Porcelain veneers and composite veneers differ in material, durability, and application process. Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental lab from high-quality ceramic that mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, resulting in an incredibly lifelike appearance. They’re stain-resistant and typically last 15+ years. Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin applied directly to your teeth in a single visit. While more affordable upfront, they’re less durable (lasting 5-7 years) and more prone to staining. Think of porcelain as the “investment piece” in your wardrobe that looks fantastic and lasts for years, while composite is more like a quick fashion fix!
For traditional porcelain veneers, we typically remove about 0.5mm of enamel from the front surface of your teeth—approximately the thickness of a fingernail. This minimal preparation ensures the veneers fit naturally without looking bulky. If you’re concerned about enamel removal, ask Dr. Sharbash about “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers, which require little to no enamel removal. During your consultation, we’ll determine which option best suits your specific dental structure and aesthetic goals.
Absolutely! Creating a natural-looking match is our specialty. Dr. Sharbash has an artistic eye for selecting the perfect shade and translucency to complement your existing teeth and facial features. For single veneers, we carefully color-match to your surrounding teeth. If you’re getting a full set of veneers, we can choose a brighter shade while maintaining a natural appearance. We even consider factors like your skin tone and eye color to ensure your new smile enhances your overall look. During your design consultation, you’ll be actively involved in choosing the perfect shade for your veneers.
Caring for veneers is surprisingly simple! Follow these easy steps to extend their lifespan:
With proper care, your porcelain veneers can look beautiful for 15+ years. Just remember: while veneers resist staining better than natural teeth, moderation with coffee, tea, red wine, and berries will help maintain their brightness!
Yes! Veneers are excellent for closing small to moderate gaps between teeth without the need for braces. By designing veneers that are slightly wider than your natural teeth, we can seamlessly close spaces and create a uniform smile. This is one of the most popular uses for veneers, as it provides an immediate solution compared to orthodontic treatments that might take months or years. During your consultation, Dr. Sharbash will evaluate your specific gaps to confirm whether veneers are the right solution or if orthodontic treatment would be more appropriate for your situation.
While porcelain veneers are durable, accidents can happen. If you damage a veneer, contact us right away for an assessment. Small chips can sometimes be polished or repaired, while more significant damage typically requires replacement of the affected veneer. The good news? We keep detailed records of your veneer specifications, making it easier to create a replacement that perfectly matches your existing smile. To minimize the risk of damage, avoid biting into very hard foods with your front teeth and consider wearing a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
Most dental insurance plans consider veneers a cosmetic procedure and don’t provide coverage. However, there are exceptions! If veneers are needed to restore teeth damaged in an accident or to address structural issues, your insurance might provide partial coverage. Our office team is experienced in working with insurance companies and will help maximize any benefits you’re entitled to. For patients without insurance coverage, we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and payment plans to make your dream smile more affordable. We’re happy to provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation.
The typical veneer process requires 2-3 appointments. First, you’ll have a consultation and smile design session where we’ll discuss your goals and create a treatment plan. The second appointment involves preparing your teeth and taking impressions for the dental lab, where your custom veneers will be crafted (we’ll provide temporary veneers during this phase). Finally, you’ll return for the placement appointment when your permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth. The entire process usually takes about 2-3 weeks from start to finish. For busy patients, we can sometimes combine appointments or coordinate the schedule to accommodate your needs.
Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers cannot be whitened after placement. The good news? Porcelain is highly stain-resistant and should maintain its color for many years. If you’re planning to whiten your natural teeth, we recommend doing so before getting veneers so we can match the veneers to your brightened smile. If your veneers do eventually lose their luster (which might happen after many years), replacement would be necessary to restore brightness. This is one reason why choosing the right shade from the beginning is so important—we’ll help you select a color that looks natural while providing the level of brightness you desire.
This is one of our most common concerns, and we completely understand! The hallmark of excellent veneers isn’t perfection—it’s natural beauty. Dr. Sharbash designs veneers with subtle variations in translucency and texture that mimic natural teeth. We avoid the dreaded “chiclet teeth” look by customizing each veneer to complement your facial features, skin tone, and personality. Our patients are often delighted to report that others notice their beautiful smile but rarely suspect they have veneers. We can even incorporate minor characterizations if desired, so your smile looks authentically yours—just the best version possible!
When considering your options for smile enhancement, it helps to understand how veneers compare to alternatives:
Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Bonding uses composite resin applied directly to your teeth in a single visit—making it faster and less expensive initially. However, bonding typically lasts only 3-5 years (compared to 15+ years for porcelain veneers), is more prone to staining, and doesn’t provide the same natural luminosity as porcelain.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Crowns cover the entire tooth and require significantly more tooth reduction (about 60-75% compared to the minimal 0.5mm for veneers). Veneers are a more conservative option when the back of your tooth is healthy. However, if you have extensive decay or damage, a crown might be necessary for structural support.
Veneers vs. Orthodontics: While veneers can mask minor misalignments instantly, they don’t physically move your teeth. For significant misalignment or bite issues, orthodontic treatment (like Invisalign) might be recommended before or instead of veneers, depending on your specific situation.
Dr. Sharbash often combines these treatments for a comprehensive smile makeover tailored to your unique needs!
1441 Avocado Ave, Ste 606 Newport Beach, CA 92660
