Dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile in a few visits with dental veneers in Longview, TX. In just a few appointments, your dentist can change your tooth’s shape, size, and shade.
What Is A Dental Veneer?
Veneers are thin, semi-translucent “shells” typically attached to your front teeth. Veneers are customized from porcelain material that we bond to your teeth. Veneers are a great alternative to otherwise painful dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile.
What Common Dental Concerns Can Veneers Treat?
There are several common dental concerns that dental veneers can treat. As mentioned above, dental veneers can change your teeth’ shape, size, and shade. So, dental veneers can close gaps between your teeth, repair broken teeth, and cover discolored teeth. Some patients opt for one surface to cover a severely discolored or broken tooth, while others opt for a complete smile restoration that covers multiple teeth.
How Are Dental Veneers Placed?
We place dental veneers in a few appointments. If you are interested in dental veneers, call our office for a consultation appointment. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if you are a good candidate for dental veneers. Patients with underlying dental concerns such as dental decay or patients who bite their nails are often not good candidates for dental veneers.
During your consultation, your dentist may take an impression of your teeth. We send this impression to a lab where your veneer is made. After a few weeks, your veneer will return to the office, and we will invite you back for a fitting. We will prep your teeth for placement if you like the veneers:
- We will buff the outer portion, called the enamel, which will give the tooth a rough surface. The rough surface will make it more likely for the veneer to attach to the tooth.
- We will use a bonding gel to place the veneer on the tooth.
- We will make minor adjustments to ensure the tooth fits well in your mouth.
Dental Veneers Vs. Dental Crowns
Many patients ask us the difference between a dental veneer and a dental crown. A dental veneer is like a shell that fits on the outer surface of your tooth. Patients usually have one to six veneers per set of teeth. On the other hand, a dental crown is like a cap that fits around the entire tooth. Most patients that opt for dental crowns only use one. A dental veneer does not last as long as a dental crown. However, it is a more affordable option. Most dental veneers and dental crowns are made of the same material, porcelain. This material is durable and stain-resistant.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
With good care, dental veneers typically last 7 to 10 years. To care for your veneers, you should maintain good oral health. Good oral health means brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day. Additionally, you should visit our office every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. Patients with dental veneers should avoid chewing on non-edible items such as their nails, packaging, or ice. These tips can help your dental veneers last longer.
Veneers are a great aesthetic solution to your smile that may even help you avoid orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can achieve subtle changes to your smile with veneers, and in most cases, the veneer application is completed in only two office visits. For more information about dental veneers or to schedule an appointment, call our office today.
