Have you always wanted a movie star smile but are hesitant to undergo lengthy dental or orthodontic procedures to transform the appearance of your teeth? If so, porcelain veneers may be just right for you! At Shadowridge Dental in San Marcos, CA, we combine the latest dental materials with precision and artistry to craft the beautiful smile you have always wanted.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are very thin pieces of custom-crafted porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth to transform their appearance. They are very versatile and can be used to hide a number of tooth imperfections, such as for:
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- Teeth gaps
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Permanent stains or discoloration
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Teeth that are too small or large in comparison to others
- Asymmetrical teeth
We use modern dental porcelain for veneers, which is strong and durable while also looking natural, as it has the same translucency and luster as tooth enamel and can be shaded to your desired level of whiteness. While many people who get front teeth veneers only get them on top since these are the teeth most visible in your smile, it is also possible to get bottom teeth veneers placed for a total smile transformation.
The Veneer Placement Process
Before placing porcelain veneers, one of our dentists will lightly shape your teeth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the surface. This is necessary so that the veneers will fit in well with your smile without adding too much bulk. Then, we will take dental impressions that are used by the laboratory to craft your custom veneers. When they are ready, you will return to the office and we will make any minor adjustments necessary. When you and the dentist agree that they look, feel, and fit perfectly, he will bond them on to your teeth.
Financial Options
While standard dental insurance typically does not cover purely cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers, our team is dedicated to making high-quality cosmetic care accessible and affordable for your budget.
- Flexible Financing: We partner with trusted healthcare lenders like Cherry financing to allow you to split the cost of your treatment into low, manageable monthly installments with flexible approval terms.
- Maximizing PPO Benefits: If your treatment plan includes restorative work alongside cosmetic veneers (such as treating underlying decay or gum health prior to placement), we maximize your PPO insurance coverage for those applicable treatments.
- Healthy Smiles Membership Plan: Our in-house membership plan covers two routine cleanings, exams, and digital X-rays per year, plus 15% off additional restorative and cosmetic treatments (including veneers).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, high-quality porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years or longer. Because porcelain is non-porous, it is highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, or wine compared to natural enamel.
Is the porcelain veneer process painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort while your teeth are prepared. You may experience mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days following enamel preparation and final bonding, which subsides quickly.
What is the difference between a veneer and a dental crown?
A veneer covers only the visible front surface of the tooth and requires minimal enamel reduction, making it ideal for cosmetic enhancements. A dental crown encases the entire tooth to restore structural strength when a tooth is heavily decayed, cracked, or structurally compromised.
If you are ready to stop hiding your teeth and start feeling confident about your smile, call Shadowridge Dental to schedule your consultation today! We serve patients in the Oceanside, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Escondido, Encinitas, and surrounding communities and can be reached at (760) 727-3131.