Porcelain Veneers

Have you ever desired a head-turning โ€œHollywoodโ€ smile? Thereโ€™s a reason why celebrities turn to veneers to deliver drastic cosmetic results. Made from the highest quality of materials like medical grade porcelain and biocompatible resins, porcelain veneers are incredibly durable to protect your original teeth while artistically sculpted to create the picture-perfect smile youโ€™ve always wanted. 

The treatment completely reshapes teeth by placing porcelain shells on the visible side of a patientโ€™s anterior teeth. With veneers, you can transform the look of your smile and face, which can be life-changing and exciting for many patients. 

 If you have been harboring embarrassment about small, misshapen, or discolored teeth, this cosmetic treatment can deliver exciting results. Contact our office and schedule your veneer consultation.

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After

Veneers

What Are Veneers? 

Despite being nearly as thin as a contact lens, they are incredibly durable thanks to the high quality of materials that we design them with. Most often they are made using porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. Veneers are also translucent enough to look like a natural tooth with their slight shine.

Veneers are a great treatment for addressing teeth that are:

  • Chipped | Veneers restore the strength and appearance of a damaged tooth. 
  • Cracked | A cracked tooth can put you at risk of an infection, veneers strengthen and protect the tooth. 
  • Discolored | While teeth whitening can improve the look of your smile, some stains canโ€™t be removed. Veneers cover up discoloration and staining. 
  • Misshapen | With veneers, you can change the shape of your teeth without multiple treatments. 
  • Misaligned | Veneers allow you to have a straighter smile without multiple treatments like dental implants or braces. 
  • Gapped | If you want to remove gaps in your teeth, veneers cover up your existing smile to create a seamless appearance. 
  • Overcrowded | While you can fix overcrowding with braces, veneers are a faster option.

Veneers can address many cosmetic and even functionality issues with your smile. If you want to love how your teeth look, Dr. Vakilian can help you see if veneers are right for you. She focuses on precision to ensure the veneers fit your face and look natural but uniform.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

A Versatile Treatment

While teeth whitening only addresses discoloration and bonding can only correct small defects, veneers can conceal a wide range of dental problems. Veneers are even called โ€œinstant orthodonticsโ€ because the shells can correct the appearance of misaligned teeth.

While some people prefer multiple treatments to address their cosmetic dentistry issues, this approach can take months or even years if you need orthodontics. So, if you donโ€™t have any restorative dentistry concerns, veneers give you the results you want without the hassle of repeated visits. 

A Durable Material

Veneers are made from natural-looking and durable materials that can last for around ten years or longer. Whether you opt for porcelain or another quality source material, you can expect your veneer to dutifully endure the wear and tear that is associated with normal use.

After around ten years, your dentist will remove the veneers and place new ones. Remember that you canโ€™t remove the veneers on your own. 

Minimally-Invasive

While it depends on the individual, many people only need to have a small amount of their tooth enamel removed to place the veneers. So, you can have the immediate, beautiful results you want in just one visit. Dr. Vakilian also ensures you are as comfortable as possible during your visit and can offer sedation dentistry. 

When comparing veneers to other options to improve your smile, veneers are usually less invasive. Options like crowns, bridges, and orthodontics can be more uncomfortable.

Stain-Resistant

Veneers are very resistant to staining and discoloration. While this can still concur, they are less likely to stain than your natural teeth.

While you should still be careful and avoid staining, you donโ€™t have to worry as much about consuming things like coffee, tea, and wine.

A Long-Term Treatment

With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last for ten years or longer. Dr. Vakilian will provide advice and tips on how to maintain your new veneers. The shells should never be used to bite or pry open objects or packages. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will ensure that the underlying tooth and supporting gum tissue remain healthy.

Oral Health Benefits of Veneers

Treatment Overview

The typical treatment for porcelain veneers requires two visits to our Encinitas dental practice.

Tooth Preparation

During your first visit, your teeth will be โ€œprepped.โ€ This process requires the removal of some of your tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. Dr. Vakilian will use local anesthetic and possibly sedation while she gently prepares one or more of your teeth to receive veneers.

Veneer Design

Then, a mold of your teeth will be made and you will be given temporary veneers. When your custom veneers arrive at our office, a second appointment will be made.

