Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers in San Clemente
Custom shells that change the front of a tooth without rebuilding it.
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It covers staining, gaps and small misalignments, and because only a fraction of a millimeter of enamel is removed, it changes a smile without changing much of the tooth.
Dentistry for the whole household.
About Veneers
What veneers can and cannot do
Veneers address the appearance of the front teeth: color that will not respond to whitening, chips, small gaps, and teeth that sit slightly out of line. Each one is made to match the shade of your natural teeth, so the result reads as your own smile rather than an obvious restoration.
The Advantages
Why patients choose veneers
They are chosen mostly for how little has to change in order to change a lot.
- Minimally invasive Only about 0.5mm of enamel is removed from the front surface.
- Several concerns at once Stains, gaps and misalignment are addressed together rather than one at a time.
- Stain resistant They resist staining and handle normal chewing forces.
- Quick results The change is complete in a few visits rather than months.
- A natural look Custom-made to resemble your natural teeth in shape and shade.
The Process
How veneers are made and fitted
The work runs across several appointments, with a laboratory stage in between.
- Consultation We discuss what you want to change and whether veneers are the right way to get there.
- Examination and planning Your teeth are examined and the veneer type and shade chosen to match your own.
- Preparation A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface so the veneer sits flush.
- Impressions Molds are taken and sent to the laboratory, where the veneers are crafted to fit.
- Temporary veneers Where needed, temporaries protect the prepared teeth while the permanent set is made.
- Bonding Fit and color are checked, then the veneers are bonded with a dental adhesive.
- Final adjustments Small refinements make sure they are comfortable and your bite feels natural.
Longevity
How long veneers last
Veneers are not permanent and may eventually need replacing through wear or changes in the mouth. With proper care they last for many years. What helps most is straightforward: follow the oral hygiene advice you are given, avoid biting hard objects, and deal with grinding if you do it. Regular check-ups are how their condition gets monitored and any repair caught early.
Getting Started
Talking it through first
The first appointment is a conversation. We look at your teeth, you tell us what bothers you about them, and we say whether veneers are the right answer or whether something simpler would do it. Talega Dental Group has been treating families in San Clemente since 2003.
The short answer
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change how it looks. It covers staining, chips, small gaps and teeth that sit slightly out of line, and it is made to match the shade of your natural teeth. Only about 0.5mm of enamel is removed from the front surface, so the tooth itself changes very little.
Common Questions
Veneers FAQ
- How much of my tooth is removed?
About 0.5mm of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth. That small preparation lets the veneer sit flush, which is what stops it looking bulky. It is a minimally invasive step, and the rest of the tooth is left as it was.
- Porcelain or composite?
Both porcelain and composite veneers are offered, and the choice is made with you at the planning stage. Your teeth are examined first, then the veneer type is chosen along with the shade that most closely matches your natural teeth. We talk through what you want to change so the material suits the result you are after.
- How many appointments will it take?
Veneers take several appointments spread over several weeks. The work runs from consultation and planning to preparation and impressions, then bonding once the laboratory has made the veneers, followed by final adjustments. The laboratory stage in between is what sets the overall timeline.
- Will they stain?
Veneers resist staining and handle normal chewing forces. They are not immune to wear, though, and changes in the mouth over time can affect them. Regular check-ups are how their condition is monitored and any repair caught early.
- How long do they last?
Veneers last for many years with proper care, but they may eventually need replacing. Wear and changes in the mouth are the usual reasons. What helps most is following the oral hygiene advice you are given, avoiding biting hard objects and dealing with grinding if you do it.
- Will I be left without teeth in between?
No. Where the preparation calls for it, temporary veneers protect the prepared teeth while the final set is made at the laboratory. They cover the time between preparation and bonding. Once the finished veneers are ready, fit and color are checked before they are bonded in place.
Book a visit
Plan your visit
We accept new patients and offer walk-in emergency care.
Address
Phone
Office hours
Your dentist
Dr. Ben Meshkinfam, D.D.S.
University of the Pacific, D.D.S. · Post-doctorate at LAC+USC Medical Center
Insurance & financing
30 HMO and PPO plans accepted
Including Delta Dental, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Humana. Estimates in writing before treatment.
