Porcelain Veneers
Custom-fit porcelain shells that transform the size, shape, and color of your front teeth.
01
Overview
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. They correct chips, gaps, discoloration, and uneven shapes — giving you a natural-looking, durable smile that can last 10–15 years with good care.
Veneers are one of the most-requested cosmetic treatments at our Los Gatos office because the results are dramatic and the procedure is relatively conservative compared to crowns.
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Who it's for
Veneers are a good fit if you have:
- Stained or discolored teeth that don't respond to whitening
- Chipped, worn, or slightly broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth you want closed without orthodontics
- Uneven shapes or sizes in your front teeth
- Healthy gums and enamel to bond to
Veneers are not ideal for patients who grind their teeth heavily (without a night guard) or who have significant tooth decay — those issues need to be addressed first.
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How it works
Most veneer cases take two visits over 2–3 weeks:
- Consultation & design — we discuss the look you want, take photos and impressions, and plan the result digitally.
- Tooth preparation — about 0.5 mm of enamel is gently removed to make room for the veneer. We place temporaries while your custom veneers are crafted by our lab.
- Placement — at your second visit, we bond the final veneers in place, check fit and color, and polish.
Most patients are comfortable throughout with local anesthesia.
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Recovery and aftercare
There's no real downtime. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days. To keep your veneers looking great:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss every day — veneers don't get cavities, but the natural tooth around them can
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid biting hard objects (ice, fingernails, pens) — porcelain can chip
With good care, veneers typically last 10–15 years before needing replacement.
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Cost and insurance
In the Los Gatos / South Bay area, porcelain veneers typically run $1,200–$2,500 per tooth, depending on case complexity and the number of teeth treated. Most patients treat 6–10 teeth at once for a balanced smile.
Insurance coverage: cosmetic veneers are generally not covered by dental insurance. We offer flexible payment plans and can apply any cosmetic-treatment financing you've arranged.
For an exact quote, schedule a complimentary consultation — we'll review your goals and provide a written treatment plan.
06
Questions, answered.
- 01How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care — daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups, and a night guard if you grind — porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years. Some patients keep them well beyond that. They eventually need replacement when the bond weakens or natural wear shows.
- 02Are veneers permanent?
Veneers themselves don't last forever, but the procedure is considered permanent because we remove a small amount of enamel during preparation. Once enamel is removed, the tooth always needs to be covered by either a veneer or a crown going forward.
- 03Will veneers look natural?
Yes. Modern porcelain veneers are translucent and color-matched to your existing teeth (or to a brighter shade you choose). We design them digitally before placement so you can preview the look. The final result is typically indistinguishable from natural teeth, even up close.
- 04Does it hurt to get veneers?
The procedure itself is comfortable — we use local anesthesia during the prep visit. Some patients have mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after placement, which resolves on its own. Sedation options are available if you have dental anxiety.