Cosmetic
Dental Veneers
Thin porcelain fronts that change the color and shape of several teeth at once.
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to the front of a tooth. It changes color, shape, length and the way light comes off the surface. Because porcelain is made in a lab to a design you have approved, veneers can do things whitening and bonding cannot — evening out teeth that are different lengths, covering deep internal staining, or closing several gaps at once.
They are also the most involved cosmetic treatment we offer, and the least reversible. A small amount of enamel usually has to be removed so the veneer sits flush rather than looking thick. That enamel does not come back, which is why we spend real time on the plan before anything is prepared.
We will always tell you if something simpler gets you most of the way there. Plenty of people who ask about veneers actually want whitening, or whitening plus bonding on two teeth.
Is this right for me?
- Several front teeth are worn, chipped or uneven in length.
- Internal staining has not responded to whitening — old tetracycline shading, for instance.
- Your gums are healthy and you are not an untreated grinder, or you are willing to wear a night guard.
What to expect
Design first
Photos, a scan and a conversation about what you actually want. We design the shape and shade before a single tooth is touched.
A trial you can see
Where it helps, we place a temporary mock-up over your teeth so you can look in the mirror, go outside, and live with the shape before it is made permanent.
Preparation and scan
A thin layer of enamel is removed where needed, the teeth are scanned, and temporaries go on while the lab makes the porcelain.
Try-in before bonding
The veneers are tried in with water or a try-in paste so you approve the look before anything is bonded. This is your last easy chance to change something, and we treat it that way.
Bonding and follow-up
Each veneer is bonded, the bite is adjusted, and we see you again a week or two later to check the gums and the way it feels.
Your comfort
The preparation visit is long and involves several teeth. We plan breaks into it. Temporaries are made to look presentable because you will be wearing them in public for a couple of weeks.
Insurance and payment, sorted before you sit down
We take all PPO plans, Medi-Cal Dental and most Medicare Advantage dental plans, and we check your benefits before treatment so the estimate is in writing. If you need to spread the cost, we work with CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit.
Apply for financing — Cherry Avenue Office
- CareCredit®Apply online in a few minutes. Decision is usually immediate.
- CherryApply on your phone. The pre-qualification check does not affect your credit score.
- SunbitApplied for at the front desk when you come in — takes a few minutes.
Questions patients ask
How much tooth gets removed?
Usually a fraction of a millimeter from the front surface, sometimes almost none where a tooth already sits back. We show you on the model exactly what is planned for each tooth beforehand.
How long do veneers last?
Well-made porcelain veneers commonly last ten to fifteen years or more. The most common cause of early failure is grinding, which is why a night guard is part of the plan if you grind.
Will they look fake?
Only if they are designed that way. Natural teeth vary in length, have translucent edges and are not uniformly white. We design to that, and you approve the trial before anything is bonded.
Can I whiten veneers later?
No — porcelain does not change color with whitening gel. That is why we settle the shade of your natural teeth first, then match the veneers to where you want to stay.
Does insurance pay for veneers?
Generally not, because they are usually considered cosmetic. We will give you the full written cost and go through CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit so you can see monthly options before deciding.
What if one chips?
Small chips can sometimes be polished or repaired in the mouth. A larger fracture means remaking that veneer. Either way, call us — do not wait for your next cleaning.
Related services
Thinking about Dental Veneers?
Send a request and we'll call you back to find a time. You'll get a written estimate before anything is booked in the schedule.