Veneer Placement

During the second and final visit, your new veneers will be placed using a strong bonding agent. Dr. Vakilian will ensure that the veneers do not interfere with your bite before releasing you. There is no recovery time associated with this cosmetic procedure.

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Tips on Caring for Veneers 

Veneers are also easy to care for, making them a low-maintenance option. If you want to ensure your veneers last as long as possible, follow these simple tips:

  • Brush Your Teeth Twice per Day | When brushing, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it at a 90-degree angle. Youโ€™ll want to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush every surface of each tooth. 
  • Floss at Least Once per Day | Flossing ensures healthy teeth and gums because flossing can remove bacteria and debris in between your teeth and down to the gum line. You can use regular floss or a water flosser.
  • Donโ€™t Use Your Teeth as Tools | If you chew on hard foods or other objects like pens or fingernails, it can damage your veneers and your natural teeth. 
  • Protect Your Teeth With Oral Appliances | If you grind your teeth at night, known as bruxism, we can create a custom night guard for you to wear. If you play sports that put you at risk for a mouth injury, we also make custom sports guards.
  • Receive Regular Teeth Cleanings and Exams | Regular dental visits are vital whether you have veneers or not. Make sure to see us every six months at least, although some people need more frequent cleanings to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Caring for veneers isnโ€™t that difficult; the main thing is just to focus on consistency. If you practice good oral health habits every day your smile will be healthier. These habits are critical regardless of whether you have natural teeth, veneers, or other dental restorations.

During your cosmetic consultation at our Encinitas dental practice, Dr. Vakilian will determine if you are a candidate for veneers.

If you have symptoms of gum disease or the presence of tooth decay, those dental problems will need to be treated before your veneer treatment can be planned. As with any cosmetic treatment, patients should be in good oral health.

Bruxism is another barrier to receiving veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, that habit can damage your veneer. Dr. Vakilian may need to address the cause of your bruxism. Our office also offers a custom oral appliance that can protect your teeth and new cosmetic restorations at night.

Candidates should have a clear understanding of what results cosmetic treatments can and canโ€™t deliver. If you suffer from severe tooth misalignment, for example, you may be a better candidate for Invisalign.

Also, itโ€™s important to commit to caring for your teeth. Your veneers will look better and last longer if you maintain good oral health habits. 

Finally, keep in mind that dental veneers are permanent. They arenโ€™t removable, and they do cover up your natural teeth. So, if you want to have your natural teeth as the focus, veneers might not be best for you.

Dental Veneers FAQs

Will my veneers look natural?

Yes. Veneers are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. They reflect light similarly to enamel, giving them a lifelike appearance. Dr. Vakilian takes great care in crafting veneers that enhance your smile while still looking completely natural and balanced with your facial features.

Whatโ€™s the difference between veneers and crowns?

Veneers are thin shells that cover only the front surface of a tooth, typically used for cosmetic improvements. Crowns cover the entire tooth and are often used when a tooth is more severely damaged or needs additional strength. Both are custom-made and color-matched to blend with your smile, but they serve different purposes based on the health and structure of the tooth.

Can veneers stain or discolor over time?

Veneers are highly stain-resistant, especially those made from porcelain. While they donโ€™t discolor as easily as natural teeth, itโ€™s still a good idea to limit staining foods and beverages like coffee or red wine to keep your smile looking bright. Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings will help maintain their appearance.

Can veneers be replaced if they become damaged?

Yes. If a veneer chips, cracks, or shows signs of wear, it can be removed and replaced with a new one. Replacing a veneer is a straightforward process, and weโ€™ll ensure your updated veneer matches your smile just as seamlessly as the original.

Do you use veneers for an entire smile or just one tooth?

Veneers can be used to enhance a single tooth or completely transform your entire smile. Some patients only need one or two veneers to correct small imperfections, while others choose a full set for a more comprehensive cosmetic change. Dr. Vakilian will help you determine what works best for your goals and needs.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Here at Dental Solutions of Encinitas, your smile is our passion. This is why we are so proud to offer artistically crafted porcelain veneers that optimize your oral health and create a beautiful new smileโ€”all in three easy visits to our office.

Dr. Vakilian also provides comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to ensure you have a smile that you love and that feels and looks great. She will devise a personalized treatment plan just for you, whether that includes veneers or other services.

Take the first step toward a bright, new smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step to getting the picture-perfect smile youโ€™ve always wanted.