When people are considering different cosmetic options for a Houston smile makeover, veneers are a popular choice. However, veneers are just one of several different choices. At URBN Dental, our Houston dental offices provide a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions to help you achieve a beautiful smile, including veneers, implants, braces, and teeth whitening. Our dentists have answered the following common veneer questions to help you decide if veneers may be the right decision for you.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells custom-made from porcelain or composite materials for each tooth. The shells are attached over the front of the tooth to hide any imperfections, such as:
- Gaps
- Stains
- Discoloration
- Chips
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Cracks
Before being attached, a small layer of enamel is removed from the natural tooth. Then, the veneer is attached to the tooth. Unlike dental crowns or implants, veneers only cover the front of the tooth, which makes the process of getting veneers faster and easier.
Who Should Get Veneers?
Veneers are a great cosmetic solution for people with various dental concerns and issues, as well as those who do not want to experience invasive or prolonged treatments. Some conditions include:
- The front of the teeth is discolored or stained
- The teeth are cracked or chipped
- There are gaps in between teeth
- You are embarrassed about the look, size, and shape of your teeth
- You do not want braces or Invisalign
Does Insurance Cover Veneers?
Generally, insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures because they are not deemed necessary. Yet, there are different types of dental insurance and coverage options in Houston. Veneers may be covered in certain situations under specific plans.
For example, if you have a pre-existing dental problem or need a restorative procedure using veneers, your dental insurance may cover part of the costs. This is usually based on a percentage; you could also need to meet a deductible.
To find out if your insurance covers veneers, call the number on the back of your dental card. You can also provide our dental office in Houston with your insurance information, and we can check for you.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers can vary based on the type and whether you are utilizing an in-network or out-of-network provider. For example, when you use an in-network provider, your costs can range from around $600 to $1,000.
However, if you use an out-of-network provider, your costs could range from $1,500 to around $2,200. If you do not have insurance, your dentist may offer special deals to make veneers more affordable.
How Many Veneers Do I Need?
The number of veneers you need will depend on what imperfections you want to conceal. Most people are usually concerned about their front teeth, so they just get veneers for the ones that are fully exposed when they smile.
How Are Veneers Cared For?
Caring for veneers is very easy: brush twice daily and floss once daily. You also need to keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Additionally, during the first two to three weeks after getting your veneers, as part of your Houston smile makeover, you should avoid hard, sticky, and excessively crunchy foods. You should also skip sugary beverages and spicy foods.
Who Is A Candidate For Veneers?
People who could be an ideal candidate for veneers can include:
- People who do not want braces or other invasive treatments
- People with gaps in between their teeth
- People with stains and discoloration on their teeth who have tried professional teeth whitening without any change
- People with crooked teeth or those with chips, cracks, or other imperfections
Do Veneers Hurt?
Getting veneers does not hurt because your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth beforehand. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may notice some sensitivity to hot or cold, which usually subsides within a week or two. You can use a desensitizing toothpaste during this time to ensure you maintain proper oral hygiene habits.
Some people may also notice minor soreness in their jaw or gums after the procedure. To alleviate the pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, if you are taking other medications, consult with your dentist first.
Are Veneers Safe?
Porcelain and composite veneers are safe because they are made of biocompatible materials, which also eliminates the risks of allergic reactions. The bonding agent used to secure the veneers in place is also safe and will not harm you if you swallow some of it during the installation procedure.
Can Veneers Stain?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and usually do not stain. However, if they are made from composite materials, they can stain over time, especially if you drink coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke. Other foods that could lead to staining include:
- Dark-colored berries and fruits
- Beets
- Red peppers
- Tomatoes
- Dark-colored sodas and energy drinks
- Dark-colored sauces
- Red and dark-colored curries
Regular cleanings can help remove some of the staining, but veneers cannot be whitened using teeth-whitening products. Instead, if the staining becomes excessive or the veneer is discolored, it will need to be replaced.
To help keep your veneers looking bright and white and to prevent staining, brush them after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, in addition to brushing them twice daily.
Can You Get Cavities With Veneers?
The veneers, themselves, cannot get cavities. While veneers provide an added layer of protection to the front of your teeth, you can still get cavities if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. If you get a cavity in a tooth with a veneer, the veneer is removed, the cavity filled, and then the veneer is reattached.
Get A Consultation For A Houston Smile Makeover Today
If you have further questions about veneers or need help determining if they would be the best solution for a gorgeous smile, the dentists at URBN Dental are here to help. We are happy to answer your questions, provide you with your different options, and help you to determine which cosmetic procedures will give you the smile makeover you deserve. Contact one of our dental offices in Houston today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Sources:
Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons. (2023).
What Is a Dental Implant? (2023).
What Is Good Oral Hygiene? (2023).
Veneers in esthetic zone – A case series. (2019).
