Veneers

If you dream of having a more balanced, symmetrical smile, consider veneers. Veneers can brighten your teeth, mask minor imperfections, and boost your confidence. At Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, cosmetic and family dentist Niki Zarabian, DDS, and the team use veneers to address various cosmetic concerns. To make an appointment, call the office in Sherman Oaks, California, or book online today.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that improve the cosmetic appearance of your permanent teeth. They cover up minor imperfections that won’t respond to teeth whitening or orthodontics. 

The number of veneers you get depends on various factors, including your goals and budget. Even so, Dr. Zarabian typically recommends getting between six and eight to ensure a uniform appearance.

What types of imperfections can veneers correct?

At Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, Dr. Zarabian and the team use veneers to correct various oral imperfections, including:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Pointy teeth
• Unusually shaped teeth

You might also benefit from veneers if you have a noticeable gap between two or more teeth.

Who can get veneers?

To get veneers, you need healthy teeth and gums. Before moving forward with treatment, Dr. Zarabian performs an oral exam and takes a series of X-rays to check for cavities or gum disease. If she notices anything abnormal, she might recommend periodontal treatment or a dental filling first.

What is the process for getting veneers?

At Sherman Oaks Smile Studio, getting veneers takes two visits.

First veneers visit

Dr. Zarabian reviews your dental records, asks about your goals, and performs an oral exam. If you have healthy teeth and gums, she administers a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth to receive the veneers.

Dr. Zarabian uses special tools to remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth, about one-millimeter thick. Then, she takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a nearby dental lab.

Before you leave, Dr. Zarabian bonds temporary veneers to your permanent teeth, allowing you to bite and chew in the meantime.

Second veneers visit

When the dental lab finishes your custom veneers, you return to Sherman Oaks Smile Studio. Dr. Zarabian administers a local anesthetic, removes the temporary veneers, and replaces them with the permanent ones.

She removes any excess material, assesses your bite, and polishes your teeth. Then, she provides care instructions.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last 12-15 years* and sometimes even longer. To keep yours in optimal condition, Dr. Zarabian and the team recommend:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing regularly
• Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
• Avoiding bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, consider wearing a nightguard, which will help protect your veneers from excessive wear-and-tear.

To learn more about the benefits of veneers, make an appointment at Sherman Oaks Smile Studio by calling the office or booking online today.