

May
Are you looking for a way to obtain that Hollywood smile without having to undergo extensive, long-term treatments? Do you have one or more imperfections on the front of your smile that could be easily disguised to improve your appearance? Are you seeking ways to enhance your smile that can be done in just a few short weeks? Dr. Monti Harpalani and the team at Vivid Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help with porcelain veneers in the Houston, TX area. Patients often ask our team, “How do I obtain and care for my porcelain veneers?”
Dr. Monti Harpalani is a dentist in the community of Houston, TX who describes porcelain veneers as fast, effective, and natural-looking facings that are custom-made for patients and bonded onto the front of the natural teeth. This provides an amazing transformation that can help patients look and feel their best each time they talk, laugh, and smile. Porcelain veneers are restorations that can be quickly placed within the smile to make an effortless change.
These facings are made to match your existing smile to ensure they blend in and look fabulous! Dr. Harpalani works with a ceramist who will create the restoration and ensure it has the same size, shape, and color as the existing teeth. This allows the dentist to bond the veneers in place within your smile and ensure that they look just like your natural adult teeth.
Most of our patients who consider porcelain veneers have imperfections near the front of the smile that they want to hide. These restorations are often used in situations where patients have:
By placing a porcelain veneer over the natural tooth, patients can disguise the problem without having to deal with expensive and long-term alternatives such as orthodontic work.
First, patients need to consult with Dr. Monti Harpalani during an initial appointment to decide if they are right for veneers. This assessment is done to allow the patient time to express the concerns they have with their smile to the dentist. Dr. Harpalani may lay out several different options for each patient to consider, including orthodontic work for gaps or misaligned teeth, or composite resin bonding to repair chipped and cracked teeth.
Once a patient has made the choice to get porcelain veneers placed on their teeth, preparations can begin. The dentist will remove a thin portion of enamel from the front of the tooth prior to taking impressions, which are then sent to a dental laboratory where they fabricate the custom veneers. In the meantime, the patient may have a temporary veneer placed. Within two weeks, the final restoration will be mailed back to the dental office, and the patient arrives back at the office for placement of their new dental veneer. Veneers look beautiful and can last many years with proper care.
Care and attention to the restorations is the best way to ensure that they last as long as possible and remain beautiful for a long time. Porcelain veneers require minimal attention as they cover the natural tooth. However, patients still need to take care of their smile, as periodontal disease and tooth decay can still develop on the tooth underneath the veneer. This means brushing and flossing after every meal, avoiding chewing or biting on hard objects such as ice cubes or pencils, protecting the teeth from clenching and grinding (using a special oral appliance if necessary), and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for an evaluation. By taking good care of the veneers, patients will be able to enjoy their restorations for a decade or longer.
Patients considering veneers or other treatments for their smile who live in the area of Houston, TX are welcome to book a consultation appointment and initial evaluation with Dr. Monti Harpalani and his team of professionals at Vivid Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Patients can call 281-809-4902 to connect with the front office staff located at 11560 FM 1960 West, Suite 200.