Dental Veneers in Pacific Palisades, CA
Dental veneers are used to make worn teeth appear longer, change the appearance of your smile, or close the gaps between your teeth. Made of thin porcelain shells, your dentist bonds them to each tooth, and they cover the surface to mask cracks and stains.
Dental veneers are customized to match your teeth and harmonize with the shape of your smile and facial features.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Most adults are good candidates for dental veneers.
Veneers may work for you if you have severely stained teeth or minor imperfections in your teeth. Dental veneers can fix slightly crooked teeth and mild cosmetic issues, such as a chipped tooth.
Those with good oral health typically qualify as potential patients, especially if they do not grind their teeth.
How Is My Dental Veneer Procedure Performed?
Before starting the veneer procedure, proper planning is imperative. A series of photos and a mock-up of what the veneers will look like will be done. This is accomplished digitally and is known as a digital smile design. In some cases, you can ‘try-on’ a mock-up of what the veneers will look like in your mouth.
Once the dentist takes an impression of your tooth/teeth, it can take up to two weeks to get your dental veneers. You may even need to see the ceramist in person to assess the proper shade of your natural teeth. During the delivery appointment, your dentist will evaluate the fit, color, and shape of the veneers.
During your dental veneer treatment:
- The dentist cleans your teeth to prepare them. This protects your teeth from decay.
- Microscopic sandblasting is done to roughen up the surface so that the veneer can bond to the tooth.
- Using a dental resin bond, the dentist bonds the veneer to the tooth under rubber dam isolation.
- A curing light sets the bond so that your new smile is quickly ready to go.
The process may take up to two hours—or more—depending on how many veneers are done.
What Dental Procedures Can Improve the Look of My Veneers?
Porcelain veneers transform your teeth and create a beautiful, flawless smile. However, many patients only choose veneers to cover their front teeth (the ones most exposed when smiling). Therefore, it may be beneficial to consider other general or cosmetic dentistry treatments on the surrounding, un-veneered teeth.
These may include:
- Dental implants (to replace lost or significantly damaged teeth)
- Teeth whitening options (with Opalescence™, KoR®, or Zoom!)
- Gum surgery
How Long Is My Recovery From Dental Veneers?
After you get your dental veneers bonded, you can return to work and your other activities. However, if you are sedated, you will need someone to drive you home, and you should take it easy for the rest of the day.
You can return to your regular schedule the next day.
What Results Can I Expect From Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers can last up to 20 years and do not damage your real teeth when they are installed correctly. With dental veneers, you can perfect your smile without losing functionality.
These look like natural teeth, and your gum tissue adapts to the porcelain well.
Veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth, and your dentist will match the shape and size to enhance your smile.
You can choose veneers for a single tooth or multiple teeth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
Will dental veneers look like my natural teeth?
Your veneers are shaped and tinted to effortlessly match your natural teeth. Besides that, dental veneers offer additional incredible benefits like improved function, realistic results, and a flawless smile that lasts you for many years.
Additional cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as teeth whitening, can be performed on the surrounding natural teeth to maintain a harmonious smile appearance.
Can dental veneers make my teeth look straighter?
If your teeth are slightly crooked, dental veneers can improve their shape and make them look straighter, saving you the need to commit to a lengthy orthodontic treatment. It is important to note that veneers, in this case, merely camouflage the issue but do not correct the positioning of your teeth.
In severe cases of significantly crooked teeth, patients should consider exploring orthodontic options like Invisalign® or braces. Your dentist will examine your condition and help you determine whether veneers or orthodontics are right for you.
Is it difficult to care for dental veneers?
Absolutely not! Dental veneers require the same amount of care as your natural teeth. You must maintain optimal oral health by brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Grinding or clenching teeth, nail-biting, or pen-chewing should be avoided as these habits can crack your veneers. It may also be good to avoid biting on very hard foods.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable, with an expected lifespan of up to 20 years. Ultimately, factors like the kind of material used, the patient’s oral hygiene, and dental habits will affect the durability and longevity of the dental veneers.
How much do dental veneers cost?
The total cost of your veneers will depend on the type of veneer being used, the number of dental veneers needed, and lab expenses in your area. Every patient is different and requires a different number of veneers to achieve their goals. During your consultation, you will be provided with a detailed cost estimate of your upcoming smile makeover.
Interested in Dental Veneers in Pacific Palisades, CA?
To learn more about the procedure and cost of dental veneers in Pacific Palisades, California, call us at (310) 459-2303 or contact us online.