Veneers – Odessa, TX

Putting Your Perfect Smile within Reach

woman smiling wearing a yellow shirt

Have small gaps between your teeth? Want to fix a chipped tooth? Are there some misshapen, small, or discolored teeth that you’d like to correct? Believe it or not, there’s one treatment that can resolve all these issues: veneers. In as little as two appointments, you could completely revamp your smile by simply hiding your flaws with perfectly shaped, flawless veneers. If you are interested in learning more or meeting with us to see if they are a good option for your to explore, contact our office.

What Are Dental Veneers?

closeup diagram of a veneer

Just like a veneer finish that can go over wood furniture, a dental veneer is an artificial covering that goes over the natural tooth to give it a different look. It is applied to the visible part, the front surface of your tooth. However, unlike furniture veneer, the material used for your dental veneers reflects light just like real tooth enamel. In fact, it is often difficult for anyone to tell which teeth have been treated and which are completely natural.

The Process of Getting Veneers

woman getting a color-matched veneer

After meeting with Dr. Boyles and creating your treatment plan, let’s say you want to move forward. First, the teeth need to be prepared for the veneers, which entails removing about 0.5mm of enamel from the front surface. You’ll be numb during this process, so you should feel comfortable during this part of the process.

Then, we’ll take impressions of your prepped teeth and send them to our lab, where your veneers will be crafted. Before you leave, we’ll attach temporary veneers until your custom ones are finished, at which time you’ll come back in to have them bonded in place.

The Benefits of Veneers

Woman getting a veneer placed on a tooth

In addition to looking realistic, veneers come with several advantages over other treatments, namely:

They last around 10 to 15 years with basic maintenance.
They are more resistant to stains than enamel, which means it’ll take longer for discoloration to set back in.
They are durable and can withstand a normal, healthy diet.
They are easy to take care of with daily brushing and flossing—along with regular checkups here at Boyles General Dentistry.
They can be customized to any mouth, any number of teeth, and any coloration you need.

Veneers FAQs

man with a wide smile wearing white

Why Does Enamel Need to Be Removed for Veneers?

A tiny portion of your front enamel must be taken off the tooth to make room for the veneer. If the veneer were placed over an unprepared tooth, it would stick out and be noticeable for the wrong reason. To keep the tooth from protruding in your smile, we remove just a sliver so that your veneer looks just like the surrounding teeth. When you come in for your consultation, we can explain the treatment in more detail if you still have questions.

Does Getting Veneers Hurt?

No, before we remove any enamel from the front of your teeth, we’ll give you a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort at all throughout the removal procedure. After the anesthetic wears off, you may have some sensitivity, especially while you’re wearing your temporary veneers. However, when you get your custom veneers attached, your teeth should feel just fine. If you struggle with noticeable sensitivity a few days afterward, you can give us a call.

How Long Does It Take to Get Veneers?

Overall, the process requires two separate appointments and a total of about three weeks. The lab needs time to craft your custom veneers to your unique mouth. The first appointment may take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour, depending on how many teeth are being treated. During your consultation, we can give you a clearer idea of the time commitment and of what you can expect.

How Can I Tell If My Veneers Need to Be Replaced?

If you start to notice that your veneers don’t look as bright as they used to, or if they have any damage, it’s time to think about replacement. Also, if you have had your veneers for a long time, you could be due for new ones. The good news is that you don’t have to be the only one watching out for your veneers. When you visit us regularly, we examine your veneers and make sure they are in good shape. If they start to show signs of wear and tear, we’ll let you know that you might want to consider replacement.