Porcelain Veneers
Revitalizing your smile is possible at any age with the right cosmetic dental treatment. Dr. Rhonda Kalasho, a specialist in dental veneers in Beverly Hills, provides tailored treatments that bring out the best in each patient’s smile. She works closely with each patient to understand their needs and then build an ideal path forward.
What Are Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin shell placed over a tooth to enhance one or more aspects of how it looks. We have each shell manufactured in a specialized dental lab so the fit and color naturally blend in with your smile. Modern veneers should enhance your smile’s natural structures rather than look like an artificial element.
Veneers allow patients to address a variety of concerns, including:
- Discoloration or stains on teeth
- Tooth length (lengthen teeth)
- Gaps between teeth
- Gummy smile
- Tooth shape
Why Porcelain?
Traditionally, veneers were made from several materials. Porcelain is one of the most widely used materials for cosmetic veneers because it looks natural, is durable, and resists staining. Compared with other materials, porcelain offers an exceptionally natural look with impressive durability and longevity. Porcelain resists stains and is easy to clean, making it an ideal material for dental enhancements.
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Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Dramatic cosmetic improvements
- Durable materials for long-lasting results
- Easy to care
- Blend in naturally with your smile
- Stain-resistant material
- A smile you will love to share
Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers may be a good option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile by addressing cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, chips, gaps, uneven tooth shape, or worn teeth. Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be designed to create a natural-looking, balanced smile.
Good candidates for porcelain veneers typically have healthy teeth and gums and realistic expectations about the results. Veneers may be appropriate for patients who want to improve:
- Deep or permanent tooth discoloration that does not respond well to whitening
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
- Teeth that appear too short or worn down
- Minor cosmetic imperfections
- The overall symmetry, shape, and appearance of their smile
Before recommending veneers, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. Patients with untreated cavities, gum disease, significant tooth damage, or certain bite problems may need to address these concerns before receiving veneers.
How Many Veneers Do I Need?
The number of porcelain veneers you need depends on your smile goals, the teeth that are visible when you smile, and the cosmetic concerns you want to address. Some patients may need just one or two veneers to improve an individual tooth, while others may choose several veneers to create a more comprehensive smile transformation.
For a broader smile makeover, six to eight veneers on the upper front teeth can often provide significant cosmetic improvement. Some patients may benefit from 10 or more veneers, depending on smile width, tooth proportions, and how many teeth are visible when smiling.
The number of veneers may also depend on:
- The size and shape of your existing teeth
- The symmetry of your smile
- How much of your teeth are visible when you smile
- The color of your natural teeth
- Gaps, chips, or uneven teeth you want to correct
- Whether you want to treat your upper teeth, lower teeth, or both
- Your desired overall smile design
You do not necessarily need veneers on every visible tooth. Your dentist can evaluate your smile and recommend the appropriate number based on your facial features, tooth proportions, bite, and aesthetic goals.
Why Porcelain?
Traditionally, veneers were made from several materials. Porcelain is one of the most widely used materials for cosmetic veneers because it looks natural, is durable, and resists staining. Compared with other materials, porcelain offers an exceptionally natural look with impressive durability and longevity. Porcelain resists stains and is easy to clean, making it an ideal material for dental enhancements.
Book Your Appointment
Our dentist team strives to deliver memorable smiles in Beverly Hills, a city known for its celebrities and their smiles. Call the office or use the online form and we can set up your consultation for porcelain veneers. Take the first step and build a smile that you will love.
FAQs
What is the process like?
- Consultation: First, Dr. Kalasho meets with each patient to discuss goals, review their health, and chart a path forward. She takes the time to explain each option and ensure you have the information to make an empowered decision.
- Preparing the Tooth: Dr. Kalasho removes a small portion of enamel from the surface of the tooth. This allows the veneer to better fit the tooth. Even this part should be pain-free since no nerves will be touched.
- Impressions: Quick and easy, but essential. We take impressions of your teeth that allow the lab to make a custom veneer. You may receive a temporary veneer to place over the tooth while you wait for the final product.
- Placing the Veneer: Your veneer arrives from the lab, and we place it over the tooth. Dr. Kalasho will then make final adjustments to the veneer to ensure a proper fit and look. She will permanently bond the veneer to your tooth, and you will leave the office with a stunning smile.
What are alternative treatments?
- Teeth Whitening: Best for mild to moderate teeth stains. But cannot handle severe stains.
- Dental Bonding: Affordable option best for same-day results. But the results do not last as long as veneers.
- Dental Onlays: Best for covering damage on premolars or molars.
How long do veneers last for?
Most patients can get a solid 10 to 20 years out of their veneers. Some patients even go beyond this timeframe with exceptional care for their veneers. Keep your teeth clean, and your veneers will be with you for years. Additionally, routine dental visits will play a role in veneer longevity.
If a veneer becomes worn, your dentist can replace it. However, veneers are not reversible, as some enamel must be removed to place them. If you have your veneer removed, you will need to replace it or substitute it with another treatment.
Does insurance cover this treatment?
Veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment. While that does not lessen their benefits to any degree, it does mean insurance does not cover the treatment. However, insurance may cover some treatments you have while preparing for veneers, such as treating tooth decay or injuries.
How many veneers will I need for a full smile makeover?
For most patients, 6–8 veneers for the upper teeth will provide excellent coverage. However, the number will depend on factors like:
- Smile width
- Teeth visibility when smiling
- Aesthetic goals
Even if some teeth do not need veneers, you may want to add veneers to them to improve symmetry and balance. This may mean using 10 or more veneers total.
How long does the veneer process take from consultation to final placement?
Will getting porcelain veneers damage or weaken my natural teeth?
What happens if a veneer chips, cracks, or comes off?
Do porcelain veneers require special cleaning or maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing?
No special products or efforts are required. Just care for your veneers as you would your other teeth. However, some recommendations include:
- Using nonabrasive toothpaste
- Gentle brushing
- Flossing daily
- Regular dental cleanings
- Avoid using your teeth as tools (opening bags, biting hard objects)
Are there foods or habits I should avoid after getting veneers?
- Immediately After Placement: Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods (ice, hard nuts, caramel, etc.)
- Over Time: Avoid nail-biting, pen-chewing, or grinding. Use mouth guards during contact sports or if you have bruxism.
