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Porcelain Veneers - Covina

Correcting Imperfections

Covina Family Dental offers patients in Covina porcelain veneers to restore cracked, chipped, worn-down, stained, uneven, irregularly shaped, or misaligned teeth, well as teeth with gaps in between them. Patients will be pleased to see how well porcelain veneers can fix tooth imperfections and rejuvenate their smile.

How Veneers Work

Animation of veneer placement

Dental veneers are made of either resin or porcelain. Our Covina cosmetic dentist only uses porcelain veneers because they resist stains better than resin veneers do and because they more closely resemble natural teeth.

Dental veneers work by covering a tooth’s surface. Veneers are quite thin and made to match the color of natural teeth. Dr. Danny Tran bonds veneers to the tooth’s enamel, transforming the size, shape, or color of the tooth. The veneers can adhere to a single tooth, a few teeth, or all teeth as necessary. Under the right conditions and with the right care, porcelain veneers can last about 15 years.

What to Expect During Treatment

The veneer process includes preparing teeth and then bonding porcelain veneers to the prepared teeth. It is minimally invasive and can be done in about two office visits.

Dr. Tran must first prepare any teeth to be covered by the veneer. He will shave down the enamel of the tooth to be treated by about one-eighth of an inch on the front surface and biting edge of the tooth. The procedure should not be painful. However, he may choose to apply a local anesthetic if needed.

Once the patient’s teeth are prepared, Dr. Tran will make a mold of the teeth and send it to a lab. The lab clinician then uses the patient’s dental impression to make the veneers. While waiting for the finished veneers, the patient will use temporary dental veneers that can be seen as a preview of the fantastic smile that is to come.

The patient next returns to Covina Family Dental once the permanent porcelain veneers have arrived in the office. Dr. Tran will bond the final veneers to teeth using a dental adhesive. The dentist or staff member will lastly smooth and polish the veneers before sending the patient off on his or her way.

Dr. Danny Tran may request that the patient come in for a follow-up visit to make sure veneers are adhering properly.

Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

In addition to meeting other criteria as discussed below, suitable candidates for porcelain veneers include those who have a gap in between teeth or suffer from stained, worn, cracked, chipped, irregularly shaped, misaligned, or uneven teeth.

Patients suffering from any of the above must also fit the following criteria to be considered a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers. Suitable candidates must:

  • Have healthy teeth, gums, and overall oral health
  • Have sufficient tooth enamel to which veneers can bond
  • Not suffer from bruxism, also known as the tendency to clench or grind teeth
  • Know that veneers are not a solution for weak or damaged teeth

Porcelain veneers are sturdy, but they are not as sturdy as natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can crack or break. They cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if that happens. This is why patients who suffer from bruxism or have weak teeth may not be suitable candidates for porcelain veneers.

However, Dr. Tran has several alternative treatments at his disposal to help patients who aren’t candidates for porcelain veneers attain better, brighter smiles. Those who are interested in porcelain veneers can contact Covina Family Dental to find out if they are suitable candidates for porcelain veneers or more complex cosmetic procedures including dental implants or dentures.

At-Home Care for Porcelain Veneers

Patients must take good care of porcelain veneers for optimum, long-lasting results. West Covina veneers patients should avoid chewing ice, grinding their teeth, biting their nails, or participating in any other bad habit that may chip or crack veneers. Veneers are irreparable and need to be replaced if damaged.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation, or to learn more about porcelain veneers in Covina, Glendora, and West Covina, please contact Covina Family Dental by calling us or by filling out our online form.

Veneers FAQs

FAQs and question marks on blue background

Veneers in Covina are a popular option to fix several imperfections using one minimally invasive procedure. However, they are a lifelong commitment. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns. Your cosmetic dentist, Dr. Tran, will explain exactly what you can expect during your consultation. In the meantime, you can contact our office to speak with a member of our dental team or take a look below at the answers to the most frequently asked questions about veneers.

Are Veneers Permanent?

A unique etching method allows veneers to last for longer than ever before. Unfortunately, they aren’t permanent. Veneers need to be replaced periodically. Although they aren’t permanent, veneers aren’t reversible, either. Your cosmetic dentist must shave off a little enamel to ensure your restorations are flush with your teeth for a strong bond. While this doesn’t harm the health of your teeth, your enamel won’t grow back if your veneers are removed. They can be vulnerable to sensitivity, bacteria, and damage if they aren’t always covered by restorations.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

A veneer can be bonded to a single tooth to fix a chip or another flaw. However, enhancing a person’s overall smile is the goal of the procedure. Therefore, your cosmetic dentist will recommend bonding them to the teeth visible when smiling. Since every mouth is unique, there’s no way to know how many you’ll need without first examining your mouth. Some patients may need as few as 4 or 6, but other patients might require 8 or more to ensure seamless results. Your cosmetic dentist in Covina, Dr. Tran, will explain how many you’ll require during your consultation.

Do Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Although you’ll sacrifice some enamel, you don’t have to worry about your teeth being sensitive after getting veneers. In fact, veneers can be recommended for patients with a history of tooth sensitivity. The restorations will provide an additional layer of protection to reduce discomfort from heat or cold.

Can Veneers Get Cavities?

Veneers can’t get cavities, but your underlying and surrounding teeth are still vulnerable to decay. If a cavity forms underneath a veneer, it will need to be removed. You can help safeguard your smile from decay by practicing good dental hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Limit your consumption of sugars and starches.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Veneers?

Dental insurance rarely covers elective services, like veneers. However, there are exceptions if a procedure is medically necessary, which can be the case when needing replacement veneers. Although your insurance won’t pay for your first set of veneers, your policy may include your consultation, diagnostic services, or preparatory treatments, like gum disease therapy. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any coverage. Our office accepts several payment methods for any out-of-pocket expenses, like monthly installments with CareCredit.