If you have some minor defects that affect the way your teeth look when you smile, you may be able to make corrections without a major cosmetic procedure, such as crowns. Dental veneers are thin shells bonded to the fronts of teeth to change the shape, color, or surface characteristics. With the new veneers in place, your teeth will appear straighter, whiter, and more even, with a translucency close to that of natural teeth. With some types of damaged teeth, veneers can even restore structural integrity.
Veneers Can Correct:
- Uneven tooth surfaces.
- Gaps, particularly in the front, such as a gap between the two front teeth.
- Chipped teeth.
- Fillings that have become discolored with time and are visible when you smile.
- Teeth stained on the interior, where tooth whitening preparations cannot reach.
- Stains that have not responded to tooth whitening, such as tetracycline stains.
- Crooked teeth that don’t necessarily require orthodontics.
- Oddly-shaped teeth.
Advantages of Veneers
- Veneers have a translucence similar to that of natural teeth.
- Compared to dental bonding, veneers are more stain-resistant, longer lasting, and have better color retention.
- Compared to crowns, veneers are more conservative, requiring the removal of less natural tooth material.
Be aware that veneers are usually irreversible, because it`s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to allow for the slight thickness of the shell.
Veneer Material
Dr. Taylor uses Empress and Lava all-ceramic veneers.
Where to Start
The first step is for Dr. Taylor to assess your teeth and give you an idea of what veneers can do for you. Ask all the questions you like to make sure you understand it all. Our front office staff will go over costs and insurance and help you with scheduling and financial planning.
Several appointments will be needed, since tooth impressions need to be made and sent to a dental laboratory, along with Dr. Taylor’s instructions. Once the veneers have been fabricated, they will be fitted and bonded to your teeth.
Dr. Paul Taylor DMD would like to be your San Diego dentist. Contact us or call (858) 496-7521 for an appointment to review your smile and see what magic Dr. Taylor can bring to your life. Consultations are free!

