Naturally Beautiful Smiles

Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile and transformative options in cosmetic dentistry. At Rancho Bernardo Dental Arts, Dr. Ghandehari uses veneers to create stunning, natural-looking smiles—bright, vibrant, and flawless. Known for their durability and realistic appearance, porcelain veneers stand out as a top choice for smile enhancements.

Whether you want to improve a single tooth or completely transform your smile, veneers could be the perfect solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells designed to fit over the front of your teeth. They effectively conceal cracks, chips, stains, and other imperfections while offering a natural look. Veneers can also serve as a faster alternative to traditional orthodontics, correcting minor gaps or misalignments in what we call “instant orthodontics.” For a full smile makeover, we often pair veneers with treatments like teeth whitening, delivering dramatic results in just two visits.

The secret to their lifelike appearance? Porcelain mimics the translucency of natural tooth enamel, reflecting light in a way that blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Our cosmetic dentists collaborate with world-class ceramists to craft veneers tailored to your unique smile—matching the size, shape, color, and texture perfectly.

Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ideal for those with healthy teeth and gums who want to address minor cosmetic flaws. Even small changes can create a more uniform, youthful smile. Common concerns treated with veneers include:

  • Chips and cracks
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Uneven or irregular tooth shapes
  • Minor misalignments
  • Deep stains or discoloration
  • Worn enamel
  • Dull or aged teeth
  • Uneven gum lines

Veneers work best for mild cosmetic issues. Our experienced dental team will assess your needs and design a personalized treatment plan to achieve beautiful results.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular, minimally invasive option with many advantages:

  • Long-lasting durability with modern, high-strength porcelain
  • Natural, stunning results thanks to their thin, “contact lens” design
  • Versatile correction of gaps, stains, misalignment, and more
  • Minimal tooth preparation, often requiring little to no grinding

However, veneers involve slight tooth reshaping, making the procedure permanent. If you prefer a temporary option, we’ll explore alternatives during your consultation to ensure you choose what’s best for you.

The Veneer Process

Your journey begins with a consultation, where we’ll evaluate your suitability for veneers and use digital imaging to preview your potential results. This “smile design” helps you visualize the outcome and confirm your decision.

Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to our expert ceramist, who crafts your custom veneers. While they’re being made, temporary veneers protect your teeth and enable you to preview the look and feel of your future veneers.

At your second visit, we’ll bond the final veneers in place, leaving you with a radiant smile that lasts for years with proper care.

Is There Recovery Time?

Porcelain veneers require no downtime. You might experience mild tenderness or swelling initially, and it may take a few days to adjust to their feel. Your dentist may suggest a soft diet or chewing on one side for the first day. Any minor discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions during your visit.

Maintaining Your Veneers

Caring for veneers is simple—just like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit us for cleanings and exams every six months. Avoid biting hard objects like ice to protect your restorations. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can prevent damage. Rancho Bernardo Dental Arts also offers advanced mouth guards for sports or added protection.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With quality materials and excellent care, porcelain veneers can last 15–20 years or more. Consistent oral hygiene, night guards if needed, and regular dental visits help maximize their lifespan. When it’s time for replacement, we’ll ensure a seamless transition.

Cost of Porcelain Veneers

The cost varies based on the number of veneers, treatment complexity, and your specific goals. On average, each veneer costs around $2,000, covering evaluation, smile design, and temporaries. We’ll provide a detailed estimate upfront and discuss financing options.

Veneers vs. Crowns

While both veneers and crowns use high-quality porcelain for natural results, they serve different purposes. Veneers address cosmetic flaws like gaps or stains, requiring minimal tooth alteration. Crowns, however, cap an entire tooth to restore strength and function, ideal for significant damage or decay. We’ll recommend the best option based on your dental health.

Alternatives to Veneers

Not sure about veneers? Consider these options:

  • Dental Bonding: A quick, affordable fix for chips and gaps, though less durable.
  • Porcelain Crowns: Best for severely damaged teeth needing structural support.
  • SureSmile®/Invisalign®: Clear aligners for misalignment, taking 9–15 months.
  • Teeth Whitening: Professional treatments for a brighter smile, available in-office or at home.

We’ll discuss all possibilities during your consultation to ensure the best outcome.

Learn More

Have questions? Here are answers to common ones:

  • How strong are veneers? Thin yet tough, they resist chips and temperature changes—just don’t use them as tools!
  • How do I care for them? Brush, floss, and visit us regularly. Report any issues promptly.
  • Does insurance cover them? Typically no, as they’re cosmetic, but check with your provider.
  • Can they be whitened? No, but we can whiten other teeth first for a uniform look.

Ready to explore porcelain veneers? Contact Rancho Bernardo Dental Arts today to schedule your consultation!