Last updated November 9, 2026
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front surfaces of selected teeth to improve their appearance. At West Hills Smiles, Dr. Mike Salekian evaluates and plans porcelain veneer treatment at our West Hills office. We also welcome patients from Woodland Hills who are considering changes to their smile. Whether you’re interested in improving one visible tooth or several, we begin by examining your teeth and bite to determine whether veneers may be appropriate.
Choosing veneers involves more than selecting a new tooth shade. We consider your oral health, the appearance you want to achieve, and how the planned changes would work with your natural teeth. Before you make a decision, we’ll explain the treatment options, the potential changes to your teeth, and the financial and long-term responsibilities involved. Our goal is to help you understand what may be realistic for your smile without rushing into a cosmetic procedure.
Contact Us About Dental Veneers in West Hills | Call (818) 346-4303
Veneers may improve the appearance of teeth with discoloration that does not respond well to whitening, chipped or worn edges, irregular shapes, or certain small gaps. They cover the visible front surface of a tooth but do not move teeth into a new position or treat the underlying causes of decay, gum disease, or significant bite problems.
That’s why we examine your teeth and gums before recommending cosmetic treatment. If an underlying dental problem needs attention, we’ll discuss that first. Depending on what you want to change, another treatment may be more appropriate than veneers. You can also explore how veneers may address chips, gaps, and discoloration.
At West Hills Smiles, custom porcelain veneers are our primary focus. These laboratory-made ceramic restorations can be designed to resemble the translucency and color of natural teeth. Conventional porcelain veneers usually require some preparation of the tooth surface to accommodate the restoration, and we’ll explain what that means for your teeth before treatment.
Composite resin and minimal-preparation approaches may also be worth discussing in selected cases. They differ in how they’re made, how much tooth preparation may be involved, and their maintenance considerations. We’ll explain which options may be appropriate and available for your individual needs rather than assuming the same material or technique works for everyone.
Veneer treatment is planned around your teeth, bite, and desired appearance. The number of visits and the steps included can vary, but a porcelain veneer plan may involve the following:
We discuss your goals, review relevant dental history, and examine your teeth, gums, and bite. X-rays or other diagnostic information may be needed depending on the findings.
We use photographs, impressions, and wax models to help plan the appearance of your new smile. A customized mock-up may also be created so you can preview the proposed shape and length of your veneers before the final restorations are made. This gives you an opportunity to discuss adjustments with Dr. Salekian as part of the planning process.
When needed, we prepare the teeth to accommodate the veneers. Temporary restorations may be placed while the final porcelain veneers are being made.
A dental laboratory creates the veneers according to the treatment plan. Fabrication time depends on the case, and we’ll explain the expected timing for your restorations.
Before final placement, we assess the fit, appearance, and bite. Once the veneers are bonded, we explain any relevant aftercare and follow-up recommendations.
These reviews reflect individual experiences with West Hills Smiles and do not guarantee a particular result from dental veneers.
“Michelle is amazing! Her thoroughness and consult always has the best interest of the patient in mind. Its so hard finding quality dental care and West Hills Smiles gives quality dental care for me and my family.”
Not every cosmetic concern requires veneers. Whitening, bonding, crowns, and clear aligners address different needs, so we consider what each treatment can realistically change before recommending an approach.
Professional whitening: lightens the natural color of your teeth and does not change their shape or position.
Dental bonding: uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair selected chips, gaps, or shape concerns. It may be suitable for smaller cosmetic changes, although its preparation and maintenance differ from porcelain veneers.
Ceramic crowns: cover the whole tooth, which suits teeth with significant damage or decay rather than purely cosmetic concerns.
Invisalign: moves teeth into better positions, which matters when alignment or bite is the underlying issue.
Porcelain veneers need regular care, and the natural teeth and gums around them still require attention. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, floss every day, and attend your recommended dental cleanings and examinations. Avoid biting ice, pens, or fingernails, and never use your teeth to open packages. If you grind or clench your teeth, we may recommend a custom night guard to help reduce stress on your teeth and restorations.
Dr. Mike Salekian, DMD, is a general dentist with additional training in cosmetic dentistry. His education includes dental medicine, hospital-based general dentistry, cosmetic treatment planning, and restorative procedures. He brings that background to consultations at West Hills Smiles, where we consider both the health of your teeth and the appearance you hope to achieve.
