Veneers

A certain amount of tooth enamel is required to properly fit porcelain veneers. Treatment requires the removal of some enamel from the surface of any tooth receiving a veneer to achieve a natural appearance. Patients with thin or worn enamel may not be eligible for veneers.

If you clench or grind your teeth, veneers may not be a good option. Bruxism can fracture the porcelain used to craft veneers. While an oral appliance such as a night guard can protect veneers, in some cases, it is best to resolve the problem before receiving treatment.

Before any cosmetic dental procedure, you must first ensure you have a healthy foundation. Our dentists will check the state of your oral health and provide any necessary treatments to correct gum disease, cavities, or other issues to prepare you for veneers.

In dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth surface to hide chips and cracks or to change the shape of a tooth. Bonding can be applied in just one appointment, and treatment costs are typically lower than the cost for veneers. However, bonding is not as durable as a veneer: bonding can stain, may break off of a tooth, and usually only lasts for a few years. Since bonding is reversible, it may be a good choice for patients who are seeking a cosmetic upgrade but are hesitant about the permanent changes required for veneers. 

Our San Antonio practice offers professional teeth whitening that can dramatically brighten your smile. Whitening treatments can be an excellent option for a more dazzling smile if the only concern is extrinsic staining, meaning stains on the outside of a tooth caused by coffee, smoking, and other substances. However, whitening treatments cannot treat intrinsic staining inside the tooth, which can stem from trauma to a tooth or the use of certain medications. Veneers may be a better option to hide these deep stains or if your smile also has minor flaws like a chipped tooth.

Dental crowns are caps that fully surround a tooth. They are often used to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth, support tooth structure affected by extensive decay, and protect a tooth after root canal treatment. Like veneers, crowns are designed to blend in seamlessly with your smile. While veneers require a layer of enamel to be removed from the tooth, dental crowns require more extensive reshaping of the tooth structure. A crown may be a better treatment choice than a veneer if a tooth needs structural support and not just aesthetic enhancement.

While veneers can hide the appearance of minor misalignment, orthodontics will more likely be recommended to patients with moderate to severe malocclusion. Misaligned teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. Since veneers are a cosmetic treatment, they only camouflage crooked teeth and won't straighten them. Our San Antonio, TX, practice offers Damon™ Braces and Six Month Smiles® to patients seeking to straighten their teeth for a stunning smile.