A guide to stunning, strong veneers, what they are, and how they improve your smile and confidence!

At Orange And Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California, we consider it a privilege to help our patients from Irvine, Newport Beach, and greater south Orange County learn how to smile with confidence and without holding back! Led by Dr. Joyce Kahng, our team creates or restores healthy, stunning smiles that exude self-confidence with procedures such as veneers. A cosmetic process, our strong and natural-looking veneers are versatile, representing an ideal way to disguise imperfections and dramatically transform the appearance of your teeth. When your smile gets a positive boost, this central feature considerably enhances the appearance of your whole face – and that is something to be proud of! 

Veneers in a nutshell

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin. They are shaded and shaped to blend in with the surrounding teeth in your smile. So, they precisely replicate the appearance and structure of natural tooth enamel. These ultra-thin shells are applied to the front surfaces of teeth in the “smile zone.” In doing so, veneers cover up or camouflage a wide range of cosmetic irregularities, including: 

• Stubbornly stained teeth; for instance, teeth that have sustained internal discoloration caused by tetracycline use
• Chipped teeth
• Slightly cracked teeth
• Teeth that have sustained wear and tear
• Overly short teeth
• Poorly-shaped teeth
• Excess spaces or gaps between teeth

Veneers made from composite resin are referred to as “direct veneers,” whereas veneers fabricated from dental porcelain are characterized as “indirect veneers.” Direct veneers, also known as dental bonding, involve slightly buffing the front surfaces of the teeth to be bonded or treated. A conditioning liquid is also applied to assure the strongest bond between the natural tooth and the resin material. The material itself is perfectly shaded to appear natural. Dr. Kahng uses her exceptional skill to directly apply the resin as a pliable material to the teeth. She shapes it to cover up the imperfections, some of which are mentioned above. In turn, she addresses your unique needs for smile enhancement. The resin is secured to the tooth using quality, advanced bonding agents. 

Porcelain or indirect veneers are made from the highest quality dental ceramic. Our lab ceramist partner fabricates the veneers based on precise information that Dr. Kahng gathers about your mouth, including impressions or models of your teeth and guidance on the shade of your veneers. A very small amount of enamel, about one millimeter, is removed to ensure that the veneer fits over the surface of the natural tooth properly. This step further assures that you are satisfied with the appearance and feel of your veneers.

Most patients tolerate the process of enamel reduction very well; little to no anesthetic is required. If sensitivity arises, temporary veneers are placed. Once our professional lab completes the permanent veneers, the temporaries are removed, and the permanent veneers are applied. We ensure everything looks and feels great before securing or bonding each veneer in place. 

Your jaw-dropping smile and confidence awaits!

While dental porcelain generally resists stains better than composite resin, both direct and indirect veneers at Orange And Magnolia Dental Studio are built to last. You can sustain their stunning appearance and strength by maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home and professional cleanings and exams at our office. Additionally, it’s important to refrain from behaviors or habits that can damage your veneers; for instance, teeth grinding (bruxism) or chewing ice and fingernails can result in chips and cracks. 

We discuss any potential threats to your natural teeth and dental restorations during a consultation. Depending on your needs, custom oral appliances may be in the future to protect your veneered teeth from damage caused by chronic teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. Call (949) 867-4346 today to schedule your personalized smile consultation with Dr. Kahng. For your convenience, you may also wish to schedule your visit online at the “book an appointment tab” or opt for a virtual consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!