Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Veneers in Los Angeles
The most versatile cosmetic treatment there is — and not the right one for everybody.
A veneer is an ultra-thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth, made to match the translucency, shape and shade of real enamel. Dr. Kourosh Yousefzadeh and Dr. Razmik Galustian design them at Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, and the consultation is complimentary.
What they correct
What veneers correct
A veneer is an ultra-thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth, made to match the translucency, shape and shade of real enamel. Because it resurfaces the face of the tooth rather than repairing one particular thing about it, a single treatment can answer several complaints at once — which is what makes veneers the most versatile cosmetic option there is, and also what makes them easy to over-prescribe. They change the appearance of a tooth without moving it and without whitening it, so a gap can be closed and a stain covered in the same appointment. Some enamel is removed to seat them, and that part is not reversible, which is why the section further down matters.
- Gaps between teeth Closed without moving anything.
- Chipped or broken teeth Restored to a full, even shape.
- Stubborn stains Discoloration that whitening will not lift.
- Misshapen or crooked teeth The appearance of straight teeth, immediately rather than over months.
The material
Choosing a material
- Porcelain Beautifully natural and highly resistant to staining from coffee, wine and the rest. The default, and the reason most veneer work looks the way it does. See porcelain veneers.
- eMax A premium option known for exceptional translucency and strength. Ideal for many cosmetic cases, though not suitable for every bite condition.
Which suits is a clinical judgment rather than a preference, and it is what the consultation settles.
When a veneer is the wrong answer
Veneers are not right for everyone, and being told so is worth more than being sold a set. Significant misalignment or severe tooth damage needs restorative or orthodontic treatment first.
- For a small chip Bonding is quicker, cheaper and removes less enamel.
- For a badly damaged tooth A crown covers the whole tooth rather than its face.
- For genuinely crooked teeth Clear aligners move them instead of masking them.
- For color alone Whitening first — it is reversible and veneers are not.
Looking after them
Maintain good oral hygiene, do not bite hard objects, and never use your teeth as tools. If you grind or clench, a custom night guard protects the veneers along with everything else.
Veneers FAQ
- What is a veneer?
- An ultra-thin, custom-crafted ceramic shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth, designed to mimic the translucency, shape and shade of natural enamel.
- What is the difference between porcelain and eMax?
- eMax is a premium material known for exceptional translucency and strength. It suits many cosmetic cases but not every bite condition, so the choice is made case by case.
- Is enamel removed?
- A thin layer, which is what lets the veneer sit flush. That makes veneers irreversible, and is why we preview the result first.
- Should I have veneers or bonding?
- Bonding suits small adjustments and low bite-force areas, and removes less enamel. Veneers are more stain-resistant and last longer. For one small chip, bonding usually wins.
- Will they stain?
- Porcelain is highly resistant to staining from coffee, wine and other common culprits.
- Am I a candidate?
- Not everyone is. Significant misalignment or severe tooth damage may need restorative or orthodontic treatment first, and we will say so.
