Veneers Can Give You the Smile of Your Dreams
Everyone deserves a stunning smile that makes them feel confident. Dr. Thomas Hernandez, an expert cosmetic dentist at Heritage Dental near Houston, Texas, is a firm believer in that. That’s why he offers several options for achieving straight, attractive teeth, from crowns and bridges to implants to veneers.
What are veneers?
For those looking to achieve a balanced smile, veneers provide an option for minor to moderate smile imperfections. Veneers cover up cosmetic flaws: Made of porcelain or resin composite, these tooth-colored “shields” enhance the outer appearance of your teeth.
Traditional veneers are semi-permanently bonded to your teeth, and your natural teeth must be shaved down slightly before applying the veneers. The benefit to this is that your veneers are 100 percent custom made for your teeth, so they’ll look entirely natural.
Newer types of veneers, nick-named no-prep veneers, don’t require as much shaving of your natural teeth. While still durable, no-prep veneers last just five to seven years compared to the 10 to 15 years that traditional veneers last.
What can veneers treat?
Veneers can help you if you have any of the following smile imperfections:
- Discolored or stained teeth that can’t be whitened
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Small or pointed teeth
- Small gaps in between teeth
- Worn-down enamel
Who’s a good candidate for veneers?
Not everyone can get veneers, though most people who want them don’t have any trouble. Before you can get veneers, Dr. Hernandez conducts a dental exam to determine your teeth and gums’ health. Certain conditions may preclude you from getting veneers, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for a dental health procedure such as a root canal.
If your teeth look to be in good shape, Dr. Hernandez will start you on the process to achieve the smile of your dreams.
What to expect when you get veneers
If Dr. Hernandez determines you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, you will schedule a series of appointments. The process goes like this:
- First, Dr. Hernandez creates a mold of your teeth to order the veneers.
- Once your veneers come in, Dr. Hernandez will place them to ensure the sizing, fit, and coloring is a perfect match for you.
- To place your veneers, Dr. Hernandez first cleans your teeth, then grinds them down.
- Then, he places the veneers with a dental adhesive.
- Finally, Dr. Hernandez uses ultraviolet light to harden the adhesive, so your new smile doesn’t shift.
You might consider coming in for a follow-up appointment after you get settled with your veneers, just to make sure everything is A-OK, but it’s not necessary.
The power of a healthy smile
Having straight, symmetrical, shiny teeth isn’t all about looks (though no one can blame you for simply wanting an attractive smile). A good-looking smile is usually a healthy smile — if you love your teeth, you’re more likely to take care of them and clean them well to keep them in tip-top shape. Plus, having a smile you love might increase your confidence and self-esteem, both of which contribute to your overall sense of well-being.
If you’re looking for a top-notch provider of dental veneers in Houston, Texas, visit Dr. Hernandez at Heritage Dental. Schedule a consultation by calling our Houston-area office at 281-206-0926 or by booking through our online scheduling tool.