What’s a Dental Veneer? An FAQ

If you have stained, damaged or misshapen teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. If you’re not sure what dental veneers are or how they work, these are good questions for your dentist in Houston, TX. Below are some of the most common questions that patients ask us about veneers.

What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a cover that’s placed on the front of your tooth to hide cosmetic problems underneath. A veneer serves no structural function: it is only intended to make your tooth look healthy and attractive. If you have a tooth that has a spot, stain, or is malformed in some way, a dental veneer can help make that tooth more consistent with your other teeth in terms of color and shape.

What are dental veneers made from?

A dental veneer can be made from a variety of materials including composite resin or porcelain. The material you choose will impact how the veneer wears, how much it costs and how long it lasts. For example, composite resin veneers are a budget-friendly material that lasts around 5 to 7 years, while porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more durable. Porcelain veneers last around 10 to 12 years.

Do dental veneers look natural?

Yes, dental veneers look natural. They’re designed to be difficult or impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. In fact, if you’re only installing veneers over one or two teeth, your dentist will color match the veneers to your teeth to ensure that no one can tell the difference.

Can you whiten your teeth if you have veneers?

Dental veneers cannot be realistically whitened. If you choose to whiten your teeth while you have veneers, your natural teeth will whiten and your dental veneer will remain the same color. For this reason, many people choose not to whiten their teeth if they have dental veneers.

If you have questions about dental veneers in Houston, TX, we have answers. We’re happy to help you understand dental veneers more deeply – just give us a call. Contact Restore Dental at Montrose to learn more about how dental veneers can help you meet your goals for your teeth.

Dental Bonds Vs. Composite Veneers: What’s the Difference?

Composite veneers and dental bonds in Montrose use the same material, so it would be easy to confuse the two procedures. While both will help you improve your smile, the two vary in terms of the details. If you’re interested in either treatment, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each so you have a better idea of where to go next.

Bonds Vs. Veneers

Bonding is made with composite resin, and it’s used to fill in the gaps of your teeth. So if you have small teeth or a lot of spacing between your teeth, a dentist might use dental bonds to cover up the flaws. Dental bonds essentially help you create a straighter smile thanks to a special material that’s strong enough to stand up to chewing and biting.

Composite veneers use the same materials, but the shape is different. Unlike bonding, veneers are a type of shell that will only go on the front of the teeth. Composite veneers can give your teeth more support, but most of the time, they’re used to cover up cracks or chips in the front teeth only.

Which Is Better?

Some people will choose resin bonding because it can be done in a single visit, whereas veneers will take at least two (if not more). Veneers are made in a lab off premises, while bonding is placed directly on the teeth in the office. In general, composite is often used for kids because they’re excellent for fixing teeth that have been broken by playing sports or roughhousing.

The biggest thing that you should know about bonding and veneers in Houston, TX has more to do with durability. Resin will last up to 10 years, and that’s whether you use it for bonding or veneers. Porcelain can last up to 20 years, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist about your expectations for the treatment.

Dentists in Houston

If you’re looking for best dentists in Houston, TX, Restore Dental in the Montrose area can help. Whether you have questions about the best treatment for you, and once you make a decision, we’ll ensure that your smile is as vibrant, attractive, and strong as it can be.