Veneers – Houston, TX

Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?

There are a few things that can prevent you from being a candidate for veneers (at least initially). For example, if we conduct an oral exam and find a few cavities, then we will need to provide the necessary restorative care first. Similarly, if your teeth are severely rotated out of position, then we will need to bring your teeth into proper alignment before we can improve their shape, size, and shade with veneers.

Is It Painful to Get Veneers?

If you are interested in enhancing your smile with veneers, but you’re worried about the transformation process hurting, we have good news: your mouth will be numbed! Plus, we will give you aftercare instructions to alleviate sensitivity immediately following your appointment, like rinsing with warm saltwater and taking OTC pain medication as directed. In other words, from start to finish, we will do whatever we can to make the treatment process pain-free.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?

Foods that can damage your veneers, like hard pretzels, candy canes, and peanut brittle, should be avoided. We also recommend keeping your intake of sugary foods to a minimum since they can quickly lead to cavities. Instead, eat lots of smile-friendly foods (i.e., plain yogurt, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, apples) to keep your smile looking and feeling great.

Important note: During your time with temporary veneers, you’ll need to stick to a diet comprised solely of soft foods.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Since veneers are stain-resistant, you don’t have to worry about them discoloring like your natural teeth. So, you can definitely enjoy a coffee or two throughout the day even after your smile transformation! All we ask is that you use a straw and keep additives, like sugar, to a minimum. That way, your natural teeth don’t discolor or decay over time.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Veneers?

Typically, dental insurance providers don’t cover the cost of veneers since they aren’t “medically necessary.” The good news is that there is another way to make the price more affordable: CareCredit. This third-party financier offers payment plans so you don’t have to pay for your entire treatment in one lump sum. Instead, you can choose a payment plan that works for you and break up the payments into smaller, more manageable installments.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Studies conducted by both Layton and Beier found that over 90% of veneers lasted for over a decade. The key to making yours last is taking good care of them. That starts with a solid oral hygiene regimen and extends to avoiding crunchy foods and visiting us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

They can! However, the process of creating a straighter smile is different than braces. While orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, gradually guide teeth into their ideal places, veneers simply conceal imperfections. Many patients who are candidates opt for the latter because only two or three visits are required. Plus, they can enhance the shade and size of your teeth simultaneously!

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

Veneers in Houston do feel just like real teeth. In fact, our team at Smiles of Memorial Dentistry goes above and beyond to ensure that’s the case! That starts with using only the best materials, like dental porcelain, and extends to customizing the shape and size to ensure they don’t feel bulky in any way.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Sadly, dental veneers are not permanent. However, the changes that are made to your enamel during the preparation process, although minor, cannot be undone. The good news is that this cosmetic dentistry treatment can last for 10+ years with the right habits in place (i.e., brushing twice a day, eating healthy, well-balanced meals, scheduling a dental cleaning every six months).

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

That depends largely on your aesthetic concerns and smile goals! For instance, if you want to fix a small chip on one of your front teeth, then we may only need one. Conversely, if you want to address noticeable stains and gaps, leading to more dramatic results, then we may recommend 10-12. During your consultation, we will also answer any questions you have so you can confidently decide how many veneers you need to create the confident, beautiful smile that you desire.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Since veneers are made from artificial materials, like dental porcelain, they cannot be whitened. Fortunately, they are stain-resistant, so they should maintain their bright appearance throughout the time that you have them. If there does come a time when you want to revisit their color, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our Houston dental office. That way, we can learn a little more about your aesthetic concerns and determine how to proceed.

Important reminder: Not all of your teeth will be covered with veneers. So, if you want to maintain a vibrant, balanced smile, you need to take certain precautions. That starts with avoiding stain-causing habits, like smoking, and extends to using a straw when drinking coffee, red wine, or soda.