Veneers – Houston, TX

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?

While we can perform various cosmetic services, these treatments have different costs and effects. Therefore, comparing their features and price points beforehand would be good. In particular, our most common procedures include the following:

• Teeth Whitening: Per its name, teeth whitening “whitens” your enamel with a special gel; it thus fixes tooth stains quickly and cheaply. That said, it only helps your smile’s color, and its results aren’t very long-lasting.
• Dental Bonding: Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, dental bonding is one of the quickest and cheapest services. In exchange, however, it’s only useful for minor changes like hiding light stains or tooth damage. Bonding also has short-term effects that need re-doing every few years.
• Veneers: Though not the cheapest service, veneers can transform your smile from the ground up. Thanks to their porcelain material, these prosthetics can alter your teeth’s color, shape, position, etc. Plus, they are highly cost-effective – veneers can last for 30+ years with proper care!
• Lumineers: Lumineers are essentially low-prep veneers. They don’t remove enamel like regular ones, so they involve fewer appointments while hiding the same flaws. The downside is that Lumineers aren’t long-lasting and don’t hide severe tooth stains or damage well.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

True, veneers are durable and can protect the fronts of teeth. Unfortunately, dental plans usually don’t cover them; insurance providers see them as medically unnecessary.

Even so, there are ways to make veneers more affordable for you. With Palmer Dental Group, for example, you have access to options like:

• Special Offers: Our team is currently running a Porcelain Veneer Makeover Special. For just $9,999, we’ll create a custom set of up to 8 veneers that’ll make your smile red-carpet-ready. To learn more about this promotion, just fill out the online form!
• Flexible Financing: Palmer’s practice offers flexible financing through CareCredit and Wells Fargo. With their help, you can break up the cost of treatment into smaller, budget-friendly installments. In fact, many of these payment plans have little to no interest and no surprise fees. Therefore, you could manage veneers’ price over time instead of all at once.

Ultimately, our office wants to give you a dream smile that works for your budget. Go ahead, then, and call us to book your first consultation!

Are Veneers Permanent?

In short, the answer is yes. Although only a minimal amount of enamel is removed in the preparation process, it’s enough that your teeth won’t look aesthetically pleasing without them. That is why your temporary veneers are so important; they allow you to give your new smile a test drive. So, you can chew, talk, and go about your daily activities before your permanent set is bonded to your teeth. At your last appointment, our cosmetic dentist in Houston will make any final changes to ensure the end result is a smile you’re eager to show off.

Can I Still Get Cavities With Veneers?

Although the veneers themselves are cavity-resistant, it is possible for bacteria and food particles to attack the underlying tooth, resulting in decay. Fortunately, you can help protect your teeth by practicing proper prevention. A good place to start is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our office every six months for a professional cleaning. It’s also a good idea to avoid cavity-causing behaviors, like drinking soda regularly, snacking throughout the day, and indulging in sugary or acidic foods.

Will My Teeth Be Different Colors If I Only Apply Veneers to One Row?

If you aren’t undergoing a complete smile makeover, you may have one important question on your mind, “Will my veneers stick out like a sore thumb?” The answer? Absolutely not! Whether you are correcting a minor flaw on one tooth or using veneers to upgrade an entire row of teeth, Dr. Palmer will speak with you in-depth about your smile goals to ensure the end result is seamless. Whether you want the porcelain to match your existing enamel or you’d like to choose a lighter shade and match your remaining teeth with a whitening treatment, you can have peace of mind knowing your new and improved smile will be flawless in every way.

Do I Need to Change My Diet with Veneers?

Since veneers are built to last, they are incredibly durable, which allows them to function like your natural teeth. However, they aren’t completely indestructible. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to avoid hard foods that can leave them vulnerable to breaking, like toffee and peanut brittle. Other poor dental habits, like chewing on ice and using tobacco products, are also not recommended. Following these recommendations will ensure your veneers stay in pristine condition for years to come!

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

A veneer can be applied to a single tooth to fix a chip or cover a stain. However, the overall goal of the procedure is to enhance the smile as a whole. As a result, your cosmetic dentist will recommend bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling. Since every mouth is unique, there’s no way to know how many veneers in Houston you’ll need without first examining your mouth. Some patients need 4 to 6, while others can require 8 or more. Your dentist will determine how many you’ll need to reach your goals and ensure a seamless transition between your veneers and natural teeth.

Do Veneers Feel Natural?

It may take a few days to adjust to your new smile, but in no time at all, you may soon forget you have veneers. Porcelain allows veneers to be thinner than ever, so they won’t feel heavy or bulky. Etching the surfaces of your teeth before applying them ensures there aren’t any ridges or ledges. Your dentist will use advanced technology to craft your veneers. They’ll fit your teeth like gloves to feel just like your natural teeth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

A veneer is proven to last for a decade or longer with the correct care, but it’s not unusual for them to thrive for much longer. Your cosmetic dentist in Houston will explain how to get the most from your investment, like using the right dental products to keep your mouth clean. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to brush daily. Abrasive dental products can scratch your veneers, tarnishing their appearance and causing you to need replacements sooner. Besides brushing, use high-quality floss to clean between your teeth daily. Your dentist will also recommend breaking any bad habits that can damage veneers, like chewing on your fingernails or using your teeth to loosen bottle lids. Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. Limit how often you have hard or sticky foods. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will check your veneers at each appointment to ensure they are undamaged and functioning as intended.

Can I Use Dental Insurance to Pay for Veneers?

Most dental insurance won’t pay for elective services, like veneers, but there are exceptions if a procedure is medically necessary. This can be the case when needing replacement veneers. You can also use your coverage for other aspects of your treatment plan, like your consultation, any prep work, or imaging. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable benefits. They’ll explain how your policy is being used and if there’s a remaining balance. They will also discuss your payment options to keep the smile of your dreams affordable, like CareCredit. You can pay any out-of-pocket costs using a monthly payment plan with little or no interest in financing.