Teeth can attract attention to your face, affect how others respond to you, and boost your confidence. If you don’t have naturally beautiful teeth, our cosmetic dentistry can improve the aesthetics of your teeth. One of these cosmetic treatments we offer to enhance your teeth in San Antonio is veneers. At Smile Land Family Dental, Dr. Bassam Abazid provides porcelain veneers as a cosmetic and restorative treatment option.
Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth to provide a natural look that can enhance your smile’s appearance. In addition, dental veneers can fix gaps between teeth, broken or stained teeth, or uneven and crooked teeth. Dental veneers could be the right treatment for you if you are looking for a permanent way to address your cosmetic problems.
What are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
Our porcelain veneers offer many benefits for patients, including:
- Will not absorb stains as easily
- Blend in with the look of natural teeth
- Last for many years
- Do not require special maintenance
Schedule a dental consultation with us online if you think veneers could be right for you. We will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine if tooth veneers match your cosmetic goals.
Porcelain Veneers in San Antonio, TX
To begin dental veneer treatment, we remove a small amount of enamel from the affected tooth. This tooth preparation ensures that the veneers look as natural as possible and don’t fall off. Preparing natural teeth also ensures that the veneers do not feel bulky.
Then, we will take a dental impression of your teeth to send to a dental lab. The lab technicians create veneers that fit precisely. Finally, once we ensure the veneers are in the correct shape and shade, we cement the veneers to your tooth.
Directly after treatment, avoid biting down on your teeth to prevent pressure on your brand-new veneers. You should also avoid hard and crunchy foods after receiving your veneers. You may need about two weeks to fully adjust to the new veneers. After this point, eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing will feel natural again.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that can be tougher than other brands of veneers. Typically, porcelain veneers are 0.5 mm thick, about the thickness of a fingernail. Lumineers are a little thinner at 0.3 mm wide. Since they are so thin, our dentist will not need to shave the teeth down to make room for them.
Dr. Abazid can directly place ultra thin Lumineers over unprepared teeth without creating a bulky look. Our office can also place Lumineers over existing crowns or bridgework without replacing them. No shots or drilling make Lumineers appealing to many patients.
How to Maintain Dental Veneers
Caring for your dental veneers properly will ensure they last as long as possible. Follow these tips to ensure that your veneers stay bright and intact:
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and berries
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products
- Visit the dentist regularly
You can brush your dental veneers as you would your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the veneers, keep them bright, and prevent damage.
While you can still enjoy a daily coffee or tea, be aware that your veneers may change. While veneers resist staining, this doesn’t mean they don’t change color over time. Tobacco products, staining foods and beverages, and even bacterial buildup can change the color of veneers. If you have any questions or need additional tips on caring for your veneers, please get in touch with Dr. Bassam Abazid.
Dental Veneer FAQs
Do you want to know more about veneers before considering treatment? Read answers to commonly asked questions to learn more about dental veneers.
Can I get dental veneers if I grind my teeth?
Dental veneers can cover tooth damage because of teeth grinding. However, we will not recommend veneers if you experience bruxism or teeth clenching and grinding. Before considering cosmetic treatment, receive a night guard and TMJ treatment to address symptoms like bruxism.
Can I get cavities under my dental veneers?
Yes, it’s possible to experience tooth decay on your natural teeth under your veneers. Decay does not affect the veneers, but it can cause infection in the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Continue brushing and flossing veneers, teeth, and gums daily to stop bacterial buildup. Scheduling regular dental appointments can also prevent cavity formation.
Are dental veneers permanent?
Dental veneers are permanent and non-reversible. We prepare your teeth for veneers by removing a small portion of the natural tooth enamel. This step is irreversible, so you must commit to porcelain veneers or choose a different treatment.
Do I need porcelain veneers or Lumineers?
Whether you need porcelain veneers or Lumineers depends on your specific dental needs and goals. Porcelain veneers are thicker and provide more coverage and correction for severely discolored teeth, misshapen teeth, and other imperfections.
Lumineers are thinner and require minimal tooth preparation. They are for minor cosmetic issues. The dentist can place them with minimal alteration to the tooth structure. Lumineers are best at addressing merely aesthetic problems.
The cost of veneers can also impact your decision. Lumineers cost less than porcelain veneers, but traditional veneers offer the long-term strength you need. Consult with our cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns, goals, and budget to determine which option is best for you.
How often do you replace Lumineers?
You will not need to replace Lumineers often. With the right care, Lumineers can last over ten years. Your dentist can easily remove them if you need new veneers or want a different cosmetic treatment down the road.
How many dental veneers do I need?
We can provide single veneers if you only need to address a crooked, discolored, or damaged tooth. However, to address all teeth that show when you smile, we may recommend eight veneers to cover your upper front teeth. Each patient is different, and the number of veneers we recommend depends on your smile’s composition.
Brighten Your Smile Today
Do you want to brighten or straighten your teeth but don’t want orthodontic care or teeth whitening treatment? Call Smile Land Family Dental for porcelain veneers in San Antonio, TX, at 210-939-9689.
You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Bassam Abazid online. Let our office know if you have any questions about veneers or cosmetic treatment plans. We serve Alamo Farmsteads, Shavano Park, and Dreamhill Estates.