Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are like a face-lift for your teeth. They can close gaps, make different length teeth line up straight and turn stained and flat-out discolored teeth pearly white. If your teeth are basically healthy, but don’t look the way you want them to, veneers may be the answer.

What are dental veneers

Veneers are custom-crafted covers for your teeth made of porcelain or a synthetic material (like Lumineers). Veneers are permanently cemented to your teeth, but they don’t require reshaping your teeth like crowns do.

Who can have porcelain veneers

Anyone who is interested in altering the appearance of their natural teeth is a candidate for porcelain veneers. They can also be used for minor repairs from chipping, fractures and cavities.

How many teeth should have veneers

This question can only be answered together once we have examined your teeth and discussed the outcomes you are hoping for. As a goal we strive to be as conservative as possible and only treat the teeth necessary to reach the desired outcome.

I know someone with veneers that don’t look good, what happened

The final result is dependent on many factors. First, we want to be clear about what you want the teeth to look like after the final porcelain veneers are in place. Beautiful results are dependent on the dentist and the skillful ceramist. Dr. Patish and Dr. Khooshab have taken numerous seminars and workshops of additional education in cosmetic dentistry beyond dental school to deliver our patients the best smiles. We work with only the best ceramists, who are experts and artists in their own right to ensure your result. 100% of our lab work is done by U.S. dental labs where we have developed a close relationship with the ceramists; we never send cases to Mexico or China. We are fortunate to have world-class local lab partners in the San Diego area; all of our cases go to these local labs.

Getting dental veneers — what to expect

Start by talking to your dentist

Tell her what you want to change about your teeth and your smile. That way she can advise you on all your options and the best materials.

Find out if you’re a good candidate

Your dentist will do a thorough examination and take X-Rays to make sure your teeth are healthy and sound. Any problems, like cavities or an infected tooth, need to be fixed before you can get veneers.

Get a little chair time

Once you’re cleared for veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel the thickness of your veneers—about 1/2 of a millimeter—from the surface of the teeth you are covering. Then, she’ll take and impression of your mouth and send it to one of our labs, where technicians will craft custom veneers just for you.

Time to fit and bond

Your dentist will hand-size each veneer so that it matches your gum line and creates the correct spacing and alignment. Once the veneers are trimmed, your dentist will etch your teeth and the veneers with a mild acid that roughens them up so they bond better. Finally, she’ll cement them in place.

Making veneers last (and last)

Veneers should look fabulous for 10-15 years, if you take good care of them. Here are some do’s and don’ts that will help you get the most out of your veneers.

  • Don’t drink stainy-stuff. Coffee, red wine, soda, tea can all stain those shiny new teeth.
  • Don’t use your teeth like a crow bar. No gnawing on packages or pens. And definitely no bottle opening!
  • Do deal with tooth grinding. If you tend clench and gnaw, talk to your dentist about a bite guard. It can protect your teeth, especially when you’re sleep-grinding.
  • Do wear a mouth guard if you play sports. One bad hit in soccer can take out a veneer. Boxing—you might find a new sport.
  • Do take care of your teeth. Brush, floss and see us twice a year for a cleaning and check-up.