Menu
Menu
A dental veneer is a thin porcelain shell that is placed over a natural tooth. It is about the thickness of a contact lens, or around a half a millimeter thick. When applied to the teeth, veneers are a fantastic way to cover up a long list of cosmetic dental problems including unusually shaped teeth, stained teeth, misaligned teeth, and short teeth.
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.