Porcelain Veneers

At OC Lifesmiles, we offer advanced cosmetic dentistry solutions and take advantage of the latest innovations in the field of dentistry. While other dental practices may use traditional veneers that can look bulky or thick when placed on the tooth, we use ultra-thin, state-of-the-art veneers to deliver natural-looking results. Our cosmetic dentist, John Cross, DDS, chooses to work with high-quality DURAthin^® porcelain veneers and relies on his extensive training and technical skill to create beautiful, long-lasting smile transformations.

• What Are Porcelain Veneers?
• Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
• Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns
• Porcelain Veneers Procedure
• Porcelain Veneers Results
• Porcelain Veneer Care
• Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
• Choosing a Porcelain Veneers Dentist
• Porcelain Veneers Cost
• Porcelain Veneer Alternatives
• Additional FAQs

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin sheaths of ceramic material that firmly adhere to the surface of the teeth to instantly improve the appearance of small, stained, misaligned, damaged, or worn teeth. Veneers can mask chips and cracks, improve the color and shape of teeth, and close small spaces between teeth for a beautiful smile.

What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Unlike traditional veneers, DURAthin^® porcelain veneers are a “no prep” product, preserving the original structure of your tooth. Porcelain veneers can be used to address a wide array of common aesthetic tooth concerns, including:

• Chips and cracks
• Stains and discolorations
• Gaps between teeth
• Worn down or uneven teeth

Since the natural tooth is still completely intact, an additional benefit of this procedure is that you have the option of removing the veneers in the future. After application, your DURAthin^® veneers are slightly buffed for a natural, beautiful shine.

Who is a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Candidates for porcelain veneers typically wish to correct the appearance of chips, cracks, stains or discoloration, spaces or gaps, and “short” or worn teeth. In some cases, veneers can even be used to correct mild misalignment. While other treatments, such as teeth whitening or Invisalign^®, may address some of these concerns individually, porcelain veneers are ideal for patients who need to address a number of dental issues simultaneously. Some patients choose to use porcelain veneers as part of a larger smile makeover treatment.

Do I Need Porcelain Veneers or Crowns?

Porcelain crowns and veneers can be used to correct many of the same tooth imperfections. However, porcelain crowns are primarily designed to strengthen the structure of a tooth that has been compromised by damage or decay. Conversely, porcelain veneers are primarily designed to improve the appearance of the teeth. During the consultation process, Dr. Cross will perform an oral examination, discuss your goals, and help determine which procedure can best meet your needs.

What Happens During the Porcelain Veneers Procedure?

Though dentists typically prepare natural teeth for veneers by removing a portion of sensitive tooth enamel, our DURAthin^® veneers require no drilling, injections, or anesthesia to prep the tooth. Typically, DURAthin^® veneers require only minimal tooth “prep”. Depending upon the patient’s dental needs and cosmetic goals, sometimes the veneers procedure can even be completed without local anesthetic or tooth preparation. Our patients typically report very little discomfort and no pain during the veneers procedure. Dr. Cross can simply slip on the contact lens-thin veneer, using a strong dental adhesive to bond it to the tooth.

What Results Can I Expect after Porcelain Veneers Placement?

DURAthin^® porcelain veneers are custom-made and designed to match the shade of your natural teeth for a beautiful, consistent appearance. Since the porcelain material used to make the veneers has translucent properties, the final results can be virtually identical to the appearance of dental enamel. Porcelain veneers are designed to provide a natural-looking, youthful, beautiful smile. To see examples of results, we invite you to explore porcelain veneer before-and-after photos featuring our OC Lifesmiles patients.

How Do I Care for My Porcelain Veneers?

Dr. Cross recommends caring for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth:

• Brush and floss twice per day
• Keep up with professional cleanings at least twice per year
• Wear a protective bite guard at night to prevent damage from clenching or grinding
• Notify our office as soon as you notice an issue with any of your veneers

Once your veneers are placed, you will be educated on how to best care for your veneers post-treatment and beyond.

How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last for decades when cared for properly. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and scheduling routine exams with your dentist can help prolong the lifespan of your veneers. Dr. Cross also recommends patients who grind or clench their teeth wear a night guard when they sleep to protect the veneers from unnecessary damage.

How to Choose the Best Cosmetic Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

Selecting the right cosmetic dentist to design and place your porcelain veneers is a big decision, and who you choose can have a big impact on the outcome of your procedure. When searching for a porcelain veneer dentist, Dr. Cross recommends looking for the following:

• Proper dental credentials and licensing
• State-of-the-art facility and technology
• A personalized approach to treatment that prioritizes your needs and goals
• A detailed smile design process focused on achieving optimal aesthetics that suit your desired outcome
• Advanced training and experience in porcelain veneer procedures and smile makeovers
• A broad range of porcelain veneer before-and-after photos, which show results that are appealing to you
• Use of high-quality porcelain veneers and a relationship with a reputable dental lab
• Reputation for excellence, demonstrated by positive online ratings and reviews
• Membership in prominent dental associations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
• A dentist who helps you feel confident, comfortable, and informed about your care

When you choose Dr. Cross and OC Lifesmiles for your porcelain veneers, you can rest assured that you have selected a cosmetic dentist and dental practice that is dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality care and results. Dr. Cross is among the top cosmetic dentists in Orange County, a member of the AACD, and he has undergone extensive training in every aspect of the porcelain veneers treatment process. His more than 15 years of experience, education at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), and passion for healthy, beautiful smiles allows him to create gorgeous smile transformations for a diverse range of patients. To find out how Dr. Cross can enhance your smile with porcelain veneers, please contact our office to schedule an informative consultation!

