Veneers

Veneers can transform gapped, discolored, and crooked teeth almost instantly. At Los Feliz Dental Center, Brian Shahangian, DDS, Bita Shahangian, DDS, and the experienced dental care team offer traditional porcelain veneers as well as the newest lightweight veneers, Lumineers®. To find out how veneers can make your smile new again, call the Loz Feliz, Los Angeles, California, office or click on the provided online scheduling feature now.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that permanently cover the front of your teeth. Because they match the color of your natural teeth, veneers look very natural. 

Generally, veneers are best for the “smile teeth” (the teeth you see when you smile). Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure, so they’re elective rather than a medical necessity. If you need full-tooth covering, a porcelain crown is generally the best option. 

How are porcelain veneers applied?

The veneers process starts with a procedure to remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel. Then, the team takes an impression of your teeth to determine the ideal shape for your new veneer. The veneer is fabricated based on your specific tooth measurements, and the team applies it to the front of your tooth using a special durable resin. 

They use a special light to set the resin and permanently secure the veneer to the front of your tooth. 

Another option, Lumineers®, covers the front of your tooth but doesn’t require the removal of any tooth enamel. Lumineers are about half as thick as traditional porcelain veneers and can last just as long or longer. They’re also reversible since they don’t require enamel removal.

The Los Feliz Dental Center team can discuss traditional porcelain veneers and Lumineers with you to help you choose the best option for your needs. 

Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers can revamp your smile if you’re unhappy with how it looks. Some of the main reasons patients get veneers include:

• Gaps between teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Heavily stained teeth that don’t respond to whitening
• Dark or discolored fillings 

Porcelain veneers can also change the appearance of your tooth alignment to some degree. So, if you have slightly crooked teeth, porcelain veneers could be a way to achieve a straight smile. But, for true alignment correction, particularly moderately-to-severely crooked teeth, you need Invisalign® or braces. 

Good candidates for veneers have healthy teeth and gums but don’t like their appearance. If you have problems like cavities, you must first address those issues before getting veneers. 

Porcelain veneers can change your smile in beautiful ways, so there’s no reason to live with a smile you’re unhappy with any longer. Call Los Feliz Dental Center or click on the online appointment maker to set up your porcelain veneers consultation today.