What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of dental ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, slightly misaligned, worn, or have gaps between them.
Because a small amount of enamel is typically removed to accommodate the veneer, the procedure is considered permanent — meaning the tooth will always require a restoration of some kind after the procedure is completed.
Dr. Hedvat will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before recommending veneers. Not every patient is a suitable candidate, and he will discuss all available options with you honestly.
What Concerns Can Veneers Address?
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment and are typically considered for patients who want to improve the appearance of teeth that are:
- Severely stained or discolored that does not respond to whitening
- Chipped or slightly broken at the edges
- Mildly uneven or irregularly shaped
- Slightly shorter than desired due to wear
- Teeth with small gaps between them (minor spacing issues)
Veneers are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment for significant misalignment. Candidacy is determined following a clinical examination.
The Veneer Process at Smile Care Valencia
Porcelain veneers typically require two to three appointments. Here is a general overview of what to expect:
Consultation & Evaluation
Dr. Hedvat examines your teeth, gums, and bite to determine whether veneers are appropriate. He will discuss your goals, explain the procedure in detail, and review all available options.
Tooth Preparation
A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth receiving a veneer. This is done under local anesthesia. Temporary veneers may be placed while your permanent ones are fabricated.
Impressions & Custom Fabrication
Impressions of your prepared teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom porcelain veneers are crafted to the agreed-upon shape and shade.
Bonding & Final Placement
At your final appointment, the veneers are checked for fit, color, and bite before being permanently bonded to your teeth. Minor adjustments may be made at this stage.
* Individual treatment timelines and procedures may vary. Some patients may require additional appointments.
General Dentist
Robert P. Hedvat, DDS
Dr. Robert P. Hedvat takes a thorough, patient-centered approach to cosmetic dentistry. He believes that every patient deserves an honest conversation about what is possible, what is realistic, and what the long-term commitment of a procedure like veneers involves.
He uses advanced digital imaging to help patients visualize potential outcomes and will never recommend a cosmetic procedure unless it is appropriate for the patient’s oral health and long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Payment & Financing
For restorative procedures such as crowns, many PPO dental plans provide coverage when clinically necessary. Our team can assist with benefit verification.