Undergraduate education: Dr. Salekian earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2005, with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. He graduated magna cum laude.
Dental education: He earned his dental degree from the Dental College of Georgia in 2010.
Hospital-based training: He completed a general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
Cosmetic dentistry training: He completed a mini-residency in cosmetic dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Additional dental training: He completed further coursework in endodontics, surgical implant dentistry, and implant restoration, including training in 2013 and 2018.
Professional affiliations: He is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
“Dr Mike and his team are truly one of a kind! They are incredibly respectful, welcoming, and always make their patients feel comfortable and cared for. They provide excellent advice and outstanding service every time.”
“The staff is amazing, very helpful, and you can always see a genuine smile on everyone’s face. You can truly feel how much they care about their patients.”
“I highly recommend West Hills Smiles! 🦷✨”
– Maryse
Before moving forward with porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand the expected treatment cost and what your visits may involve. We want you to feel comfortable asking about both the financial and practical details.
Veneer treatment estimates: Costs depend on factors such as the number of teeth being treated, the planned restorations, and whether other dental care is needed beforehand. After evaluating your teeth, we can discuss an estimate based on the recommended plan.
Insurance and financing: Veneers are commonly considered cosmetic treatment, so insurance coverage may be limited or unavailable. Our office offers CareCredit financing, subject to the provider’s eligibility requirements and current terms. You can review our financing and insurance information and contact us with questions about your plan.
Office amenities: Our West Hills office offers a waiting area with an aquarium and refreshments, along with blankets and televisions in treatment rooms. If you have concerns about comfort during dental visits, let our team know.
“West Hills Smiles is THE BEST dentist office in the world! The friendliest and most supportive dentist office I’ve ever been to, I couldn’t recommend it more!”
Our veneer consultations and treatment take place at West Hills Smiles in West Hills, and we welcome inquiries from patients in Woodland Hills. These neighboring communities include familiar public places such as Shadow Ranch Recreation Center in West Hills and Serrania Park and Woodland Hills Recreation Center in Woodland Hills. If you’re considering veneers, our team can provide information about visiting our West Hills office.
If you have questions about porcelain veneers, current consultation availability, or finding our West Hills office, call our team or send us a general inquiry. We can explain how to begin and answer questions about visiting the practice. Please do not include detailed dental histories, photographs, or other private health information in our contact form, since messages are forwarded by email rather than through a secure patient portal.
Porcelain veneers typically require removing some enamel, which your tooth cannot grow back. This generally makes the procedure irreversible, and the treated tooth may need a veneer or another restoration in the future. Minimal-preparation approaches can differ, but we cannot assume that a particular veneer treatment will be reversible without evaluating your teeth.
Veneer treatment may involve pressure or temporary discomfort, depending on how much preparation is needed. We may use local anesthesia when appropriate to help manage discomfort during tooth preparation. Some sensitivity afterward is possible. If you’re anxious about dental treatment, tell us so we can discuss suitable comfort measures and whether any of our sedation options may be relevant.
Porcelain veneers often last for years, but their lifespan varies. The material, your bite, grinding or clenching habits, and general wear can all influence how long a restoration remains in good condition. A veneer may eventually need repair or replacement, so we cannot guarantee that yours will last for a particular number of years.
Yes. A porcelain veneer covers the front of a tooth, but the natural tooth beneath it and around its edges can still develop tooth decay. Cavities may form on exposed surfaces or near the edges of a restoration. During your regular dental examinations, we check your teeth and surrounding tissues for signs of decay and other concerns that may need treatment.
It may be, but one veneer has to blend with the teeth beside it, so matching the color, shape, and translucency is harder, and your bite needs to be evaluated first. At a consultation we look at whether a single veneer, brightening the neighboring teeth, or another option gives the most natural match.
Contact us promptly for an assessment, and keep any piece that comes off so you can bring it with you. Please do not try to glue it back on at home. Whether the veneer can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on the damage, and we cannot promise same-day treatment.
No. Whitening gels act on natural enamel, but porcelain does not change color, so whitening afterward can leave your natural teeth lighter than your veneers. If you want brighter natural teeth, talk with us about whitening before veneer shades are chosen, because the order of treatment matters.
