Elevate your smile with dental veneers
Experience the fantastic difference dental veneers can make to create a bright smile. These thin shells, made of ceramic or resin, are carefully bonded to your natural teeth.
The process of getting veneers is straightforward and painless, requiring only a few visits to our clinic. The first visit is for a consultation, during which we'll discuss your goals and assess your dental health. The second visit is for preparation, and the third is for bonding. We strive to make the entire process as comfortable and stress-free as possible, ensuring you feel at ease throughout.
These veneers are not just about enhancing your smile; they're about safeguarding it. They are designed to resist common staining agents like coffee, tea, and wine, and the non-staining materials used in their construction ensure a long-lasting shine.
The porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural look. In contrast, the direct composite veneers are more affordable and can be easily repaired if damaged. They enhance your dental health and confidence, allowing you to smile more confidently.
Feel confident to choose between porcelain veneers for a timeless and sophisticated appearance or direct veneers made from composite resin. Each type has unique benefits, and we're here to help you understand and decide which is best for you. We're committed to offering the assistance and encouragement you need throughout the process.
These cosmetic dental procedures, including veneers, are designed with your comfort in mind. The process is comfortable and pain-free, with minimal anesthesia, making veneers ideal for enhancing your front teeth without discomfort. You can rest assured that your comfort is our priority.
It's important to note that porcelain veneers are resistant to discoloration, providing you with a long-lasting and confidence-boosting smile. This durability ensures that your investment in porcelain veneers is secure and will continue to boost your confidence for years to come.
crooked, or stained teeth.
How much do veneers cost?
Our dental office offers a cost-effective solution for your smile transformation. Suppose you're considering 8-10 veneers.
Depending on your teeth' condition and desired outcome, we will use a combination of no-prep (no-shave) veneers and porcelain veneers. The cost of each dental veneer ranges from $800 to $2500.
We also offer flexible payment plans to make the procedure more affordable for you.
The price of porcelain veneers may vary depending on the dentist and laboratory technician's experience, qualifications, and artistic skills, but rest assured-you're investing in a long-lasting, confidence-boosting smile. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing you with the best possible outcome.
Types of veneers:
There are three types of veneers: Porcelain veneers(Traditional), non-prep or minimum prep veneers, and direct veneers.Each type has unique benefits, and we're here to help you understand and decide which is best for you.
Porcelain veneers:
Porcelain veneers, also known as "traditional" or "regular" veneers, are a popular solution for those who want to enhance the look and function of their teeth. These custom-made shells are thin and designed to improve the appearance of teeth significantly.
Before attaching the porcelain veneer to the tooth's surface, the tooth's surface needs to be reduced by 0.5 to 0.7 mm (1/50"-1/36") to create a seamless fit and avoid a bulky appearance.
A drill with a diamond-coated head and a dental microscope subtly contour the tooth to provide a perfect bonding surface between the tooth and the veneer. However, anesthesia is not required, so there is no need to worry about the pain associated with the procedure.
These subtle adjustments aim to create the perfect aesthetic result while preserving your natural tooth structure and carefully removing enamel to create your ideal smile.
No-prep or minimally prepared veneers:
The term "no-prep veneers" or "no-shave veneers" refers to veneers made of porcelain in the lab. These veneers aim to preserve tooth structure by minimizing tooth surface reduction, resulting in less reduction than traditional veneers. They bond and attach to the front of the teeth in a way similar to traditional porcelain veneers. However, one downside of this method is that the teeth may appear bulky, oversized, unnatural, and sometimes opaque.
The brand name Lumineer is a type of no-prep veneer that is known for the same trait of being bulky and opaque.
No-prep veneers are best suited for individuals with small teeth who do not require significant changes in tooth color. Our clinic's primary goal is to minimize tooth surface removal whenever possible.
For instance, if a patient desires eight veneers, we may combine no-prep (minimal-prep) veneers and traditional veneers, considering factors such as tooth color, size, angle, and position. In general, you can expect to receive a combination of eight veneers.
