Custom porcelain veneers that change the color, shape, and length of your front teeth, planned by Dr. Andy Keith in Hillcrest.
Dental Veneers in San Diego, CA
Custom Smile Design
Same-Day Consults
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to cover chips, stains, worn edges, and small gaps. Because a thin layer of enamel is removed first, they are a permanent change, so they suit adults who want a lasting result across several front teeth and have healthy gums. At Sunrise Dental Arts, veneers are one of several cosmetic dentistry options, and Dr. Andy Keith will tell you if whitening or bonding could get you there with less.
Request Appointment
What Porcelain Veneers Can Fix
Veneers cover the front surface of a tooth, so they change what people see when you smile without capping the whole tooth the way a porcelain crown does. They are a good match for teeth that are chipped or worn at the edges, stained in ways whitening cannot lift, slightly uneven in length or position, or separated by small gaps.
According to the American Dental Association, veneer treatment is not reversible because enamel is removed, decay or gum disease has to be treated first, and veneers may not be a good choice for people who clench or grind or have a deep overbite. That is why Dr. Keith checks your bite and gums before recommending them, and why some patients are better served by bonding or clear aligners.
Why Patients Choose Veneers
Most veneer cases take a few visits spread over several weeks, from planning and impressions to preparation and final bonding. The steps below show what happens at each one.
How Veneer Treatment Works, Step by Step
Consultation and Smile Assessment
Dr. Keith examines your teeth, gums, and bite and asks what you want to change. If decay, gum disease, or heavy grinding needs attention, we plan for it before any veneer work begins.
Shade and Shape Planning
We take impressions of your teeth and choose the shade and shape together. If whitening is part of your plan, it happens first so the porcelain can be matched to your lighter teeth.
Preparation and Temporaries
Under local anesthetic, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth and impressions go to the dental lab. You leave with temporary veneers while the final porcelain is made.
Bonding the Final Veneers
At your next visit, Dr. Keith checks each veneer for fit and color, bonds it in place, and adjusts your bite so your teeth meet evenly.
Follow-Up and Care
A short follow-up visit confirms that your bite and gums are settling well. After that, regular cleanings and checkups let us inspect the edges and polish the porcelain.
How Dr. Keith Approaches Veneer Cases
Dr. Andy Keith plans veneers conservatively. He first asks whether bonding, whitening, or aligners could reach your goal with less enamel removed, and he recommends veneers when they are the better fit for what you want to change.
Your veneers are made by a dental lab from impressions and the shade you approve, and each one is checked for fit, color, and bite before it is bonded. We are in-network with Delta Dental and can bill most other PPO plans out-of-network, though insurance usually treats veneers as cosmetic. Financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit.
Schedule a Veneer Consultation in Hillcrest
Schedule your veneer consultation online or call (619) 291-2980. If you would rather start with something less permanent, dental bonding or a phased smile makeover may be worth discussing. Along with patients from across San Diego, we place veneers for neighbors in Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, and South Park.
Request Appointment
FAQs
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers often last many years with good care, though no restoration lasts forever. A veneer can chip, wear, or loosen over time and need to be repaired or replaced. Brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and a night guard if you grind all help them last longer.
Are veneers permanent?
Think of veneers as a permanent change to your tooth structure rather than a permanent restoration. The enamel modification needed for placement cannot be reversed, though the veneers themselves will need replacement eventually. This distinguishes them from temporary solutions like bonding or whitening treatments.
Can you get veneers with missing teeth?
Missing teeth require specific treatment planning when considering veneers. We often design hybrid solutions combining dental implants for missing teeth with veneers on existing teeth. This strategic approach ensures uniform appearance and proper bite function across your entire smile.
Do veneers hurt?
Unlike major dental procedures, veneer placement typically causes minimal disruption to your daily routine. The preparation process affects only the outermost enamel layer, requiring just local numbing for comfort. For patients who feel anxious, we offer sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Most patients return to work the same day and report only brief sensitivity to temperature changes.
Can you whiten veneers?
No. Whitening works on natural enamel, not porcelain, so veneers keep the shade they were made in. If you want whiter teeth overall, whiten before your veneers are made so the porcelain can be matched to your new shade. Porcelain also resists staining better than natural enamel.
Can you eat with veneers?
Yes. Once your veneers are bonded in place, you can enjoy most of your normal foods. Porcelain is strong, but it can chip under heavy force, so avoid biting ice, hard candy, pens, or fingernails. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom night guard to protect your veneers.
