Veneers

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are extremely thin, tooth-shaped porcelain or resin shells that your dentist permanently cements to the front of your teeth. At Santa Monica Bay Dental, the expert dentists use the thinnest possible porcelain veneers for the most natural look. The thinness of their veneers has another advantage: Your original teeth don’t have to be altered as significantly as they would with traditional veneers.

Why should I get veneers?

Veneers improve the look of your teeth, but can also improve their function. Typical reasons for getting cosmetic veneers include their ability to hide:

• Cracks
• Chips
• Stains
• Breaks
• Misalignments
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Uneven teeth

Your dentist may recommend veneers to improve functional problems, such as weakened teeth. If you suffer from bruxism (i.e., tooth grinding) and the edges of your teeth are worn down, your dentist recommends veneers to restore the chewing or biting surface. Veneers also rebalance your jaw if your teeth are uneven.

How can I get veneers?

If your dentist clears you for veneers, they thoroughly cleanse your teeth and then sand away a minute amount of enamel. Your dentist removes the enamel to leave space for the shells. Once you get veneers, you must always wear them to protect your altered teeth.

Next, your dentist uses a handheld digital camera to take impressions of your teeth. In most practices, these impressions would be sent off to a lab. 

However, at Santa Monica Bay Dental you get your permanent veneers in just one day. Your dentist transfers the digital impressions to a 3-D printer so that your veneers are “manufactured” while you wait (or even watch). 

Once the veneers are ready, your dentist cements them to your teeth. Get ready to turn heads on the boardwalk with your bright, new, confident smile.

What is better, porcelain or resin veneers?

Both porcelain and resin veneers transform your smile, making it look brighter, whiter, and healthier. Porcelain veneers reflect light similarly to natural teeth and are completely stain resistant. Your Santa Monica Bay Dental dentist helps you decide which type of veneers is best for you.

Can I just get one veneer?

You can get just one veneer to fix a single tooth that’s stained or damaged. Your dentist perfectly matches the shape and color of your veneer to harmonize with your natural teeth.

To set up a veneers consultation, use the online form or call the friendly Santa Monica Bay Dental team.