Porcelain Veneer

What is a Porcelain Veneer? (Your Guide to a Complete Smile Makeover)

You see them on actors, executives, and people who just seem to radiate confidence—a stunning, perfectly aligned, brilliant smile. For many, the secret behind that smile isn't genetics; it's Porcelain Veneers.

A veneer is an ultra-thin, custom-fabricated shell of ceramic that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change its appearance. Think of it like putting a new, flawless façade on a building. It doesn't change the underlying structure, but it completely transforms how it looks from the outside. It's the premier procedure in cosmetic dentistry for achieving a dramatic and lasting smile enhancement.

The All-Important Question: Veneer or Crown?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the distinction is critical.

• A Porcelain Veneer:
  • Coverage: Covers only the visible front surface of the tooth.
  • Purpose: Primarily cosmetic. It’s designed to change the color, shape, size, or length of a tooth.
  • Preparation: Very conservative. We only need to remove a paper-thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth to make space.
• A Dental Crown:
  • Coverage: Covers the entire tooth 360 degrees, like a helmet.
  • Purpose: Primarily structural. It’s used to strengthen and protect a tooth that is cracked, has a large filling, or has had a root canal.
  • Preparation: Requires more significant removal of tooth structure from all sides.

We choose veneers when your underlying tooth is healthy and strong, and your goal is purely to enhance the look of your smile.

What Smile Concerns Can Veneers Fix?

Veneers are a versatile solution for a wide range of cosmetic issues, including:

• Permanent Stains: Discoloration from medication or trauma that won’t respond to teeth whitening.
• Chips and Cracks: Minor damage on otherwise healthy teeth.
• Gaps and Spaces: Closing gaps between teeth for a more uniform look.
• Minor Misalignment: Making slightly crooked or rotated teeth appear perfectly straight without orthodontics.
• Worn or Short Teeth: Restoring the length of teeth that have been worn down from grinding or age.

The Smile Design Process: Artistry Meets Your Vision

Creating a veneer case is one of the most artistic and rewarding things we do. It’s a collaborative process where you are the co-designer of your new smile. We don’t start until we know exactly what you want, and you get to "test drive" the results. The process typically involves a digital design or wax model, allowing you to see the final outcome before we even touch a tooth.

Here's what we want you to remember:

Porcelain veneers are the ultimate tool in cosmetic dentistry for transforming the appearance of your smile. By covering just the front surface of your teeth, they offer a conservative way to correct everything from stains to chips to gaps, giving you a beautiful result while preserving most of your natural tooth.

Every patient's situation is unique.

A smile makeover is a deeply personal journey. We don't create "one-size-fits-all" smiles; we co-design a new smile with you that fits your face, your personality, and your vision. The shape, length, and color of your veneers are all 100% customized for you.

Have questions about porcelain veneers?

Or are you wondering if you're a candidate for a smile makeover? We're here to give you honest, personalized answers. Schedule a consultation at our Woodland Hills practice – let's talk about what's really best for your smile.