What Are Veneers?

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A bright, confident smile can make a difference in personal and professional settings.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth by correcting issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in providing cosmetic and sedation dentistry for patients who want a stunning smile—comfortably and safely.

Whether you’re dealing with worn enamel or irregular tooth shape, veneers may be the perfect solution to transform your smile.

Ready to boost your confidence? Schedule a consultation today with our experienced dental team.

What Are Veneers
Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!
We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others
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The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!
I love this dentist office! Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Dr. Thoms is an excellent dentist that listens to you and makes sure everything is done to your satisfaction. They do TRUE dental sedation. Not just give you a pill like other offices’s that claim they do sedation. Since I am allergic to medicine a dentist normally uses I have to be truly sedated to have work done on my teeth. They do Botox for teeth grinding and TMJ also
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind 5-star review! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are glad you had a positive experience with our team and services. Your trust means so much to us.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to enhance their color, shape, and size. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer both porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers, depending on your unique dental needs and cosmetic goals.

Porcelain veneers are prized for their durability and stain resistance, while composite veneers are more affordable and can often be applied in a single visit.

There are two main types of veneers:

  1. Porcelain Veneers: These are the most common type. They’re made from a thin layer of porcelain and are known for their durability and natural appearance.
  2. Composite Resin Veneers: These are made from a tooth-colored filling material. They’re less expensive than porcelain veneers but may only last a short time and can be more prone to staining.

What Issues Can Veneers Address?

Veneers are versatile and can address a variety of dental cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Discolored teeth that haven’t responded well to whitening treatments
  • Worn down, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
  • Gaps between teeth

The Veneer Procedure

Getting veneers typically involves three trips to the dentist:

  1. Consultation and planning
  2. Preparation of the teeth
  3. Application of the veneers

During the consultation, you’ll discuss your goals with your dentist and determine if veneers are the right option. Your dentist will examine your teeth and may take X-rays or make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

To prepare the teeth, your dentist will reshape the surface to accommodate the veneer. This usually involves removing a small amount of enamel. A model or impression of your tooth is then made and sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate your veneer.

When your veneers are ready, your dentist will check the fit, shape, and color to ensure they’re perfect for you. The veneers are then permanently cemented to your teeth.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers offer several advantages:

  1. Natural appearance: Porcelain veneers, in particular, closely resemble natural tooth enamel.
  2. Stain-resistant: Porcelain veneers resist stains better than natural teeth.
  3. Color choice: You can choose the shade of white you prefer for a brighter smile.
  4. Conservative approach: Veneers generally require less tooth enamel removal compared to crowns.
  5. Gum tolerance: Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.

Considerations and Care

While veneers can dramatically improve your smile, they’re not for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Veneers are permanent: You can’t return to your original teeth once you have them.
  • They can be expensive: Veneers, especially porcelain ones, can be costly and are often not covered by insurance.
  • They may need replacement: While durable, veneers aren’t indestructible and may need to be replaced after several years.

To care for your veneers, maintain good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools to prevent damage to your veneers.

Is Veneer Right for You?

If you’re considering veneers, having a thorough discussion with your dentist is crucial. They can assess your oral health, discuss your cosmetic goals, and help you decide if veneers are the best option for your unique situation.

Remember, while veneers can provide a quick and effective way to enhance your smile, maintaining good oral health is still crucial. Regular dental check-ups and oral hygiene will help your new smile stay bright and healthy for years.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’re proud to offer safe, effective cosmetic solutions—including dental veneers—for patients across St. Louis, Clayton, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re correcting gaps, chips, or stains, veneers can give you the confident smile you deserve.

Considering veneers?

Contact our St. Louis cosmetic dentists today to schedule your veneer consultation.

Updated: June 5, 2025

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