Veneers – Los Angeles, CA
Invest in an Attractive Smile
Have you spent several years feeling insecure about your flawed teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, at least two-thirds of adults don’t like how their teeth look. Whether from genetics, disease, poor oral hygiene, or trauma, we can resolve your aesthetic concerns. If tooth chips, cracks, or discoloration cause you to feel self-conscious, our cosmetic dentist can transform your smile in just one day with dental veneers in Los Angeles. We can instantly cover a variety of flaws using just one treatment while creating results that look natural. At Westside Dental Associates, we have the solution you need to love the smile you see in the mirror.
Why Choose Westside Dental Associates for Veneers?
- State-of-the-Art, Advanced Dental Technologies
- High-Quality Materials Used
- Dentist with More Than 30 Years of Experience
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-made thin shells bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Since they are made from porcelain, they closely look like your tooth enamel to provide natural-looking results. In addition, it allows them to be thinner than traditional veneers, so less of your tooth’s enamel is removed during the bonding process. This not only leaves more of its structure intact but also allows the procedure to be minimally invasive. In short, this treatment allows you to conceal numerous dental flaws – from minor misalignment to severe stains – simultaneously.
The Process of Getting Veneers
Typically, the process to transform your smile will require just two appointments. After your teeth are cleaned, our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Les Latner, will remove a small amount of enamel to ensure your veneers sit flush and don’t look too bulky.
From there, a digital impression will be taken of your prepared teeth, and this will be used to design your veneers. The impression along with the design will be sent to a dental lab that will actually fabricate your veneers. While this is happening, you’ll be fitted with a temporary set.
At the second appointment a week or so later, you’ll return to our office so Dr. Latner can swap your temporaries for your permanent veneers, secure them into place, and make any final adjustments. Once he checks the fit and your bite, and you give your final approval, your new smile is ready for the world.
The Benefits of Veneers
Now, several cosmetic dentistry procedures can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, but many patients prefer veneers because of the various benefits they offer, such as:
- Minimally invasive because less enamel is removed.
- Results look natural because porcelain mimics enamel.
- Correct several issues using one procedure.
- Results can last a decade or longer with the right aftercare.
- Transform your smile in a single appointment.
Veneers FAQs
If you have been unhappy with your teeth for a long time but still have questions about whether veneers are the right way to rejuvenate your smile, you have come to the right place. Our team at Westside Dental Associates has compiled some of the most common questions – and answers – about veneers in Los Angeles. We encourage you to read through this FAQ section – and if you still have questions afterward, do not hesitate to get in touch!
What Issues Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of your teeth to instantly improve their color, size, shape, and proportion. Overall, this makes the treatment versatile to resolve several issues, such as:
- Discoloration or stains.
- Chips or cracks.
- Shorter than average teeth.
- Abnormally shaped teeth.
- Small gaps between teeth.
- Minor alignment concerns.
Are Veneers Reversible?
Veneers are considered an irreversible dental treatment. Why? The treatment requires a small layer of enamel to be filed away to make room in your mouth for the veneers. Because enamel does not grow back, the affected teeth will always need veneers or crowns going forward.
Is the Veneer Placement Procedure Painful?
Because teeth must be prepped before veneers can be applied on top of them, many patients worry that the veneer placement procedure will be painful. However, before your teeth are prepped, Dr. Latner will numb the area, so you do not feel a thing! Moreover, for patients that tend to get anxious or stressed when visiting the dentist, nitrous oxide can be administered to ensure they feel at ease throughout the placement procedure.
How Long do Veneers Last?
Veneers have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Taking proper care of your veneers can help ensure they remain a part of your smile for as long as possible. Here are 3 tips for maintaining your veneers:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once a day.
- Prevent damage from clenching or grinding your teeth by wearing a custom bite guard when you sleep.
- Visit a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles every six months for a dental checkup so they can inspect your veneers for any signs of potential failure.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers themselves are not permanent, but the treatment process to bond them to teeth is. That means your veneers will need to be replaced eventually, even if it isn’t for 10 years or longer. The reason treatment is considered permanent is that once enamel is removed to make room for them, it will not grow back. This step is necessary to keep the veneers flush and looking natural. If you aren’t comfortable with having your enamel permanently altered, you’ll want to consider other cosmetic treatments instead.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
Veneers are meant to match all your existing teeth. That means you can expect to receive an appropriate number of veneers to accomplish this specific goal. In some instances, it could mean you receive 6 to 8 veneers to make your smile beautiful and symmetrical. In other cases, it could mean receiving as many as 10 or 12. When only a single tooth is damaged, you may only need to have a single veneer just to address any imperfections.
Can You Whiten Veneers?
If you do plan to receive teeth whitening, you should make sure to complete it before receiving any kind of cosmetic dental restorations, not just veneers. This is because once veneers have been created and placed, they will not respond to whitening treatment whatsoever. If you have stained teeth, but your veneers are created so they match these teeth, professional whitening will cause your natural teeth to mismatch your veneers.
Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Veneers made from porcelain are more stain-resistant than natural enamel. This is because porcelain is a non-porous material. If you consume dark-colored foods and beverages regularly, you won’t need to worry as much about them staining your veneers as they would your natural teeth. With that said, your veneers are not 100% stain-proof. If you want your veneers to remain white and bright for as long as possible, only consume dark-colored options in moderation. Brushing your teeth soon after consuming them also helps.