Possibly. Teeth grinding and clenching can place additional stress on teeth and dental restorations, increasing the risk of damage. We’ll examine your bite and any existing wear before determining whether veneers may be appropriate. A protective night guard or another treatment may be recommended depending on your needs.
Small adjustments to the edge or surface may be possible, but a significant change in shape or color usually means making a new veneer. That is why it helps to raise any concern during the preview or try-in stage, when changes are easiest, and to tell us about it right away if you notice something later.
Contact us for an assessment instead of waiting to see if it eases. A veneer that feels high can often be checked and adjusted, though we cannot promise timing, and an uneven bite can put extra strain on your teeth and jaw if it is ignored.
No. We do not have a separate Woodland Hills office. Veneer consultations and treatment take place at our West Hills office, and patients from Woodland Hills are welcome there.
Ask about the dentist’s education, relevant cosmetic training, and experience with porcelain restorations. You can also verify a dentist’s license through the Dental Board of California. During your consultation, ask how your oral health will be evaluated, whether you can review the proposed veneer design before bonding, and what you should expect regarding treatment costs, maintenance, and possible future repairs.
Yes. You can raise both concerns during a veneer consultation at our West Hills office. We’ll discuss whether the appearance you want to achieve may involve veneers, whitening, or a combination of approaches. The consultation does not mean every procedure can be completed at the same visit, and the recommended sequence depends on your examination.
Yes, you can ask. We compare your restoration history with what you want, and veneers are not always possible over an existing restoration, so we look at each tooth individually. Bring any dental records or photos of past work, and we will explain which options make sense.
If you’d like to explore porcelain veneers in more detail, these resources can help you understand the preparation involved, what happens to the natural teeth, and the concerns that may arise with older restorations.
What Happens to Your Natural Teeth Under Veneers?
How to Prepare for Veneers: What You Need to Know
Can Old or Poorly Done Veneers Be Fixed?
If you’re thinking about porcelain veneers, we’d be happy to answer your questions and explain how to begin an evaluation at our West Hills office. Whether you’re concerned about the appearance of one tooth or considering changes to several teeth, we can discuss your goals and the next steps before you decide on treatment.
West Hills Smiles: 7325 Medical Center Dr #310, West Hills, CA 91307
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Book an appointment for a consultation with our cosmetic dentists in West Hills, CA near Woodland Hills, CA today!
At West Hills Smiles in West Hills, CA we like to make the process a bit more interactive to allow all of our patients to be 100% happy with the final product. The process starts with a consultation where we will take pictures of your mouth and teeth and use them to create an image of what your new and improved smile could look like with your porcelain veneers. In addition, we will take an impression of the teeth and bite that can be used to create a model of your current smile. Using a special wax, we can preview what the changes would actually look like in your mouth.
For the second appointment, our dentists will take a look at the model and the wax representation of the smile makeover and discuss any changes that might need to be made. A customized mock-up is then created that can be used as temporary dental veneers. This allows our patients to take their new smile for a test drive before committing. The majority of patients are very happy with the response they get while wearing the temporaries, but some will want to change small things such as the shape, length or color.
Once the patient approves of the temporary veneers, the permanent porcelain veneers are made and cemented into place. Dental veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper, regular dental care practices and are much more stain-resistant than natural teeth.
Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. No matter your age, profession, or health, if you’re not happy about how your teeth look, it’s time to do something about it. West Hills Smiles dentists specialize in transforming smiles with veneers and other cosmetic dentistry services.
Dental veneers are a practical yet revolutionary solution for anyone embarrassed or unsatisfied with the present aesthetics of their natural teeth. Whether the concerns involve discoloration, gaps, etc., these thin, custom-made shells are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, enhancing their appearance and correcting various imperfections. Dental veneers are a permanent solution that quickly transforms the appearance of teeth without the discomfort, cost, or time commitment of alternative cosmetic dental procedures.
Dental veneers are not made of metal or plastic. They are constructed of porcelain. To ensure an exact fit, they are carefully designed to match the natural color, shape, and size of the patient’s teeth, thus providing a seamless and natural-looking result.
Both types of veneers are great solutions for those interested in correcting cosmetic dental imperfections, such as stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and misaligned teeth. Schedule a consultation with dentists in West Hills for an oral health and smile evaluation to determine the most suitable type of dental veneers based on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Though West Hills Smiles dentists provide a variety of smile enhancement options, dental veneers offer many benefits over alternative options.