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

There is no set cost for the porcelain veneers procedure. The price of veneers is calculated using a number of variables, including the location of the affected teeth and the number of veneers needed. At the end of the consultation process, Dr. Cross can give you a quote for the cost of porcelain veneers. At OC Lifesmiles, we offer a number of financing options to provide patients with payment methods that can comfortably fit within their budget.

Are There Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?

If you are not a good candidate for porcelain veneers or desire a more economical solution for your cosmetic concerns, we offer several treatments that can be considered alternatives to porcelain veneers:

• When a tooth is too decayed or damaged to support a porcelain veneer, Dr. Cross generally suggests a porcelain crown instead. This approach allows him to treat the tooth damage and use a custom crown to restore the full strength, structure, and appearance of the tooth, as well as create a proper bite.
• Tooth misalignment, crowding, and gaps between teeth can also be corrected with Invisalign^® orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a popular treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to shift teeth into their proper position, without the need for uncomfortable metal wires and brackets.
• Tooth stains and discoloration can often be lightened with the use of professional teeth whitening treatments. We offer in-office and at-home whitening treatments to help you achieve the whiter, brighter smile you desire.

During your consultation, Dr. Cross will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the cosmetic treatments that can improve your smile so you are able to make a decision that aligns with your needs, goals, priorities, and budget.

Additional Porcelain Veneer FAQs

Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are typically considered an elective aesthetic treatment that is not covered by insurance; however, our office team can check your benefits for you to be sure. If you are concerned about the price of porcelain veneers, we do offer financing options through trusted third-party lenders that can help make the cost of your treatment more budget-friendly.

How strong are porcelain veneers?

Today’s porcelain veneers are made from high-quality ceramic material that is stronger than ever. The strength and durability of these state-of-the-art materials allow Dr. Cross to create porcelain veneers that are very thin and require only a minimal amount of tooth preparation. It is important to note that porcelain veneers are not indestructible, though with proper care and protection, high-quality veneers can potentially last for up to 15 years or more.

Do porcelain veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are made from stain-resistant, colorfast ceramic material. The shade they are when placed is the color they will be for their lifetime. For this reason, it is important to make sure you love the color of your veneers before they are bonded to your teeth. Dr. Cross typically suggests choosing a shade that is slightly lighter than you might otherwise pick if you are unsure. In every case, Dr. Cross ensures the dental lab has created the proper shade and consistent coloration among the veneers before they are placed.

Can porcelain veneers be whitened?

Porcelain veneers cannot be bleached the way natural tooth material can, but there should be no need to whiten them because they are stain-resistant. When your final veneers arrive at the practice, if they are not the appropriate shade of white, Dr. Cross can send them back to the lab with instructions to create the precise shade you desire. If you have veneers that were placed a while ago by a different dentist and are now dissatisfied with the color (or want to upgrade), Dr. Cross can design and place a new set made with high-quality materials that are whiter and brighter.

Are porcelain veneers reversible?

While some cosmetic dentists may say the porcelain veneers procedure is “reversible,” this statement is only partly true. Yes, there are now veneers that require only minimal tooth preparation, but once that enamel has been removed from the tooth, it cannot be replaced. If you choose to go forward with porcelain veneers, it is helpful to view the procedure as a long-term commitment that should be considered carefully and planned meticulously by an experienced dentist. Of course, you can always decide to replace your veneers down the road if you want to; however, today’s ceramic materials are incredibly resilient and make it possible for your new smile to remain beautiful for many years to come.

Do porcelain veneers hurt?

The process of preparing the teeth for veneers and placing veneers should be virtually painless; however, it is common for some patients to experience temporary sensitivity for a few days following the procedure as the teeth adjust. For patients who are generally uncomfortable when visiting the dentist or those who simply desire an additional level of relaxation during treatment, a variety of sedation options are available.

Are porcelain veneers safe?

When porcelain veneers treatment is performed by an experienced and properly credentialed cosmetic dentist, the procedure is considered to be very safe. Dr. Cross frequently performs smile enhancements with porcelain veneers and the risk of developing problems is typically very low. During your consultation, Dr. Cross will thoroughly explain any risks and detail the precautions he takes to safeguard your oral health, cosmetic outcome, and comfort.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Today’s porcelain veneers are designed to be “permanent” due to their durability and long-lasting aesthetic qualities; however, if you later desire a change in the appearance of your veneers, new veneers can be placed. Additionally, if a veneer becomes damaged for any reason, a replacement can be made. As a general rule, high-quality porcelain veneers that are well cared for can last for decades!

Will porcelain veneers increase my risk for cavities?

When porcelain veneers are custom-crafted for an optimal fit and placed/bonded by an experienced cosmetic dentist, your risk for developing cavities should not increase. To limit cavities, it is important that patients do their part to promote optimal oral health by engaging in proper dental hygiene and receiving professional dental cleanings twice per year. Clean teeth and healthy gums are always your best protection against cavities! Furthermore, when you come to OC Lifesmiles for your preventative dental care, we use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate your teeth for cavities. This technology can help us spot vulnerable areas early, as well as identify decay that is harder to detect with the naked eye.

How many porcelain veneers will I need to improve my smile?

The number of veneers you require to achieve your smile goals can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Cross. While some patients just want to improve the appearance of a couple of teeth, others desire a full smile makeover, which can require eight or more veneers. For individuals who desire fewer veneers, the porcelain can be precisely shade-matched to the surrounding teeth to achieve a uniform appearance. Based on your specific concerns and desired outcome, Dr. Cross can design a personalized veneers treatment plan that’s right for you.

Contact Us

If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cross.