Porcelain Veneers in Los Angeles
The short answer
Veneers planned tooth by tooth to look like your own.
Porcelain veneers in Los Angeles are wafer-thin ceramic facings bonded to the front of a tooth to change its color, shape or proportions. At Veneers & Co. Dental Group, Dr. Faraz Farahnik designs each veneer and every set around your face and bite. He explains the trade-offs, including enamel removal, and gives you a written plan after your exam.
- Dentist
- Faraz Farahnik, DDS
- Training
- DDS, USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
- License
- California-licensed dentist
- Patients
- Patients travel from across the country and around the world.
Porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored ceramic that a dental laboratory shapes to fit one tooth. The dentist bonds it to the front and biting edge with a resin adhesive, and it becomes the new visible surface of that tooth. For a neutral overview, see the ADA's MouthHealthy page on veneers.
What are porcelain veneers made of?
"Porcelain veneer" is an everyday name for several dental ceramics. Two common choices are feldspathic porcelain and lithium disilicate, a glass-ceramic. A large review of long-term studies found no difference in survival between them. Dr. Farahnik chooses the ceramic for each case. He weighs how much a tooth's color needs to change, how much room there is and the forces your bite puts on it.
What can veneers change, and what can't they?
Veneers are good at changing how the front of a tooth looks. They are not a way to treat disease or move teeth.
| Veneers can help with | Veneers can't fix on their own |
|---|---|
| Stains that whitening doesn't lift, such as some deep or internal discoloration | Active tooth decay or gum disease (these are treated first) |
| Chipped, worn or uneven edges | A bite that doesn't come together properly |
| Teeth that look too short, small or oddly shaped | Severe crowding or teeth that sit far out of line |
| Small gaps between front teeth | Missing teeth (implants or bridges replace those) |
| Mild unevenness, giving the appearance of a straighter line | Teeth with very little healthy structure left (a crown may suit better) |
A crown covers the whole tooth rather than only its front surface. If a tooth has a large filling or is weak or already broken, a crown may protect it better than a veneer.
Porcelain Veneers
Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Good candidates for porcelain veneers have healthy gums, enough sound enamel and a stable bite. They also have a clear idea of what bothers them about their smile. Veneers suit adults who want a lasting change in color or shape and accept that they usually can't reverse the decision.
Porcelain veneers may be right for you if:
- You have chips, wear, stubborn stains or uneven shapes on the teeth that show when you smile.
- Your teeth and gums are healthy, or you are willing to treat any problems first.
- You want a change that whitening or bonding alone can't give you.
- You understand the trade-offs and want a result planned for the long run.
Porcelain veneers may not be the right first step if:
- You have untreated decay or gum disease. Those come first, every time.
- Your main concern is crooked teeth. Straightening with clear aligners first may suit you better. Invisalign and clear aligners
- Your teeth are only darker than you'd like. Professional whitening may be enough. Teeth whitening
- You grind heavily and aren't willing to wear a night guard.
- You'd prefer to keep more of your enamel. Composite veneers may need less enamel removed. Composite veneers
Dr. Farahnik will tell you if he thinks a simpler route will get you where you want to go.
Porcelain Veneers
How do porcelain veneers compare with other options?
Porcelain veneers sit between whitening and bonding at the lighter end and crowns at the more extensive end. The table below compares the general trade-offs; your exam decides which apply to you.
| Option | What it changes | Natural tooth removed | How it tends to age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain veneers | Color, shape, length and the look of alignment on front teeth | Usually a thin layer of enamel; sometimes very little | Resists staining well; can chip; eventually replaced |
| Composite veneers / bonding | Color and shape, sculpted directly on the tooth | Little or none | Stains and wears faster than porcelain; easier to touch up |
| Crowns | Covers the whole tooth, including the back | More than a veneer | Can protect a weak tooth from breaking |
| Professional whitening | Shade of natural teeth only | None | No effect on porcelain; Dr. Farahnik will explain how touch-ups work |
| Clear aligners | Tooth position | None | Dr. Farahnik will explain how the new positions are held |
Porcelain Veneers
How many veneers will I need?
