is appearance and longevity – porcelain veneers often look better and last longer than composite resin ones.
Dentist experience and geographic location also play important roles in the cost of veneers in Dallas, TX. Recent data suggest that Dallas is the most expensive city to live in inTexas, with health-related costs averaging 3.2% higher than surrounding areas.
Luckily, the team at Lakewood Dental Group is able to offset some financial burden by offering contemporary solutions. Our third-party financing options and membership plans can help you get the treatments you deserve without blowing your budget!
Ask Us about Dental Veneers in Dallas, TX
Dental veneers in Dallas, TX, are a long-lasting way to improve the appearance of your smile. Are you ready to see if they are right for you? Contact the team at Lakewood Dental Group today at (214) 827-1885 or send us a quick message here to request your consultation now!
