Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers in Los Angeles
Ultra-thin ceramic, designed one tooth at a time.
Dr. Kourosh Yousefzadeh and Dr. Razmik Galustian design custom porcelain veneers at Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry — for chipped teeth, small gaps or discoloration that will not shift, and for the full smile makeover when that is what you are after.
The shell
What a veneer is
An ultra-thin, custom-crafted ceramic shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Described that plainly it sounds like a simple thing, and the craft is entirely in the matching: real enamel is translucent, varies in shade from the gum to the biting edge, and reflects light differently at every angle — so a veneer that is merely the right color still reads as a veneer. Done well, it does not. Each one is designed for the tooth it goes on rather than picked from a set, which is why the same treatment can be a subtle correction to a single tooth or the basis of a complete transformation across the front of your mouth.
What they correct
Gaps, chips, stubborn discoloration and misshapen or crooked teeth — the full picture, and how veneers compare with bonding, crowns and aligners, is on the veneers page. This page is about the porcelain treatment itself.
Why patients choose them
Why patients choose them
- A dramatic change A significant improvement in the appearance of your smile.
- Natural looking Porcelain closely matches the look of your own teeth.
- Long-lasting High-quality porcelain is durable.
- Stain resistant A brighter smile without worrying about discoloration over time.
- Quicker than orthodontics Faster results than traditional straightening.
How the treatment runs
It starts with a personalized consultation. We take precise digital impressions and high-resolution photographs, and design veneers around what you actually want changed. Once they are crafted, we gently prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel so the veneers seat correctly, then bond them in place.
The two materials
- Porcelain veneers Beautifully natural, and highly resistant to staining from coffee, wine and the rest. If you grind or clench, a custom night guard protects them and preserves the result.
- eMax veneers A premium option, known for exceptional translucency and strength. Ideal for many cosmetic cases, though not suitable for every bite condition.
When veneers are not the answer
They are not right for everyone. Significant misalignment or severe tooth damage may need restorative or orthodontic treatment first — see Invisalign and crowns. To keep veneers lasting, maintain good oral hygiene, and do not bite hard objects or use your teeth as tools. We will evaluate your smile and say plainly whether veneers are the best option for it.
The short answer
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin, custom-made ceramic shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change its color, shape or alignment. Each veneer is designed from digital impressions and photographs, a thin layer of enamel is removed so it seats flush, and it is then bonded in place. Veneers correct gaps, chips, stubborn discoloration and misshapen or crooked teeth, and are made to mimic the translucency, shape and shade of natural enamel.
Porcelain Veneers FAQ
- What is a porcelain veneer?
- A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin, custom-crafted ceramic shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is designed to mimic the translucency, shape and shade of natural enamel. Real enamel is translucent and varies in shade from the gum to the biting edge, so the craft is in the matching rather than simply the color. Each veneer is designed for the tooth it goes on rather than picked from a set.
- What can veneers correct?
- Veneers can correct gaps between teeth, chipped or broken teeth, stubborn stains and discoloration, and misshapen or crooked teeth. Because each one is custom designed, treatment can be a subtle correction to a single tooth or the basis of a full smile makeover. They also give faster results than traditional straightening for some cosmetic concerns. How veneers compare with bonding, crowns and aligners is covered on the veneers page.
- Is enamel removed?
- Yes, a thin layer of enamel is removed before porcelain veneers are fitted. That is what allows the veneer to sit flush with the neighboring teeth and seat correctly. The teeth are prepared once the veneers have been designed and crafted. The veneers are then bonded in place on the prepared surfaces.
- Will they stain?
- Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from coffee, wine and other common culprits. That stain resistance is one of the main reasons people choose porcelain. It means a brighter smile without the same worry about discoloration over time. Good daily oral hygiene still matters for the teeth and gums around them.
- What is the difference between porcelain and eMax?
- eMax is a premium ceramic material known for exceptional translucency and strength, while standard porcelain is valued for its natural look and stain resistance. eMax suits many cosmetic cases but is not suitable for every bite condition. Because of that, the choice between the two is made case by case. Your bite and what you want changed are assessed at the consultation before a material is chosen.
- Am I a candidate?
- Not everyone is a candidate for porcelain veneers. Significant misalignment or severe tooth damage may need restorative or orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign or crowns, first. Your smile is evaluated at a personalized consultation. You are then told plainly whether veneers suit it.
- How do I make them last?
- Veneers last longer with excellent oral hygiene, no biting on hard objects, and never using your teeth as tools. If you grind or clench, a custom night guard protects the veneers and preserves the result. High-quality porcelain is durable, but heavy forces can still damage it. Regular checkups let the veneers and the teeth beneath them be looked after over time.
