Porcelain Veneers in Costa Mesa

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that cover up unwanted imperfections in your teeth. Whether you have small chips, minor gaps, or severely discolored teeth, veneers can give you a fresh, new look. If you’re interested in refreshing your smile with veneers from Brite Clean Smiles, call us today to discuss your needs!

Equipment in exam room tooth replacement tool Couple smiling in grass field

The Veneers Procedure

Veneers are a minimally-invasive procedure, and treatment typically consists of two appointments. Our team will begin the application process by removing a small amount of enamel from each tooth that will undergo treatment. This enamel is equal to the thickness of the veneer, and it is removed to ensure a totally seamless fit.

Molds and images of your teeth will then be taken and sent to a lab where your veneers will be manufactured. This process takes 2-3 weeks in most cases. In the meantime, you'll wear natural-looking temporary veneers until your permanent ones arrive. At your last appointment, the veneers are permanently applied to your teeth using dental adhesive. With just two appointments over a period of a few weeks, you can completely transform your smile!

How Can Veneers Improve My Smile?

Veneers are used mainly to treat cosmetic issues. They are not the proper treatment for seriously crooked teeth, or damaged and cracked teeth. They are used to treat conditions such as:

  • Slightly crooked and misshapen teeth
  • Discolored or severely stained teeth
  • Small or unattractive teeth
  • Uneven spaces and gaps
  • Worn and slightly chipped teeth

Are Veneers Bad for Your Teeth?

No. This is a common misconception about veneers. The preparation process for receiving veneers involves removing about 0.5mm of enamel from each tooth that will have a veneer applied.

This is where the myth that veneers are “bad for your teeth” comes from. Removing natural enamel from your smile does seem like it would not be good for your teeth, so many people think that veneers are bad for your overall oral health. This is not the case. Your teeth will not be trimmed more than is necessary for the application of your veneers. We will use the latest techniques to preserve as much enamel as possible, and keep your smile strong.

In addition, your porcelain veneers will strengthen your teeth once they’ve been placed. The durable ceramic material used for veneers is just as strong and durable as your natural enamel.

So, while you must have some of your enamel removed to have veneers placed, this will not affect your oral health. Your veneers will completely transform your smile, and can even make your teeth stronger, in some cases! 

Can Veneers be Removed?

Unfortunately, the answer that veneers can not be removed. The veneer preparation procedure involves trimming away a layer of your tooth enamel. This is done to make sure that your veneers fit perfectly, and that your teeth fit together properly after you’ve been treated.

This layer of enamel is very thin. When your veneers are placed, your teeth will be just as strong as they used to be. However, if they were to be removed, your teeth would be very weak. You could be at a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.

This is why veneers cannot be removed after treatment. They are not reversible. If you lose, break or chip a veneer, you will need to have it replaced. This is definitely something to keep in mind before you choose veneers. If you do not like the idea of a non-reversible cosmetic procedure, an alternative like dental bonding may be a better option for you.

Can Veneers Stain & Can They be Whitened?

Veneers cannot be stained. The porcelain used to create your veneer is completely nonporous, unlike your natural enamel. This means there is no way for stains to bond to your veneers, and they will stay bright forever. However, for this same reason, your veneers can’t be whitened. Your remaining natural teeth can be whitened if they begin to become stained, to ensure that they match your veneers.

Are Veneers Safe?

Yes. Veneers are completely safe, and complications from veneer treatment are extremely rare. The only common side effect of the veneer procedure is tooth sensitivity after your teeth have been trimmed and prepared for veneers.

In most cases, this sensitivity will diminish after your permanent veneers have been placed. Sensitivity will usually stop within a few weeks of having your veneers placed and can be treated with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne. 

So, rest assured that veneers are completely safe, and side effects and complications are extremely rare, especially when they are placed by an expert cosmetic dentist of Brite Clean Smiles.

The Benefits of Veneers

Veneers have a number of benefits when compared to other cosmetic dentistry options, such as:

  • Non-invasive application – The entire process requires nothing more than a local anesthetic, and there is no painful or invasive surgery.
  • Fast results – You can get a fully-restored smile in as little as two appointments at Brite Clean Smiles
  • Completely natural look and feel – Veneers are impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. Your new smile will look and feel completely natural when grinning, speaking, and chewing.
  • Stain-resistant – Porcelain is nonporous and resists staining, making it easier to take care of your teeth and keep them bright, white, and shining!
  • Easy to maintain – Other than avoiding non-food objects like ice and chewing on pens or fingernails, the only thing you’ll have to do to keep your smile bright maintain proper oral hygiene as you normally would!

Porcelain Veneers In Orange County, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach

If you’re interested in veneers, Brite Clean Smiles will give you a smile that looks and feels natural, free from unwanted imperfections. Call us today at (949) 777-1005 or book an appointment online. Feel free to visit us in-person at 488 East 17th Street, Suite A-101, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you get the smile of your dreams.