When we smile, our teeth take center stage. If your teeth are discolored, misaligned, pitted, or chipped, your smile may not be as welcoming or memorable as you’d like. That’s why so many people turn to porcelain veneers to correct problems and improve the beauty of their smiles.
Veneers are thin caps or shells, usually made of custom porcelain material, which is permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth to cover and correct imperfections. They are cosmetic dental procedures and do not alter the function of your teeth.
We create each porcelain veneer to fit the individual teeth precisely and blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth for a flawless, natural appearance. Designing and placing the veneers requires both artistry and technical skill. At LeBlanc General Dentistry and Aesthetics, we routinely place porcelain veneers with outstanding results.
There are many imperfections that veneers can correct, including:
Our veneer procedure in Houston is simple and takes just two visits to our office. During your first visit, we prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel from the front. This ensures the veneer will fit properly and the teeth won’t look too thick. At this point, our dentist takes impressions of the teeth to customize the veneers. Our dental lab will use these to fabricate the veneers.
When you return for final placement, usually a few weeks later, we bond the veneers to your teeth using a special bonding cement. After checking the fit, we smooth any rough edges and gently polish your porcelain veneers. You leave with a gorgeous new smile!
Dr. Kulic is a recognized leader in cosmetic dentistry and has placed thousands of porcelain veneers for satisfied patients. Her attention to detail and artistic flair allow her to design veneers that emphasize her patients’ natural beauty and create a harmonious balance that enhances their overall appearance. She uses only the finest biocompatible materials and puts patient comfort and safety first.
When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, we often use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth’s anatomy.
Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling, is placed inside the cusp tips of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. However, in recent years, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which has the potential of matching the natural color of your teeth.
Two appointments are required for the completion of inlays and onlays.
During the first visit, the damaged or decaying area of the tooth (or the filling that is being replaced) is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, we make an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab for fabrication. Drs. Kulic or Ruiz then applies a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedules the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Next, Drs. Kulic or Ruiz make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth, using special high-strength resins, actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they typically last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays provide a very good alternative.
For more information regarding our inlays and onlays, call (281) 888-0921 our office today!
At Le Blanc we offer a number of dental and anti-aging treatments that can keep your skin glowing and your smile beautiful. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on several factors, such as the number of veneers, the condition of your teeth, whether tooth alignment is needed, and other considerations. Rather than giving you an inaccurate price, we offer a free consultation for anyone interested in porcelain veneers. At your initial consultation, we will examine your teeth, take any needed X-rays or digital images, and provide an exact quote customized to your veneer treatment plan.
With proper care, your porcelain veneers should last well over a decade. If one is damaged or comes off, it can usually be replaced without disturbing adjacent veneers.
No! Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, red wine, sauces, and other foods and drinks that commonly stain teeth.
If you are interested in porcelain veneers and would like to discuss your options in a free consultation with Dr. Kulic, please contact LeBlanc General Dentistry and Aesthetics at LE BLANC General Dentistry and Aesthetics Phone Number(281) 888-0921.