Veneers are thin, custom shells bonded to the front of the teeth to change their color, shape, size or length. At Kinard Family Dental in Helotes, TX, Dr. Sarah Kinard offers porcelain and composite veneers and lets you preview your result with Trial Smiles before treatment begins. See more options on our cosmetic dentistry page or view our smile gallery.
Schedule NowStains that whitening cannot lift, including deep or internal discoloration
Chipped, worn or uneven edges
Small gaps between teeth
Teeth that are slightly crooked, short or oddly shaped
A smile that looks mismatched after years of different dental work
For a single small chip, dental bonding may be a simpler choice. For teeth that are significantly crooked, aligning them first with Invisalign can reduce how much tooth needs to be shaped for veneers.
Porcelain veneers are made in thin layers of ceramic that reflect light much like natural enamel. They resist staining and, with good care, often last 10 to 15 years or longer. They usually take two visits.
Composite veneers are sculpted from tooth-colored resin directly on the teeth, often in one visit. They cost less and can be repaired easily, but they stain more readily and usually need replacing sooner, often after five to seven years. Your goals, budget and bite help decide which material makes sense.
Yes. Trial Smiles lets you see your new smile before committing to treatment. A temporary preview reflects the shape, length and color you want, and photos taken in our studio help you judge the result and share it with people you trust. Changes are easy at this stage, so the final veneers match what you approved.
We talk through your goals and examine your teeth, gums and bite.
Your new smile is planned and previewed.
A thin layer of enamel is shaped so the veneers sit naturally.
You wear temporary veneers while the final ones are made.
The final veneers are checked for fit, color and bite, then bonded in place.
That depends on your goals and how much of your smile shows when you talk and laugh. One or two veneers can fix a single chipped or stained tooth, matched carefully to the teeth beside it. A full smile makeover usually covers the six to ten upper teeth that show most, and sometimes matching lower teeth.
During your smile design, we look at your smile line, face shape and the color of your other teeth so the result looks balanced. You will see the plan before any tooth is prepared.
Good candidates have healthy teeth and gums and enough enamel to bond to. Gum disease or decay is treated first. If you clench or grind your teeth, a night guard protects your veneers, and jaw pain should be evaluated, since bite problems can shorten the life of any restoration. Our TMJ/TMD treatment page explains why.
Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily and keep your regular preventive visits. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens or fingernails. Our article do you have to brush veneers? covers daily care in more detail.
Kinard Family Dental is at 12740 Bandera Road, Suite 100, Helotes, TX 78023, and welcomes families from San Antonio, Boerne and Leon Valley. Call (210) 695-1200 or request an appointment to plan your new smile.
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Porcelain veneers often last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care, while composite veneers usually last around five to seven years. Grinding, biting hard objects and skipped checkups shorten their life.
Yes, when they are designed for your face and smile. Shape, length and color are planned in advance, and Trial Smiles lets you preview the result before treatment.
Porcelain veneers usually need a thin layer of enamel removed, so the tooth will always need a veneer or crown afterward. Some minimal-preparation options are possible, depending on your teeth.
No. Veneers do not change color with whitening. If you want whiter natural teeth, whiten them before your veneers are matched so the shades blend.
Preparation is done with local anesthetic, so it is comfortable. Some patients have mild sensitivity for a few days after placement.
The cost depends on the material, the number of teeth and the complexity of your case. You will receive a clear estimate after your consultation and smile design.
