Think of a porcelain veneer as a tiny mask that conceals all of your tooth’s imperfections, transforming it into the perfect shape, size and color. Dr. Abadan places porcelain veneers on her San Diego cosmetic dentistry patients at her Carmel Valley practice. Because of their versatility, they are a popular option to brighten up a bland smile.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are small pieces of porcelain that slip over the surface of your teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. Veneers may be made of other materials but Dr. Abadan prefers porcelain because its translucence mimics natural tooth enamel. Custom crafted in a dental laboratory, porcelain veneers are strong, durable and beautiful. Porcelain veneers are often placed on teeth that are:

How Porcelain Veneers Can Revamp Your Smile

Veneers camouflage a multitude of dental flaws and blemishes. Once placed, they enhance the uniformity and evenness of your teeth — Veneers can improve discolored teeth when whitening treatments cannot, and may even correct minor bite-related problems.

What to Expect During Veneer Placement

Because veneers are custom-crafted, veneer placement requires several visits to Dr. Abadan’s Carmel Valley cosmetic dentistry practice. The first step of the process is for Dr. Abadan to “fit” you for veneers; she will take impressions and send them to the dental laboratory that will craft your veneers. She will also work with you to select the best shade so your veneers blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

To prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, Dr. Abadan will need to remove a small bit of tooth structure and slightly reshape your tooth. Dr. Abadan can use dental sedation and/or local anesthetic to keep you from feeling any discomfort during this part of the treatment process. To protect the newly reshaped tooth until your permanent veneer is ready, she may place a temporary veneer.

Once your veneer has been crafted by the dental laboratory and delivered to Dr. Abadan, you will return to her office to have it placed. She will slip it over the surface of your tooth and bond it in place with a strong dental cement or adhesive. Finally, she will make any necessary adjustments to improve the fit and check your bite for the correct alignment. This part of the process is simple and quick, and afterward you can begin enjoying your rejuvenated smile.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are beautiful and so natural-looking in color and shape that they blend in with your surrounding teeth. No one will be able to identify your veneer; they will simply notice that your smile looks brighter, whiter and perhaps a little bigger than usual.

Veneers can correct minor spacing issues more quickly than Invisalign, and cover stains that teeth whitening cannot lift. They also do not require the amount of enamel reduction that the placement of a dental crown would need.

The porcelain material is strong, durable and resilient. You do not have to restrict your diet or avoid your favorite foods when wearing veneers. Veneers last for many years with the right type of care; according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers last an average of five to 12 years, and in some cases, 20 or more years.

Contact Us about Porcelain Veneers

Interested in learning more about porcelain veneers? Contact us to schedule a personal consultation to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.