Porcelain Veneers
What Are Veneers?
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A dental veneer is an enamel-colored shell placed over the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Our dentists use them to effectively address a wide range of aesthetic flaws.
Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Megan Shelton or Dr. Peter March will examine your teeth and ask about your cosmetic goals. Our team will also take impressions and create a wax model so you can preview how the dental veneers will look. Our dentists may recommend this treatment if you have teeth that are:
We Can Help You Become Eligible for Dental Veneers
Not all patients will immediately be candidates for veneers. With care from our dentists, though, we can address barriers to treatment like:
Plaque or Cavities
We will make sure your smile is entirely healthy first before we place your veneers. Our dentists offer treatments like cleanings and dental fillings to ensure that your teeth are in good shape before cosmetic treatment.
Teeth Grinding
Regularly clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth can cause damage to both natural teeth and veneers. To ensure that your smile is healthy and beautiful, we can give you a custom nightguard to help manage nightime bruxism.
Misalignment
If you have severe or complex misalignment, Dr. Shelton and Dr. March may speak with you about alternative treatments. Sometimes orthodontics, such as Invisalign®, are necessary to achieve the desired results.
Caring Dentists Here for Clairemont, CA, Patients
Heather&Jason W
San Diego, CA
2023
Dr. Shelton and her staff were very professional, the office is very clean and inviting, and Dr. Shelton’s chairside manner is nothing short of charming.
What a great first experience! Confident in returning for future care!
Kristina Navickaite Momchilova
San Diego, CA
2023
Great Dental office. Megan Shelton is great. Everyone is very friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Anyone that is not a big fan of dentists should be coming here, because they will make you feel comfortable and at ease before during or after your procedure. They do an amazing job with every procedure. Thank you
View on GoogleVisit a Comprehensive San Diego County Practice For Your Dental Veneers
Our Pacific Beach-area office provides a comprehensive spectrum of dentistry treatments, with general, cosmetic, and restorative care available. Even if you aren't a good candidate for veneers, we can help you improve the health and appearance of your teeth.
We offer cosmetic dentistry options personally tailored to your needs, like crowns and dental bonding. Finally, even after your treatment is done, you can continue to visit our welcoming practice for all your dental needs.
We treat adults and children alike, giving you and your family an office you can trust for a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth.
To explore all of your exciting possibilities, contact our friendly Clairemont office or call
(858) 274-4400
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What to Expect During Porcelain Veneers Treatment
Dental veneers can be designed and placed in as little as two office visits to our San Diego, CA, dental office. You can generally expect these steps:
Nitrous oxide is available for patients who are feeling nervous about the procedure.
Anesthesia
To ensure that you remain comfortable during the procedure, your dentist will numb each affected tooth as well as the surrounding gums with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide can also be provided for patients who are anxious or have trouble sitting comfortably for extended periods of time.
Tooth Preparation
In order to deliver cosmetically pleasing results, Dr. Shelton or Dr. March will gently remove a small layer of enamel from each tooth to make room for the veneers. Special care will be taken to remove the least amount of enamel necessary.
Dental Impressions
Once each tooth has been prepped, Dr. Shelton or Dr. March will take digital impressions. This process is completed using a handheld wand, making the experience much more comfortable compared to traditional dental putty.
Veneer Fabrication
After impressions have been taken of your teeth, they will be used to create your custom veneers from lifelike materials such as porcelain. Using this information and other direction from your dentist, your veneers will be custom-crafted by our trusted dental lab partner.
Final Placement
You will be fitted with temporary veneers while the permanent porcelain restorations are created. When it is time to place your final veneers, roughly two weeks later, they will be bonded to the front tooth surfaces using a high-quality dental cement.
See How Porcelain Veneers Are Placed
Whether you want a single veneer or veneers on all of your front teeth, the treatment process will be the same. A small amount of enamel will be removed from each treated tooth before the veneer is attached. Our dentists ensure that this process is safe and entirely comfortable.
Clairemont Patients Have Found Their Favorite Dental Office
Amy Gilmore
San Diego, CA
2023
I appreciate the level of care from the hygienist Lynn and the dentist. They explained so much to me that nobody ever has, and that is worth the experience. Getting an appointment is easy and they respect that schedules change.
View on GoogleEmily Latham
San Diego, CA
2023
I always have a great experience here.
The staff is so welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend them.
Bonding vs. Veneers Which Is Right for Me?
Our Clairemont-area team offers an alternative to veneers: dental bonding. While it is a more affordable option, it does lack some of the benefits offered by veneers. We can help you weigh the advantages of each material to find the right solution for you.
Composite Resin For Bonding
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material used to repair tiny defects, including chips and cracks. It is not as durable or as lifelike as porcelain, but the treatment is reversible. It's also only used for smaller-scale refinements.
Porcelain For Veneers
In most cases, porcelain veneers are the optimal choice because the material is better able to reflect light like natural enamel. Veneers are also stain-resistant, stronger, and longer-lasting. They can refine one tooth, several teeth, or all of your front teeth.
Are Veneers Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover veneers, since they are considered cosmetic dentistry. However, some dental insurance companies may assist with the cost if you need a veneer to help protect a chipped or cracked tooth.
Understanding Payment Info For Your Veneers
Cost of Veneers
The average cost of veneers at our Clairemont-area practice is $700 to $1,400 per tooth, depending on your specific needs and insurance benefits. We can explore cost with you in detail during your initial consultation.
Financing Options
We never want cost to be a barrier between you and the high-quality treatment you deserve. To help make beautiful teeth affordable for all of our patients, we offer flexible payment options. Our team also accepts financing from CareCredit®.
