Elevate your smile with dental veneers

Discover the fantastic advantages of dental veneers for achieving a beautiful smile. These thin shells, made of ceramic or resin, are carefully bonded to your natural teeth. The veneers are crafted to improve the appearance of teeth and the overall aesthetic of a person's smile and provide protection against common staining agents such as coffee, tea, and wine. The non-staining materials used in their construction ensure a long-lasting shine and bolster your confidence in your dental health.

You can choose porcelain veneers, crafted from ceramic, for a classic and elegant look or direct veneers made from composite resin, which offer durability.

These cosmetic dental procedures can improve tooth size, shape, and color. The process is comfortable and pain-free, with minimal anesthesia, making veneers ideal for enhancing your front teeth.

It's important to note that porcelain veneers are resistant to discoloration.

Chipped, slightly crooked, and yellow teeth.

How much do veneers cost?

At our dental office, if you want 8-10 veneers, we will use a combination of no-prep (no-shave) veneers and porcelain veneers, depending on the condition of your teeth and your desired outcome. The cost of each dental veneer ranges from $800 to $2500. The price of porcelain veneers may vary based on the dentist and laboratory technician's experience, qualifications, and artistic skills.

Types of veneers:

There are three types of veneers: Porcelain veneers(Traditional), non-prep or minimum prep veneers, and direct veneers.

Porcelain veneers:

Porcelain veneers, also known as "regular" or "traditional" veneers, are the most common type of dental veneers. They consist of a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored material. Before attaching the porcelain veneer to the tooth surface, the tooth surface needs to be reduced by 0.5 to 0.7 mm (1/50"-1/36") to avoid a bulky appearance. This reduction changes the look of the tooth shape, making the teeth appear more translucent and vibrant in color.

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. This method is best suited for individuals with small teeth who do not require significant changes in tooth color. In our practice, we emphasize minimal tooth reduction.

For instance, if a patient desires eight veneers, we use a combination of no-prep and regular veneers based on factors such as tooth color, size, angle, and position. Generally, you can expect to use eight minimal preparation veneers.

It's also worth noting that Lumineers is a brand of no-prep veneers, similar to unprepared veneers but known to be bulky and opaque.

Direct veneers(Composite veneers):

Direct veneers are a less commonly used dental cosmetic procedure compared to other types. They are typically less expensive than custom-made shells from labs, as they don't require a dental technician and can be completed quickly. From time to time, however, we engage in smile makeovers just using direct veneers.

Direct veneers are not porcelain veneers and are generally called composite bonding. TDirect veneers are a less commonly used dental cosmetic procedure compared to other types. They are typically less expensive than custom-made shells from labs, as they don't require a dental technician to craft them. From time to time, however, we engage in smile makeovers using direct veneers for those who need quick results.

Direct veneers are not porcelain veneers and are generally called composite bonding. 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.

Although direct veneer costs are lower than porcelain veneers and more affordable than other material options, the composite resin material lasts longer than porcelain.

Achieve a brighter, whiter, and straighter smile.

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.

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 view yourself and relate to others. They will transform your smile and help change your life and health in the right circumstances.

Veneers can improve the look of cosmetic concerns

Porcelain veneers vs. Composite bonding

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.

Porcelain vs. no-prep veneers

No Prep Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, known for their durability and natural appearance, involve a meticulous preparation process, which includes removing a thin outer layer of tooth to accommodate the veneer placement. This process ensures a seamless fit and allows customization to achieve the desired shape, size, and shade.

No-prep veneers provide an alternative for those reluctant to undergo enamel reduction. As the name implies, this approach requires minimal to no enamel removal, offering a less invasive option for enhancing one's smile. However, it's important to note that no-prep veneers are less effective at controlling opacity compared to porcelain veneers, which can result in a bulkier or more artificial appearance due to the lack of teeth surface reduction.

While the appeal of preserving natural tooth structure may sway some towards the no-prep route, it's essential to weigh the trade-offs. Choosing between porcelain and no-prep veneers depends on various factors, including 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 they still look 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 your routine cleanings. 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 member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. There are 486 dental professionals worldwide (Only four in Houston) as of 2024 who have achieved this prestigious honor.