Porcelain Veneers: The Secret to a Red Carpet Smile

From covering discoloration to closing gaps in your teeth, veneers can transform your smile in just a few visits to the dentist.

To achieve the red carpet smile you’ve always wanted, choose the solution celebrities use: Porcelain veneers.

At the Santa Monica office of Jason Ray, DDS, Inc., we use porcelain veneers to create results that look both stunning and natural. Porcelain veneers enjoy a remarkable 80% to 100% satisfaction rate. Read on as Dr. Ray explains why.

How veneers transform your appearance

Veneers are custom-made, thin covers that we bond to the front of your teeth. They can camouflage multiple issues simultaneously, including:

Deep stains
Crookedness
Worn-down edges
A gummy smile
Cracks and chips

Veneers are also resistant to stains. Porcelain is the preferred material because it mimics the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.

What the process entails

The first step is planning. You’ll discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Ray. He’ll examine your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate. If you are, here’s what follows:

Imaging: X-rays or digital scans may be taken to map out your new smile.

Making room: To make room for the veneer so it lies flush with your other teeth, a tiny amount of enamel—usually less than a millimeter—is removed from the front of the tooth.

Impressions: A physical or digital mold is made of your prepared teeth. This mold is sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are handcrafted.

Temporaries: While you wait for the lab (usually 1–2 weeks), your dentist may place temporary veneers to protect your teeth.

Final Bonding: Once your custom porcelain veneers arrive, Dr. Ray temporarily places them to check the fit and color.

Small tweaks to the shape or shade can be made at this stage. Next, the tooth surface is lightly roughened with a mild etching gel to create a strong bond.

Lastly, the veneer is positioned, and bonded to your tooth.

How to care for your veneers

Taking care of veneers is straightforward. You should treat them like your natural teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Dr. Ray also recommends wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, as it helps protect the porcelain from chipping.

Porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years on average. With meticulous oral hygiene, they can often last 20 years or more.

To learn whether veneers are right for you, book a consultation with Dr. Ray. Call the Santa Monica office at 424-322-6950, or request an appointment online.