The number of porcelain veneers you need depends on how wide your smile is and what you want to change. Dr. Farahnik usually plans veneers for the teeth that show in a full, natural smile. That way, the new shade and shape don't stop abruptly partway across.
When the goal is repairing a single damaged tooth, one or two veneers may be all he recommends.
During your consultation, Dr. Farahnik looks at which teeth show when you smile and speak. Your written plan lists each tooth he'll treat and why. If upper and lower teeth both show when you smile, the plan will say whether the lower teeth need anything to match.
Treatment, step by step
What happens during porcelain veneer treatment?
Porcelain veneer treatment in Encino usually takes five steps: a consultation, a design phase, a preparation visit, time in temporary veneers and a bonding visit. A check of your bite follows. Exact visit counts depend on your case.
Consultation and records
You talk about your goals, and Dr. Farahnik examines your teeth, gums and bite. He records what he needs to plan your veneers. You can begin with a phone call if you live far away.
Designing your smile
First, the planned teeth take shape as a model, often called a wax-up. That design can then move to your mouth as a temporary mock-up. You see the proportions on your own face and can ask for changes before anyone touches your enamel.
Preparing your teeth
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, Dr. Farahnik shapes a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth. This lets the veneer sit in line with its neighbors. He then takes final impressions or a scan and sends them, with your approved design and shade, to the dental laboratory.
Wearing temporaries
You may wear temporary veneers while the lab makes your final ones. Dr. Farahnik will explain how to look after them, such as avoiding very hard or sticky foods. He'll ask you to call if one comes loose. Some sensitivity to cold can occur after preparation.
Try-in and bonding
When your veneers return from the lab, Dr. Farahnik checks the fit, shade and shape on your teeth before bonding anything. You see them in place first. He then cleans and conditions each tooth, bonds the veneers with a resin cement and hardens the cement with a curing light.
Bite check and follow-up
Dr. Farahnik polishes the edges and checks your bite so the new surfaces meet evenly. It may take a few days to adjust to your veneers. Tell us if your bite doesn't feel right so we can correct it.
Your first step is a conversation.
Faraz Farahnik, DDS · USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers
Does getting porcelain veneers hurt?
For porcelain veneers, Dr. Farahnik numbs the teeth before preparation and checks that you're comfortable before he begins. Afterward, your teeth may be sensitive to cold for a while; tell us if it doesn't settle.
Dr. Farahnik will tell you before each step what you're likely to feel. If you notice sharp pain, swelling, or sensitivity that gets worse instead of better, call (818) 658-9285. Nervous about dental visits? Say so when you book.
Porcelain Veneers
What are the risks and trade-offs of porcelain veneers?
The main trade-off of porcelain veneers is that preparation removes enamel that doesn't grow back. Other risks include sensitivity, chips, a veneer coming loose, and the need to replace veneers eventually.
Knowing these up front is part of making a good decision.
- It's a lasting commitment. Prepared teeth will always need a covering, so future replacements are part of the plan.
- Sensitivity. Teeth can be sensitive to cold after preparation.
- Chips and fractures. Porcelain is strong once bonded but can break under heavy force, such as grinding or biting hard objects.
- Debonding. A veneer can loosen over time. If it's undamaged, Dr. Farahnik can often bond it back on.
- The color doesn't change. Porcelain won't whiten, and natural teeth can darken over time around it.
- Regular checks. Dr. Farahnik checks the gums and edges around your veneers at your regular visits.
- Replacement. Veneers don't last forever. When one wears, chips or no longer matches, you can replace it.
Porcelain Veneers
How long do porcelain veneers last, and how do I care for them?
Porcelain veneers can serve for many years with good care, but they are not a lifetime restoration. Daily cleaning, regular checkups, protecting them from grinding and not using your teeth as tools all help them last.
Everyday care
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day. You can still get cavities under or around a veneer.
