Your smile is one of the first things people notice, and veneers can transform it dramatically. So, which type is the right choice for you?
At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we offer both options and help patients make the best decision based on their goals, budget, lifestyle, and long-term dental health. Whether you’re dealing with stained, chipped, or uneven teeth—or want a brighter, more uniform smile—veneers may be the perfect solution.
📞 Schedule a Consultation to take the next step toward the confident, radiant smile you deserve.

DR. THOMS, HIS NURSES AND THE STAFF ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST!! Trust me, I have had extremely complicated dental issues since 2007 bouncing from dentist to dentist. None of which were able to help me.
Dr. Thoms went over and above the call of duty - researching and conferring with other professionals in his field before coming up with a plan of action. He didn't give up on me!
THIS DR. AND HIS TEAM CARES ABOUT YOU! It is the best decision I could have made and now my smile starts from the inside out!!
Because of this, I had not been to the dentist in years.
Being able to go to sleep and have all my dental work done while I was out was incredible! I had a tooth extracted, a root canal, 4 fillings and a cleaning all at the same visit!
The staff was so caring and understanding, it made me feel really good.
I will only go here for my dental work from now on.
Thank you!
Thank you
I cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Thoms and his team! Their sensitivity, expertise, and dedication made a potentially challenging dental experience for our daughter as comfortable and stress-free as possible (for her AND us!).
We were very impressed by Dr. Thoms' thoroughness in explaining the procedure and his willingness to answer all of our questions, alleviating any anxieties we had. The ability to be present by our daughter's side as she was falling asleep was a huge comfort factor.
We felt a sense of genuine care and compassion towards our daughter and felt that they treated her as if she was one of their own. Dr. Thoms and his team clearly go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care and makes a complex dental procedure feel safe, comfortable, and even reassuring. A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Thoms and his team!
If your dental phobia and dental issues have made you feel hopeless ... I encourage you to contact the DAC for a consultation. That's what I did 17 years ago - and it proved to be a very good decision and a true blessing.
I started taking my kids here when they needed procedures under anesthesia. Once my former dentist retired (and I realized the DAC also does family dentistry), I switched the entire family to this office. Best decision I ever made.
I’m also so impressed with the experience this team has treating individuals with special needs.
I skipped going to the dentist for 6 years and what a mistake that was. Everyone at this office is extremely nice and a pleasure to deal with.
Laina, their hygenist is awesome even though she is a Cubs fan. I actually look forward to my 3 month cleanings now and will not miss another.
Dr. Thoms and his team (I requested Julie as an assistant I would do the same :)) were amazing. As I said I skipped going for 6 years so I had some work to be done and chose to be put to sleep instead of 4 visits. They make sure you are as comfortable as possible and even take the time to check up on you after to make sure you are healing properly.
Last but not least, Marie and the entire front office are great. Always a pleasure to deal with and are very accommodating. They are the face of the operation and the tone of the visit is set with them. The amount of care and compassion they show the patients in the waiting room is beyond extraordinary.
🦷 What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They improve the appearance of teeth that are:
- Discolored or stained
- Worn down or chipped
- Uneven or irregularly shaped
- Gapped or slightly misaligned
🥇 Porcelain Veneers
Benefits:
- Natural Look: Mimics the translucency of real enamel beautifully.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain resists stains better than composite, making it ideal for coffee or wine lovers.
- Durability: With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or longer.
- Strength: Stronger and more resilient to chips than composite.
Considerations:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than composite veneers.
- Time: Requires at least two visits—one for prepping, another for bonding.
- Irreversible: Requires more enamel removal, making it a permanent change.
🥈 Composite Veneers
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive than porcelain veneers.
- Faster Results: Often completed in one visit—great for last-minute smile makeovers!
- Less Invasive: Requires minimal enamel removal.
Considerations:
- Durability: Generally lasts 5–7 years, and is more prone to staining.
- Appearance: While still attractive, they may not have the same lifelike luster as porcelain.
- Maintenance: May need touch-ups or polishing over time.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Criteria | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers |
---|---|---|
Longevity | 10–15 years+ | 5–7 years |
Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
Procedure Time | 2 visits | 1 visit |
Stain Resistance | High | Moderate |
Appearance | Highly lifelike | Good, less translucent |
Reversibility | Irreversible | More conservative |
👩⚕️ What About Patients with Dental Anxiety or Special Needs?
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that dental procedures—even cosmetic ones—can be overwhelming for many. That’s why we offer:
- Sedation dentistry, including oral sedation, IV, and general anesthesia
- A safe, calming environment for patients with autism, sensory issues, or severe anxiety
- Customized appointments for individuals with disabilities or complex medical needs
You don’t have to feel nervous about enhancing your smile—we make it comfortable every step of the way.
📍 Let’s Talk About Your Smile Goals
Choosing between porcelain and composite veneers is a personal decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Our expert team will help you weigh your options and design a smile that reflects who you are.
📞 Schedule a Consultation to take the next step toward the confident, radiant smile you deserve.