Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Ronald Konig is pleased to offer porcelain veneers as a solution for aesthetic imperfections in the smile. If you are unhappy with your smile, Dr. Konig encourages you to call our office at 713-668-2289 for a consultation where you can learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers, and how they may be used to strengthen and perfect your smile.
Below are ten common questions about porcelain veneers. If you would like additional information about one of these questions or if you have questions of your own, we welcome an opportunity to address them in person. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and let us help you achieve the beautiful smile you have always dreamed of.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are small, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that can be bonded to the surface of a tooth to cover cosmetic imperfections. Even more pronounced imperfections can be covered with porcelain veneers, making them an ideal solution for many of our patients.
What can dental veneers fix?
Dental veneers can be used to fix a number of cosmetic imperfections. Commonly, porcelain veneers are used for closing gaps and spaces in between teeth, producing a straight and even appearance to teeth that are crooked or irregularly sized, protecting teeth with fractures, chips and cracks, and producing a stain-free cover for teeth impacted by deep staining and discoloration such as that caused by fluorosis or the use of tetracycline during tooth development.
Will my veneers look like my real teeth?
Porcelain mimics tooth enamel in the way it reflects light, allowing your veneers to fit seamlessly into your smile. Your dental veneers will be shaded, shaped, and sized to both address your cosmetic flaws and perfectly match those adjacent teeth that are not receiving treatment. After your veneers have been placed, only the perfection of your smile will indicate any work has been done.
Are porcelain veneers and Lumineers® the same thing?
Lumineers® are a brand of porcelain veneers distinguished by their thinner size. Because Lumineers are thinner, they can be placed without tooth preparation, which is an attractive option for some of our patients. However, Lumineers may not be thick enough to fully cover more pronounced cosmetic issues.
What kind of tooth preparation is required for porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers are incredibly thin, but may still protrude unnaturally from the smile if some enamel is not removed before they are placed. Tooth preparation allows veneers to fit snugly into the smile, producing an even and consistent look across teeth that have been treated and those that have not.
Brands like Lumineers and DURAthin® can be placed without tooth preparation, but they are not suitable for all patients. The best way to find out if tooth preparation will be needed in your case is through a one-on-one consultation at our Houston office.
Does the placement of porcelain veneers hurt?
Tooth preparation and veneer placement are completed with localized anesthetic, making the process painless. If you are having only a few veneers placed, there should be little to no discomfort following your procedure. If you are having more significant cosmetic work done or if you are having several veneers placed, some jaw soreness may be present for a few days. This should subside on its own and can be mitigated with over-the-counter medications.
If you are concerned about comfort during your procedure, we would be happy to discuss the safe and effective sedation dentistry options available at our office during your initial consultation.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Veneers can last for ten or more years, but they may need to be replaced over time. Durable, stain-resistant, and secure, porcelain veneers mimic tooth enamel in appearance and function. With proper care, they can continue to do so for several years after they have been placed.
Veneers can scratch, so it is best to avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients like baking soda. It is also best to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent damaging your veneers. You can further work to protect your veneers by:
- Not biting hard candy, ice, or non-food items
- Flossing both morning and night
- Maintaining routine dental visits
Veneers can be replaced individually and as needed.
How long does it take to get porcelain veneers?
The placement of dental veneers occurs over two office visits. During your first visit, teeth are prepared, a model of your smile is created, and temporary veneers are placed. The model of your teeth is sent to our trusted dental lab partners where your customized veneers will be created. Once your personalized porcelain veneers are received by our office, you will return for their placement. In most cases, this process can be completed within three to four weeks.
Can veneers alone be used for a smile makeover?
Porcelain veneers may be used as a stand-alone option for a complete smile makeover, but full mouth rejuvenation often requires a combination of cosmetic, restorative, and neuromuscular dental services. Without first meeting with you, it is impossible to tell if a combination of services or if porcelain veneers on their own will be the best solution for your smile.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Konig will carefully evaluate the health and appearance of your teeth, discuss all of your treatment options, and help you select those most suitable for producing the look you desire.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers ranges depending on factors that are unique to each smile. The best way to learn how much your porcelain veneers will cost is through a no-pressure consultation with Dr. Konig.
If the cost of veneers is a deterrent to you, please review our dental veneer financing options to learn about payment methods we accept.
If you would like more information about cosmetic dentistry financing or if you need assistance with applying, we would be happy to help. Give us a call at 713-668-2289 to schedule a consultation today.
