Porcelain veneers hide imperfections for beautiful smiles in Petaluma, CA
Your smile’s appearance plays an important role in how others perceive you, but perhaps more importantly, how you feel about yourself. At North Bay Smiles, we understand the value of a beautiful smile and take pride in offering our patients in the Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, and neighboring CA communities options to enhance their smiles—and their self-confidence! Porcelain veneers are one of the quickest ways to transform your smile and provide amazing results in just two visits and little to no anesthesia.
What are porcelain veneers and how do they work?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin pieces of dental porcelain that are custom-shaped and shaded for your unique smile and then bonded onto the front of your teeth. They are a great way to hide a variety of imperfections in your smile and can dramatically change its appearance, making your smile more symmetrical, evenly colored, and straight. Patients who opt for porcelain veneers often do so because they can achieve terrific results quickly and with minimal tooth alteration, rather than more time-consuming or invasive procedures such as orthodontics or permanent crowns.
Before and After
Issues porcelain veneers can hide
Porcelain veneers have dramatically risen in popularity in recent years because they are so versatile. They can hide many types of teeth imperfections, such as:
Get the smile of your dreams with veneers
Veneers are thin hand-crafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improves the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked stained, or worn. Veneers are as thin as contact lenses and are an aesthetically pleasing option for closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and for providing symmetry for making your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers maybe right for you.
- Crooked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen
- Teeth that seem too big or small compared to others
- Asymmetrical teeth
- Chipped or worn-down teeth
- Permanently stained or discolored front teeth that are resistant to tooth whitening
The porcelain veneer process
After consulting with Dr. Szyperski about your current oral health, desired end results, and treatment preferences and have decided that porcelain veneers are the best choice for you, the process for getting veneers takes two visits. In the first visit, we will gently buff and shape the front of your teeth so that the veneer will fit well on your teeth. A veneer is like an egg shell facing and minimally invasive. [A1] Then, we will take impressions of your teeth so that your veneers can be custom-made to our specifications, including the shade of white that you have chosen with Dr. Szyperski.
Once your veneers are ready, we will use a special cleaning solution on your teeth and then bond the veneers on with a strong dental cement and a curing light to harden the bond[A2] . Once bonded in the veneer has the strength similar to your natural tooth structure. Then, you are free to go enjoy your brand new smile!
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers work best for patients with healthy teeth and gums. That means you should not have active gum disease or untreated decay. If you grind your teeth heavily, veneers may still be possible with protection.
Veneers are an excellent option for chips, stains, gaps, and uneven teeth. They are also great for worn-down and slightly misaligned teeth. A consultation with Dr. Yvonne Szyperski will help determine if veneers are the right solution for your smile goals.
How do porcelain veneers compare to other cosmetic dental options?
Veneers focus on appearance rather than tooth movement or structural repair. They offer instant results compared to orthodontics. They are more expensive than whitening and bonding, but their results are more dramatic and last longer.
How many veneers do I need?
The number depends on your smile and goals. Some patients choose just one or two veneers. Others prefer veneers on the teeth that show when they smile. Most smiles involve 6-8 veneers on the upper front teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will help you decide what looks natural and balanced. The goal is enhancement, not overdoing it.
Does veneer treatment damage or weaken my existing teeth?
No! While we remove a bit of the enamel, this doesn’t weaken or damage your teeth in any way. The enamel structure we remove is very minimal, typically less than 0.5mm. After removal, we place a veneer that restores your tooth to its full strength and health. Like the removed enamel, porcelain is sturdy and can withstand your teeth’s daily demands.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are built to last. With proper care, they often last 10 to 15 years or longer.
However, good maintenance is essential. Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice or pens. Brush and floss your teeth diligently to prevent plaque buildup. Also, don’t forget routine dental visits with your Petaluma dentist.
Does getting veneers hurt?
The process of getting dental veneers is generally comfortable. Your dentist uses local anesthesia during tooth preparation if needed. Most patients feel little to no discomfort. If you are anxious about the procedure, nitrous oxide is available to make the process much more comfortable. You may experience sensitivity after the treatment, but it’s mild and short-lived.
How much do porcelain veneers cost in Petaluma, California?
Porcelain veneers cost roughly $1,500 and $2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the treatment. The exact cost can only be determined after an in-person consultation with Dr. Yvonne Szyperski. Rest assured, we’ll not proceed until you are clear on the costs. Transparency is the cornerstone of our practice, and you’ll see it reflected in our pricing.
Does insurance cover dental veneers?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover veneers because they are considered elective. However, partial coverage may apply in rare cases, especially when they enhance functionality. Our team will review your coverage and outline the benefits applicable before treatment.
Where can I get porcelain dental veneers near me in Petaluma, CA?
Don't let aesthetic issues hold you back from enjoying the beautiful smile you deserve. Trust North Bay Smiles to deliver beautiful, radiant results with dental veneers. To get started, call (707) 306-8001 or schedule your appointment online.
