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
When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.
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Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙
Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.
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My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

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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