With their transformative effects and numerous advantages, dental veneers provide a versatile and effective solution for achieving a radiant smile that leaves a lasting impression.
Dental veneers can address various cosmetic concerns, including stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignments. Whether you’re looking to brighten stained teeth, correct chipped or cracked teeth, or close gaps between teeth, veneers offer a customizable and effective option for smile transformation.
While dental veneers are generally safe, there are some risks associated with the installation process and tooth enhancement option itself. These include temporary sensitivity after the procedure, potential damage to the natural tooth structure during preparation, and the possibility of the veneers becoming loose or dislodged over time. Additionally, poor oral hygiene or habits such as biting on foods or objects increase the risk of complications. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your West Hills dentist and follow their recommendations for care and maintenance.
During your consultation for dental veneers, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are the most suitable solution for your smile transformation goals. Patients also receive a detailed explanation of the installation process to address any concerns or questions about the procedure, maintenance, and cost. They also review before-and-after photos of past cosmetic veneer patients to help them visualize their outcomes.
In addition to meeting the oral health criteria, there are processes for veneer preparation, customization, and placement. By the end of the consultation, West Hills Smiles dental patients understand what to expect and whether dental veneers are the right choice for enhancing their smile.
The prep process involves the dentist making impressions of your teeth to create custom-made veneers that match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
The preparation process for dental veneers typically involves several steps to ensure optimal results. Firstly, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Next, a small amount of enamel is carefully removed from the tooth’s surface to create space for the veneer. This process is minimal and tailored to the thickness of the veneer, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create custom-made veneers that fit perfectly and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Temporary veneers may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent veneers are being fabricated in a dental laboratory.
Final placement occurs a few weeks later once the permanent veneers are ready. During this dental appointment, the dentist carefully bonds the veneers to your teeth using a special adhesive to ensure proper fit, alignment, and color match. Adjustments are made to optimize patient comfort and achieve the desired aesthetic result. The procedure is complete after the veneers are polished. The result is a radiant smile that looks and feels natural.
Caring for dental veneers is relatively easy and involves practicing good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain the veneers’ appearance and prevent plaque buildup. Floss every day to remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth and around the veneers. Avoid biting or chewing ice or hard food items to protect your veneers from damage.
Cut back on coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco to prevent discoloration. It’s essential to visit your West Hills dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your veneers and ensure optimal oral health. With proper care and maintenance, dental veneers can provide long-lasting results and a radiant smile that lasts.
The lifespan of dental veneers varies depending on factors, such as the material used (porcelain or ceramic), oral hygiene practices, and daily habits. Generally, porcelain and Emax veneers can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene habits, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or biting on hard objects can help extend the longevity of veneers.
While the veneer placement procedure may involve minimal discomfort, your West Hills dentist will administer a local anesthetic to optimize your comfort. Some temporary teeth sensitivity is common, but this typically subsides within a few days. The tooth preparation process involves minimal discomfort, and any post-procedure discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Overall, most West Hills Smiles dental patients experience little to no discomfort during placement and recovery.
Dental veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution. During the preparation process, a small amount of enamel must be removed to alter the natural structure of the tooth. While veneers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, replacement may become necessary over time due to normal wear and tear or damage. (This is patient-dependent.) Once the natural tooth structure is altered to accommodate veneers, the procedure is irreversible, making veneers a long-term cosmetic enhancement option.
Dental veneers are typically considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for veneers in certain cases, such as if they are medically necessary for functional reasons, such as to repair damaged teeth. Book a consultation with one of our West Hills dentists and check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with dental veneers.
West Hills Smiles offers financing options for dental veneers and alternative cosmetic dental procedures. Contact us to learn what insurance plans we accept, our payment plans, and financing options that can help make dental veneers more affordable.
Dental veneers are among several versatile and practical smile enhancement solutions available at West Hills Smiles. Whether opting for porcelain or Emax veneers, you can have the beautiful, natural-looking smile you’ve always dreamed of that boosts your confidence and self-esteem.
Take the first step on your smile transformation journey and contact West Hills Smiles today. Let us help you achieve a healthier and more radiant smile.