Have you always wanted to improve your smile? If so, dental veneers are a great option for cosmetic changes. If your teeth are in good shape and you want to simply alter your appearance, including the color and shape of your teeth, veneers are a smart and non-invasive decision.
Dental veneers are also designed to cover up tooth imperfections and assist in improving your smile. They can help with misshapen or crooked teeth, teeth that are discolored, stained, or chipped, and situations where the enamel has eroded.
There are two types of aesthetic veneers. Partial veneers are applied when your tooth defect is minimal and full veneers are applied when your dental defect covers the major visible portion of your tooth’s surface.
While veneers will cover part of your teeth, they are different from a crown, which is thicker and covers the entire tooth – the front, sides, and back. Crowns are also going to require more grinding of the tooth, which is not needed with veneers.
However, before you can benefit from veneers, you have to decide between composite veneers versus porcelain veneers. This may seem like a difficult decision, but it does not have to be.
Types of Veneers
When you decide that veneers may be right for you, the dentists at H-Town Dental will evaluate and present you with two options:
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made of composite resin and applied directly to your teeth. With these veneers, no tooth structure needs to be removed. This means that there is little to no grinding needed. The application process is also the most minimally invasive of the two veneer options.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom made for your teeth. Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to make a mold in a lab. This process can take up to two weeks or more. You will receive a set of temporary veneers while you are waiting. This is the similar process to getting a crown.
When the permanent porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will use a bonding cement to apply the thin shells directly to your teeth.
Which Veneer is Better for Me?
It is important to understand that here are advantages and disadvantages to each type of veneer. With your dentist’s guidance and support, you must consider the benefits and potential downsides before making a choice.
Pros of composite veneers include:
- The cost is less
- Same day treatment
- Can cover any aesthetic issue such as discolorations, misshapen teeth, etc.
Cons of composite veneers include:
- The material is 5% weaker than porcelain and can chip
- Lifespan of only 7 – 10 years
- Look slightly less natural than porcelain
- Cannot make darker teeth appear whiter
Pros of porcelain veneers include:
- Custom made
- Lasts longer because of the stronger materials used
- Ability to fix darker stained teeth
- Looks more natural
Cons of porcelain veneers include:
- Cost more than composite
- Can fall off and need to be replaced
- Application requires more than one dental visit
- More tooth structure needs to be removed than with composite
What Happens During the Procedure?
If you, like many others, think cosmetic dentistry is correct for you, we recommend getting a dental/radiographic evaluation as well as a health history. During these consultation visits, any of our trained dentists will address your specific needs and concerns. Your dental health is important to us, and our team at H-Town Dental will work closely with you to ensure that your needs are met.
A consultation with a dentist is required prior to the placement of a veneer. H-Town Dental will do a thorough review of the problem to ensure which veneers are the best option for you. Meanwhile, the expert will go through the timings, specifics, and costs with you in greater depth.
H-Town Dental in Houston offers tooth veneers that are both affordable and high-quality. If you require low-cost veneers, then our highly trained and professional dentistry offices are the place to go. Our dental team is kind and knowledgeable, and they will go above and beyond to make your appointment as pleasant as possible. Our team is committed to putting your mind at ease and keeping you up to date.
At H-Town Dental we offer a wide range of services, and we can be your one-stop shop for all of your dental needs. Just a few of the services we provide include dental implants, teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, veneers, endodontics, emergency dental treatment, pediatric dental care, and so much more. Come to one of our offices in Houston, Texas: East Houston, Magnolia, and Bellaire, Texas and receive the support you need.
