Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile by improving the appearance of chipped, worn, uneven, or discolored teeth. At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Russell Kelly combines personalized cosmetic dentistry with digital scanning and an in-house dental laboratory to create veneers designed to look natural and complement your individual smile.
Whether you're considering veneers for the first time or exploring ways to refresh existing dental work, your treatment begins with understanding your goals and evaluating your oral health.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-designed restorations placed on the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They may be an option for patients who want to:
Improve the appearance of chipped or worn teeth
Address discoloration that doesn’t respond well to whitening
Improve the shape or proportions of uneven teeth
Reduce the appearance of small gaps between teeth
Create a more balanced, natural-looking smile
Veneers are not right for everyone. Dr. Kelly evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, and cosmetic goals before recommending treatment.
Your porcelain veneer treatment begins with a consultation to evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine whether veneers are the right option.
1. Consultation and Smile Planning
Dr. Kelly examines your teeth, gums, and bite while discussing the changes you’d like to make. Digital scans help guide your personalized treatment plan.
2. Preparing Your Teeth
When necessary, a small amount of enamel is carefully removed to make room for the veneers. The amount of preparation depends on your teeth and treatment plan.
3. Custom Veneer Design
Your veneers are designed to complement your natural teeth, facial features, and desired smile. Newport Dental Arts’ in-house dental laboratory supports precise customization of shape, shade, and fit.
4. Placement and Final Adjustments
Once your veneers are ready, Dr. Kelly checks their appearance, fit, and bite before bonding them to your teeth. Final adjustments help create a comfortable, natural-looking result.
Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care, although their lifespan varies depending on oral hygiene, bite forces, and everyday habits. Some may last longer, while others eventually require repair or replacement.
To help protect your veneers:
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily and maintain regular dental checkups.
Avoid chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages.
Ask your dentist about a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Kelly evaluates your veneers and surrounding teeth during routine examinations to help identify potential problems early.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers are generally considered an irreversible cosmetic treatment because a small amount of natural enamel is often removed during preparation. Although veneers can be replaced, the underlying teeth may continue to require restorations. Dr. Kelly will explain your options before treatment.
Can veneers be whitened after they’re placed?
Porcelain veneers don’t respond to traditional teeth-whitening treatments the way natural enamel does. If you’re considering whitening your surrounding teeth, it’s generally best to discuss this before selecting your veneer shade.
Will porcelain veneers look like natural teeth?
Yes, porcelain veneers can be designed to closely resemble natural teeth. Their color, shape, translucency, and proportions are customized to complement your smile. The goal is a balanced appearance rather than an overly white or artificial look.
Do porcelain veneers damage your natural teeth?
Properly planned and maintained veneers can be a suitable cosmetic treatment, but preparing teeth for traditional veneers typically involves removing some enamel. This is why an examination of your teeth, gums, and bite is important before proceeding. Patients considering a more conservative cosmetic option can also read our comparison of dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
How much do porcelain veneers cost in Newport Beach?
The cost varies depending on the number of veneers, the complexity of treatment, and your individual dental needs. At Newport Dental Arts, a consultation with Dr. Russell Kelly can help determine your treatment options and provide a personalized estimate.
At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Russell Kelly combines personalized cosmetic dentistry with the advantages of an in-house dental laboratory. Having the laboratory on-site allows for close collaboration throughout the veneer design process, with attention to details such as tooth shape, shade, and fit.
From your initial consultation to the final result, the focus is on creating a smile that looks natural, feels comfortable, and complements your individual features.
