High Quality Veneers in San Diego, CA
Get a Brilliantly White Smile in Two Visits!
Is your smile filled with imperfections that no amount of cleaning seems to remove? Are your teeth significantly discolored, chipped, cracked or look less appealing than you would like? Some cosmetic treatments can do the trick, but there are few treatments as comprehensive as porcelain veneers from Dr. Friedman. During your consultation, they’ll make sure to meet all your needs and get your smile looking the way you’ve always dreamed. Contact us today to get started!
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin sheaths of dental ceramic that are designed to sit on the surface of teeth. Since veneers are placed for cosmetic purposes, they are only placed over the visible portions of teeth. Each veneer is custom-made to fit over your teeth exactly and blend in with the rest of your smile. This way, we can avoid the risk of creating “chiclet teeth,” a phenomenon that was common among veneers of the past.
Most dental practices only offer one type of veneer, but we offer two types depending on your needs. During your consultation, our dentists will walk you through the differences in more detail. However, it’s worth exploring the notable differences prior so you can be better prepared.
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
These are the most common types of veneers and require removal of tooth enamel in order to place. While the amount removed is very limited, it’s still more than likely going to be necessary. Make sure that you’re okay with permanent removal of part of your enamel before placing.
Minimal-Prep Veneers
One of the most notable benefits of minimal-prep veneers is that more often than not, they require no removal of enamel to place. If you don’t have much enamel to spare or you have issues with sensitivity, this may prove to be a more viable cosmetic option.
What is the Procedure Like?
After completing your examination, the dentist will numb the area around the teeth you’d like to have covered, then begin buffing down the enamel so that the veneers will sit flush. If you chose minimal-prep veneers, then we may skip this step. After preparation, we’ll take an impression of your smile and send that mold to a dental lab for fabrication. During the two-week period it takes to create them, you’ll wear temporary veneers to help you get used to your new smile. Once created, you’ll come back to the office to have your permanent veneers placed.
There are many benefits to consider when choosing porcelain veneers as your cosmetic treatment. For one, veneers are highly capable of covering multiple imperfections with just one treatment. These include:
- Permanent discoloration
- Chips and cracks
- Small gaps
- Minorly misaligned teeth
Furthermore, veneers are naturally stain-resistant. This is in large contrast to natural teeth which usually have many microscopic scratches and crevices, making them highly susceptible to stains.
Veneers are a great way to achieve that beautiful smile makeover you’ve been hoping for. However, they aren’t necessarily the best option for every patient. To determine whether or not veneers in San Diego are the ideal cosmetic solution for you, you need to understand the cost. By choosing a skilled dentist and investing in high-quality veneers, you can achieve a smile that’s perfect for the big screen. However, they aren’t your only option. Read on so you can make an informed decision about the future of your smile.
If you’re interested in completely revamping your smile, look no further than porcelain veneers. No other cosmetic treatment is quite as comprehensive as this one. However, they are considered a permanent treatment, since some enamel must be removed. For this reason, you should be absolutely sure that you want veneers before getting them. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions about veneers and answered them for your benefit. That way you can be as informed as possible before undergoing treatment. If you have a question about veneers that you don’t see on this page, just contact us and ask!
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Veneers have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, but they can remain a part of your smile for up to 20 years if you take proper care of them. Doing so involves:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day
- Wearing a custom nightguard while you sleep to prevent damage from unconscious grinding
- Wearing a mouthguard during physical activity such as contact sports to prevent injuring your veneers
- Visiting us for a checkup every six months so we can examine your veneers for signs that they need to be replaced
Does It Hurt to Get Porcelain Veneers?
If you opt for veneers that require your teeth to be prepped by removing enamel, you might be worried that the procedure will hurt. This actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Before prepping your teeth, we’ll make sure your affected teeth are nice and numb with plenty of local anesthetic. This way you won’t feel a thing during your procedure!
Moreover, we offer sedation dentistry for patients who tend to get nervous at the idea of getting dental work done. At your consultation, simply ask about sedation, and we can determine whether you’re a good candidate for it.
Are Porcelain Veneers Reversible?
Porcelain veneers are generally considered an irreversible treatment. Why is that? Because some enamel needs to be removed to ensure the veneers sit flush against the line of your smile. Once enamel has been removed, it cannot grow back, so those teeth will always require veneers or crowns in the future. For no-prep veneers, where no enamel is removed, the treatment is not considered permanent.
Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Whether you want to brighten up a couple discolored teeth or completely transform your smile, veneers can drastically improve your teeth’s appearance. If you want to correct any of the following cosmetic issues, veneers may be right for you:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Misshapen or worn-down teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Minor gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
For more serious misaligned teeth, we might recommend traditional orthodontic treatment like Invisalign clear braces. We also suggest that before we place veneers, your teeth and gums are free from infection. That means if you have cavities or gum disease, we must address those concerns prior to placing veneers.