Direct veneers(Composite veneers):
Direct veneers, or composite bonding, are a less standard dental cosmetic procedure than porcelain or no-prep veneers. They are generally more affordable than custom-made porcelain veneers and do not require a dental technician, making them a faster option. Direct veneers, or composite bonding, involves applying a tooth-colored resin material directly to the tooth's surface. The composite material is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
It's important to note that applying direct veneers requires skill and experience. The dentist's expertise is necessary and crucial when considering direct veneers.
We offer smile makeovers using direct veneers to enhance your smile's appearance in just one visit. Our smile makeover with direct veneers is an excellent choice for quickly improving the shape of your teeth for a more attractive appearance.
These veneers give similar results to traditional or unprepared veneers but with some drawbacks. The direct veneers use non-porcelain material, and the surfaces can become stained over time. In addition, the chair time is very long because a cosmetic dentist has to apply composite resin layers from scratch.
While direct veneers may be more affordable than other material options, it's essential to consider their longevity. Composite resin, a tooth-colored material bonded to the tooth, is designed to last longer than porcelain, providing a durable and cost-effective solution.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers are quite durable under normal hygiene conditions. You can brush and floss them as usual with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Advancements in materials and technology have improved the durability and longevity of veneers, providing you with a secure and confident smile for years to come.
Traditional veneers, i.e., porcelain veneers, generally last 10 to 15 years, and composite veneers are shorter than porcelain veneers. However, the porcelain veneers can crack or shatter under abnormal pressure.
It would help avoid biting down on hard-surfaced items like pencils or nails. If you have habits like clenching or grinding, we can design a bite guard for you to wear at night to prevent your teeth from biting down on each other too forcefully.
Dental veneers can positively change how you see yourself and your relationships with others in just a few visits. With the proper treatment, your smile will change, and your life and health will improve.
Composite bonding vs. Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to dental bonding or fillings. They offer a better look than composite bonding and provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape.
Composite bonding or direct veneers generally stain over time, while porcelain veneers do not.
Both veneers can conceal undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by coffee or tea and damage from an injury. They are also ideal for covering discolored front teeth.
Patients with gaps between their front teeth or missing or worn teeth may want to obtain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when correctly performed.
No-prep veneers vs. Porcelain veneers
No-prep veneers provide an alternative for those who are hesitant to have their enamel reduced. This method involves minimal to no enamel removal, making it a less invasive option for improving one's smile.
However, it's important to note that no-prep veneers are less effective at controlling opacity than porcelain veneers. The lack of tooth surface reduction can lead to a bulkier or more artificial appearance.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers provide a natural appearance. The process involves meticulous preparation, including removing a thin outer layer of the tooth to accommodate the veneer placement. Shaving surfaces ensures a seamless fit and allows customization to achieve the desired shape, size, and shade.
While preserving natural tooth structure may attract some, it's essential to consider the trade-offs. Choosing between porcelain and no-prep veneers depends on individual preferences, dental health, and aesthetic goals.
The Pros and Cons of Getting Dental Veneers:
Pro:
- Prepping teeth for veneers is less invasive than prepping a tooth for a cavity.
- You can choose your preferred veneer color to have a custom look.
- Porcelain veneers have a natural look unless you pick a noticeable white color. They look whiter and straighter than natural teeth but still natural.
- Porcelain veneers feel like your natural teeth.
- There is no special maintenance after the porcelain veneers are seated, except proper brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist for routine cleaning. Veneers stain less than your natural teeth.
- Having a beautiful smile can increase your confidence.
Cons:
- In most cases, teeth require surface shaving; this is irreversible.
- While porcelain veneers do not stain, composite veneers can.
- Veneers could chip or get damaged. Nail biting and using veneers as a tool could lead to surface chipping.
About
Dr. Shimizu is an accredited fellow member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. There are 486 dental professionals worldwide (Only two in Houston) as of 2024 who have achieved this prestigious honor.