Veneers for Teeth in McAllen, TX
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a simple way to improve your smile. Veneers for teeth are a thin covering that is placed over the front part of the tooth. Veneers are made to look like real teeth, so they can help with the cosmetic appearance of your smile.
What Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers for teeth are a simple way to improve your smile with results that last. Veneers can be used to address a number of dental issues, such as:
- Yellow or stained teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments
- Chipped teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
- Uneven teeth or gaps between teeth
If you have any of the above dental issues, then veneers might be right for you.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are several types of veneers for teeth. While some involve extensive prep work, there is also a no-prep option that involves a different veneers process. The dental veneer procedure usually involves grinding down the teeth to ensure a smooth surface for placement. This is an irreversible process and sometimes requires a local anesthetic. The non-prep veneer option is less involved.
The types of veneers are:
- Porcelain veneers – This veneers process involves grinding down the teeth and making a mold. In some cases, the mold will be sent out to be made, and the dentist will put on a temporary veneer until the permanent ones are ready. Some dentists use CAD software to design the veneers and make the veneers in their dental office.
- Composite resin veneers – This process requires the dentist to etch the surface of the tooth to prepare it for application. The layers of composite are applied to the prepared tooth, and then it is cured or hardened with a special light.
- No-prep veneers – Specific brands of porcelain veneers such as Lumineers and Vivaneers only affect the enamel of the tooth. They take less time to apply and are less invasive than traditional veneers.
When deciding on which type of tooth veneers to use, you should consider several factors, such as cost, installation process, appearance, and durability of the veneers. Your dentist will recommend the veneers best for you based on your oral assessment.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Since dental veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, they are not covered by dental insurance. According to the American Dental Association, the cost of dental veneers can run from $925 to $2500 per tooth. Composite veneers can cost slightly less but do not last as long, so that is something to consider when making your decision.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
The most significant benefit of dental veneers is the improvement to the appearance of your teeth. You will see a significant difference depending on the condition of your teeth prior to the dental veneers process. Veneers can last for more than 10 years, depending on the type of veneer you choose, so the investment is well worth the return.
The Difference Between Veneers, Crowns, and Implants
There is a big difference between veneers, crowns, and implants. Veneers are placed only on the front of the tooth for cosmetic purposes. A crown encloses the entire tooth. A crown can be placed for both cosmetic and structural purposes over an implant or after a root canal. It closely resembles the actual tooth. Implants are installed in the bone to replace a missing tooth. The process can take up to a month for the area around the implant to be ready for crown placement. Overall, veneers are the least invasive of the three processes.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers
It is important to be informed about the process of dental veneers both before and after they are placed. Once your procedure is completed and any anesthetic wears off, most patients return to normal activity for eating, talking, and chewing. Sometimes residual cement can remain on the veneers after placement. This is normal and can usually be removed through brushing and eating. If roughness persists, your dentist can smooth the rough patches out. Some precautions that can be taken to protect your veneer investment are:
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects such as fingernails, pens, or ice
- Not using teeth to open packaging
- Chew using back teeth and cut up harder foods so as not to stress front teeth by biting
- Use a mouth guard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Wear a mouth guard if you play sports
Following these precautions will ensure you get the most out of your investment with your dental veneers.
Why Choose Xpress Dental
Dr. John Tan at Xpress Dental is a leading provider of general dentistry in McAllen, TX. We are dedicated to giving our patients the most up-to-date care in dentistry and serve established patients as well as emergency patients. There are many dental services that we provide, and our team will help you have the most comfortable experience possible. We offer convenient evening and weekend hours to better serve you.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about dental veneers, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are here to answer all of your questions to find the best teeth veneers for your smile and budget. We look forward to hearing from you.