Porcelain Veneers in Westchase, Houston, TX

AK Dentistry is your trusted restorative and cosmetic dental office in Houston, TX. So, if you want to enhance your smile or fix a chipped tooth, dental veneers are a practical choice. Both porcelain and composite veneers are suitable for repairing minor smile flaws. Our dentists place many veneers every year. Typically, this option requires a single visit. While composite veneers offer a great look and a quicker fix, they are not as long-lasting as porcelain. They usually last just a few years.

Cosmetic Dentists Near You

Porcelain veneers can serve you well for at least 7–10 years with proper oral hygiene habits. So basically, the difference between porcelain and composite is one or more visits and a greater lifespan. Additional benefits of choosing porcelain material include:

• They are more stain-resistant than composites.
• Porcelain can last about ten times longer than composite material.
• Porcelain dental restorations are substantial and hard. Therefore, this type of veneer is resistant to breakage and cracking.
• Shading and color matching to surrounding teeth is done quickly for the most natural look.

A Houston, TX dentist will consult with you during the first appointment. The goal is to be sure that dental veneers are the right treatment for your situation. Then, possibly digital imaging to preview how the finished restoration will appear. Next, the front tooth surface will be prepared for impressions. These molds will be sent to an outside lab for fabrication. Your dentist will also match the shade of your veneers with your natural enamel. At your last visit, the final veneer will be custom-fitted and secured in place.

Minimal Prep vs. No-Prep Dental Veneers

Typically, just a thin layer of enamel is removed to prepare for a veneer. This is usually called minimal prep. The affected tooth is only adjusted slightly to make room for the restoration. In most cases, some degree of tooth preparation is required. This is especially true when the veneer is placed to correct chips, cracks, or minor misalignment. In other situations, veneers are applied with no prep, such as to fill spaces or slight gaps between teeth. However, every case is unique, so every procedure is customized for the individual.