Texas Gentle Dental offers custom porcelain veneers: thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front of your teeth to change their color, shape and size. Veneers are made in a dental lab to match your smile, and they can cover stains, chips, gaps and uneven edges. All seven of our Houston-area offices offer veneers, including our Katy, Montgomery and Spring FM 2920 offices. Veneers are part of our cosmetic dentistry services, alongside Lumineers® and teeth whitening.
Porcelain Veneers in Houston TX
Veneers can improve the look of teeth that are:
- deeply stained or discolored, including stains that whitening can't remove
- chipped, cracked or worn down
- uneven, small, pointed or misshapen
- spaced apart, with gaps between them
- slightly crooked, when you'd like a straighter look without orthodontic treatment
Veneers change how your teeth look. They don't move teeth, so if your bite needs correcting we'll talk with you about braces or clear aligners first.
Veneers, Lumineers, Bonding or Crowns?
- Porcelain veneers cover the front of the tooth. A thin layer of enamel is usually removed so the veneer sits naturally. They're a good choice for bigger changes to color and shape, including very dark stains.
- Lumineers® are a thinner type of veneer that usually needs little or no tooth preparation. They suit teeth that need a more modest change.
- Bonding uses tooth-colored material shaped directly on the tooth in one visit. It works well for small chips and gaps, but it stains and wears more easily than porcelain.
- Crowns cover the whole tooth. They're used when a tooth is weak, broken or heavily filled, while veneers keep more of your natural tooth.
We'll look at your teeth and your goals and recommend the option that fits.
What to Expect
- Consultation and smile planning: we talk about the shape, size and shade you'd like, check your teeth and gums, and plan your new smile.
- Preparation and impressions: we gently prepare the teeth, take impressions and send them to the dental lab that makes your veneers. The lab usually takes about 10 to 14 days.
- Temporaries: you'll wear temporary veneers while your permanent ones are being made.
- Placement: we check the fit and shade with you, then bond your veneers in place and adjust your bite.
Veneers usually take two to three visits in total.
Thinking About Whitening First?
Porcelain veneers don't change color, and they can't be whitened later. If you'd like your other teeth whiter, it's best to whiten them before your veneers are made, so we can match the new shade.
Caring for Your Veneers
Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss every day and keep up with your regular check-ups and cleanings. Avoid biting ice, pens or fingernails, and don't use your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard will help protect your veneers. With good care, porcelain veneers can last for many years.
Cost, Insurance and Payment Options
The cost of veneers depends on how many teeth you're treating, so we'll give you a clear estimate after your consultation. Dental insurance often doesn't cover treatments that are mainly cosmetic, but we work with most insurance providers and will check your benefits for you. We accept CareCredit and offer payment plans. See our financing page and insurance information.
Veneers at Our Seven Houston-Area Offices
- Katy: 3616 N Fry Rd, Katy, TX 77449
- Cinco Ranch: 20680 Westheimer Pkwy Ste 50, Katy, TX 77450
- Copperfield Houston: 17301-A FM 529, Houston, TX 77095
- Spring Klein: 16312 Stuebner Airline Rd, Spring, TX 77379
- Spring FM 2920: 2400 FM 2920, Spring, TX 77388
- Magnolia: 18252 FM 1488 #120, Magnolia, TX 77354
- Montgomery: 16145 TX-105, Montgomery, TX 77356
Frequently Asked Questions — Veneers
Are veneers permanent?
Traditional porcelain veneers usually need a thin layer of enamel removed, so they're a long-term commitment. If a veneer is ever damaged or worn, it can be replaced.
Do veneers hurt?
We numb the area before preparing your teeth, so most patients are comfortable. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days afterward.
Will veneers look natural?
Yes. Each veneer is shaped and shaded to suit your face and match your other teeth, and you'll see the shade before your veneers are bonded.
How many veneers do I need?
It depends on your smile. Some people need one or two to fix a single chipped or discolored tooth. Others choose six to ten to change the teeth that show when they smile. We'll help you decide.
What's the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
Lumineers are a thinner type of veneer that usually needs less tooth preparation. Traditional porcelain veneers are a little thicker, which helps when covering very dark stains or making bigger changes to shape. See our Lumineers page to compare.
Book a veneers consultation at any of our seven Houston-area offices.
