FREE Comprehensive Exam and X-Rays for New Patients! Book Now!
Claim Your FREE New Patient Offer

What Are Veneers Used For?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your tooth to enhance its appearance.

Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for addressing a variety of dental imperfections, discoloration, or uneven spacing. Veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic and structural dental issues, including: 

  • Discolored Teeth: If your teeth are severely stained or discolored and do not respond to traditional whitening methods (sometimes due to medication, trauma, or root canal treatment), they can be improved with veneers. 
  • Chipped or Broken Teeth: Minor chips or cracks in your teeth can be concealed with veneers, providing a smooth, uniform appearance. 
  • Gaps Between Teeth: Veneers can close small gaps between your teeth without the need for orthodontic treatment. 
  • Misshapen or Uneven Teeth: Teeth that are worn down, irregularly shaped, or have slight misalignments can be transformed with veneers for a more symmetrical look.

The Veneer Procedure: 

  1. Consultation: The process starts with a consultation with Dr. Steven Tran to determine if veneers are the right solution for your needs. Our expert dentist will evaluate the teeth and discuss your aesthetic goals. 
  2. Tooth Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of your tooth to accommodate the veneer. This step is irreversible but necessary to ensure the veneer fits properly and looks natural. 
  3. Impressions: After preparation, Dr. Tran takes digital impressions of your teeth to create the custom veneers.
  4. Temporary Veneers: In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed while waiting for the permanent restoration to be made. 
  5. Bonding: Once your custom veneers are ready, Dr Tran will carefully fit and bond the veneers to your teeth using a special adhesive. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit and natural look to your new teeth.

Advantages of Veneers: 

  • Instant Transformation: Veneers can completely change the appearance of your smile in just a few visits, making them a popular option if you are seeking immediate cosmetic results. 
  • Natural Look: Veneers are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, natural appearance. 
  • Durability: Veneers are strong and resistant to staining, providing long-lasting improvements. 

Veneer Planning Is About More Than Whiter Teeth

The most successful veneers are designed with the entire smile in mind. Tooth width, edge position, gum symmetry, lip movement and the amount of tooth visible when you speak all influence the final design. At Summit Dental Arts, Dr. Steven Tran uses a detailed planning process to create veneers that complement your features and reflect your preferences.

Veneers may be considered when several visible concerns affect the front teeth, such as resistant discoloration, worn edges, uneven proportions or small spaces. They are not automatically the right choice for every cosmetic concern. Whitening, bonding or orthodontic movement may preserve more natural structure in some situations, which is why an individualized evaluation is important.

Are Your Teeth Ready for Veneers?

Before cosmetic treatment begins, the supporting teeth and gums must be healthy. Dr. Tran will look for decay, cracks, gum inflammation, enamel loss and signs of clenching or grinding. If heavy bite forces are present, the design or treatment sequence may need to account for them. A protective appliance may also be recommended after treatment for some patients.

Caring for Your New Smile

Veneers require the same consistent care as natural teeth. Brush gently with a non-abrasive toothpaste, clean between the teeth daily and maintain professional checkups. Avoid using veneered teeth to open packaging or bite hard, non-food objects. Although porcelain resists many stains, the natural tooth structure and surrounding gums still depend on good hygiene.

The lifespan of any dental restoration varies based on oral health, habits, bite forces and maintenance. Regular examinations allow the team to monitor the veneer margins, gum health and overall function.

Explore Porcelain Veneers in Altadena

If you are considering dental veneers in Altadena, schedule a consultation at Summit Dental Arts. We will discuss your goals, evaluate alternatives and explain what is involved in creating a natural-looking result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all veneers require the same amount of tooth preparation?

No. Preparation depends on tooth position, existing enamel, the desired change and the material selected. Dr. Tran can explain what would be required in your case.

Can veneers correct crooked teeth?

Veneers may visually improve minor irregularities, but orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate for significant crowding, rotation or bite problems.

See What Our Satisfied Altadena Area Patients Say

"This is a wonderful review about Summit Dental Arts."

Schedule Your Consultation

Your perfect smile is a reality when working with Dr. Steven Tran. Contact us today to get started!