- Keep your regular cleanings and exams, where Dr. Farahnik checks the edges and gums.
- Wear a night guard if Dr. Farahnik prescribes one.
Habits to rethink
- Biting ice, pens, fingernails or hard candy
- Opening bottles or packaging with your teeth
- Playing contact sports without a mouthguard
If a veneer chips or comes off, keep any pieces, avoid chewing on that side and call us. Dental emergencies
Porcelain Veneers
Traveling to Los Angeles for porcelain veneers?
Patients travel from across the country and around the world. If you're coming to Encino for porcelain veneers, start with a phone call. Then plan your trip around the preparation and bonding visits.
A lab makes your final veneers between those visits, so ask about timing early. Then you can book flights and a place to stay with confidence.
Prefer to speak Farsi? Dr. Farahnik is fluent in Farsi.
Cost & insurance
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The fee for porcelain veneers in Encino depends on your individual plan, and you'll see it in writing before you commit. Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
Insurance
We accept all PPO insurance plans.
Dr. Farahnik works with all budgets and price ranges.
What affects the cost?
Key factors are the number of teeth, the ceramic, how much preparation each tooth needs and the laboratory work. Supporting care such as whitening, gum treatment or a night guard also counts. You'll receive a written treatment plan and fee after your exam.
Financing
Financing is subject to each lender's terms and approval.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
No. Whitening gel lightens natural enamel but does not change the color of porcelain. If you'd like your other teeth brighter, whiten them before you and Dr. Farahnik choose your veneer shade, so everything matches.
Can I get just one porcelain veneer?
Yes. A single veneer can improve one chipped, stained or misshapen front tooth. Because it has to blend with the natural teeth beside it, Dr. Farahnik takes extra care choosing its shade and shape with you.
Will people be able to tell I have veneers?
Well-designed veneers should read as teeth, not as dental work. Dr. Farahnik plans proportions for your face rather than from a formula, and chooses the shade with you so the veneers blend with your natural teeth. You can ask for a brighter or a more understated result.
Can I get porcelain veneers if I grind my teeth?
Often, yes, but grinding and clenching put heavy force on porcelain and raise the risk of chips. Dr. Farahnik will check your bite and wear patterns first and may recommend a custom night guard to wear while you sleep.
What happens if a veneer chips or comes off?
Keep the veneer if it comes off, avoid chewing on that side, and call (818) 658-9285. Dr. Farahnik can sometimes smooth or repair a small chip; a larger break usually means making a new veneer. If a veneer comes off undamaged, he can often bond it back on.
Are porcelain veneers reversible?
Usually not. Most veneers need a thin layer of enamel removed. That enamel can't grow back, so the teeth will always need some kind of covering. When Dr. Farahnik removes little or no enamel, the change is more conservative. You should still treat it as a lasting decision.
How do I take care of porcelain veneers?
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day, and keep up regular dental checkups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth as tools, such as opening packages or biting ice, pens or fingernails. Wear a night guard if Dr. Farahnik prescribes one.
Can I start with a phone consultation for porcelain veneers?
Yes. You can talk through your goals by phone and learn whether veneers are likely to suit you. Dr. Farahnik will confirm the plan, the number of porcelain veneers and your fee only after examining your teeth in person in Encino.
The dentist
Who will design your veneers?
Faraz Farahnik, DDS is a general dentist whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, with porcelain veneers at the center of his work in Encino. Practicing dentist since 2018. He studied at UCLA with honors and earned his DDS at USC. Meet Dr. Farahnik
- Education
- UCLA, with honors · DDS, USC, 2018
- Practicing
- Practicing dentist since 2018
- Languages
- English · Farsi
Your first step is a conversation.
Faraz Farahnik, DDS · USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Begin
How do I get started with porcelain veneers?
To get started with porcelain veneers in Encino, book a consultation or call (818) 658-9285. You don't need to know how many veneers you want, which ceramic, or even whether veneers are the answer. Bring your questions and a sense of what you'd change, and Dr. Farahnik will help you sort out the rest, honestly.