Achieve the Smile of Your Dreams
Are you hiding your smile due to discoloration or chips in your teeth? With veneers or Lumineers®, you’ll feel more confident in social situations and want to show off your smile.
These cosmetic solutions are thin, tooth-shaped pieces of porcelain that cover any visible imperfections on your teeth. They’re attached directly to your teeth and custom fit to blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
You may be a candidate for either traditional porcelain veneers or Lumineers if your teeth are:
- Slightly crooked
- Chipped
- Gapped
- Discolored
- Stained
Porcelain veneers are a great option if you want dramatic and long-lasting results.
The Difference Between Veneers and Lumineers
Porcelain veneers and Lumineers provide similar, beautiful results, and people most likely won’t be able to tell the difference. Since they’re a permanent long-term solution, however, it’s important for our patients to know what makes them different.
Thickness
While both are custom-made to fit the height and width of your teeth, the depth of veneers and lumineers varies. Veneers tend to have a 0.5 mm minimal thickness, and Lumineers are typically 0.3 mm thick.
This might not seem like much of a difference until you realize the thickness of your natural tooth. Through a minimally invasive process, both options will stick out no further than your existing teeth.
The Process
If you’re considering porcelain veneers or Lumineers, Dr. Huff will discuss each option during your initial consultation. He’ll ask you about your expectations and goals for the outcome of your teeth.
Next, We’ll conduct an analysis of your smile to determine the shade and shape to make the veneers or Lumineers. Dr. Huff will use his advanced technology to take digital images of your teeth to ensure you’ll be satisfied with the end results.
The main difference in the process of placing veneers versus placing Lumineers is how Dr. Huff preps your teeth. Depending on the depth of your existing enamel, he’ll need to file down part of your enamel to ensure your veneers look natural.
Since Lumineers are thinner, filing down the enamel isn’t typically a necessary step. This allows for a quicker and less invasive process. However, Dr. Huff will numb the area around your tooth, so you won’t feel pain or discomfort during either procedure.
Are You a Candidate For Veneers or Lumineers?
If you’re to achieve a flawless smile, you may be a candidate for one of these treatments. Whether you choose veneers or lumineers, you’ll gain newfound confidence and will be happy with the way your smile looks. If you’re looking to whiten and correct your teeth at the same time, dental veneers or lumineers may be for you.
Experience the Benefits
Both veneers and Lumineers are ultra-thin and made of porcelain material to provide you with beautiful-looking teeth. These cosmetic solutions are natural-looking, stain-resistant, and offer a quicker alternative to traditional whitening procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
For your comfort, we’ll provide you with a topical anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth receiving veneers. It’s completely safe and will ensure you don’t feel pain or discomfort throughout your procedure. If you feel any soreness following the procedure, Dr. Huff recommends taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Veneers are designed to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with good oral hygiene and care. This means brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as scheduling regular check-ups to Kerrville Dentistry. This will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, giving you a smile that will last for years to come.
The entire veneers process takes two to three appointments to complete, but it varies from patient to patient. There are several factors that may influence the procedure timeline, such as your oral health, supplemental procedures, and number of veneers placed. Generally, the first appointment is to match you for your veneers, and the second and third are used to prepare and place your veneers.
The cost of veneers depends on how many you’re receiving and your individual case. At your initial consultation, we’ll be able to give you a more accurate cost after reviewing your oral health and treatment plan.
Most insurance companies will cover a portion of the treatment cost, but not all. We suggest contacting your provider to get a better understanding of your coverage prior to your appointment. Our team works closely with many insurance providers to make sure you get the coverage you need along with the maximum benefits possible.
If your veneer falls off or gets damaged, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Contact our Kerrville office right away at (830) 896-8343 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Huff. Keep the restoration safe until you can come in so Dr. Huff can assess the problem and determine the best course of action. He may be able to repair the veneer or replace it if there’s sufficient damage.
Taking care of your veneers is as easy and simple as taking care of your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss regularly. Make sure to use a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching or damaging your veneers. It’s also important to schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Yes, veneers can work as a quick alternative to traditional metal braces by covering any number of crooked teeth. They’re designed to fix several dental imperfections, but veneers can’t permanently fix crooked teeth. During your initial consultation, Dr. Huff will examine your teeth and determine whether veneers are the best, most effective solution for you.