ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
background image subpage

FAQ


Smiling woman working at desk in front of computer screen

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells enhancing the color, shape, position, and size of your teeth. They are how we at Bay Area Veneer Center help people achieve better smiles.
You keep your natural tooth. The veneer just fits over the tooth like a jacket after a bit of buffing and reshaping and is the thickness of a contact lens. Your tooth remains healthy underneath and the veneer is bonded with cements and adhesives to your tooth. Remember, good oral care for your veneers is just as important as for your natural teeth.
Veneers help improve your teeth's appearance by fusing a porcelain shell to your tooth. We prepare your teeth, take an impression, place temporary veneers, and in about 3 weeks, you'll have your permanent porcelain veneers with a new stunning smile. Making the decision for your smile transformation is an important decision, please see our Transparency in Procedure page for more information.
Learn how Veneers work.
Veneers feel like natural teeth, so you can eat your usual diet. That said, avoid habits that might damage natural teeth; they can harm veneers too.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to enhance the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth, resulting in an improved overall appearance. While some minimal reshaping or buffing of natural teeth is typically required, it is done to a very small extent.

The thickness of veneers can be as thin as a contact lens. During the preparation process, around 0.5 mm is typically removed from the edges of the teeth and 0.3 mm from the front surface. To put it in perspective, this amount is equivalent to the thickness of 3 to 5 strands of hair, with the average human hair measuring about 0.1 mm.

It's worth noting that the satisfaction rating for veneers is consistently high, with many people achieving the desired results for their smile. The majority of individuals who choose veneers are highly satisfied with the outcome.

If you'd like to learn more about the procedure, please visit our Transparency in Procedure page or schedule a consultation today.
Porcelain veneers offer a great advantage -they can't be whitened, but that's because they don't stain either! Over time, their color remains consistent and stable. If you wish to refresh your older veneers with a brighter hue, we at BAVC can assist with that. On the other hand, resin veneers, composite veneers, or composite bonding do stain over time and can't be whitened either. In such cases, you might consider redoing them to refresh their color.
Yes, veneers are a lasting solution. While the porcelain shell may need replacement every 10-15 years, veneers offer a long-term upgrade to your smile.
You will be numb so no pain during the procedure and all Bay Area Veneer Center patients are offered complementary Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to make them comfortable. Some post-procedure sensitivity on the teeth and gums is normal and usually resolves quickly.

Treatment requires minimal downtime and you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave Bay Area Veneer Center. Learn more about the procedure.
The veneer process typically involves 2-3 visits and takes about 3 to 4 weeks in total.
Transparency is the cornerstone of our practice at Bay Area Veneer Center - especially when it comes to pricing. We charge a flat rate of $1200 per veneer, which includes all aspects of the treatment from consultation to post-procedure follow-ups. The $30 fee for the initial consultation and a $200 deposit which is required to schedule treatment are credit to your total balance. Investing in your smile is priceless and we are committed to delivering a high standard of care for every patient. For more information about financing and payment options, please see our Transparency in Pricing page and we invite you to discuss this during your consultation.

Note: This price is an all-inclusive fee, and we assure you there are no additional hidden costs. A detailed cost breakdown will be provided before starting the treatment.

Yes, alternatives to porcelain veneers do exist, such as Composite Bonding, Teeth Whitening, Composite Veneers, or the Snap-On Smile system. While these options might come with a lower initial cost, they typically require more maintenance, and their results might not last as long - often needing to be redone after a year or so. Orthodontic treatments to straighten teeth, such as braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, are also viable alternatives. While these can improve your bite and alignment significantly, they usually take a longer duration. If you seek the best solution for improving the shape, size, color, and alignment of your teeth with long-lasting results, then porcelain veneers should be considered.
The satisfaction rate for veneers consistently exceeds 90%. What one person values will be different from another person and each smile is unique as the individual smiling. We at BAVC have found that most patients who fully understand the procedure and its limitations are typically thrilled with their new smiles.
Every medical or dental procedure comes with potential risks, and veneers are no different. However, with a seasoned professional like Dr. Sharma and the team at Bay Area Veneer Center, these risks are significantly minimized. Potential issues can include discomfort during the preparation process, sensitivity to hot and cold, or potential chipping or cracking of the veneer. It's also important to note that the veneer procedure is irreversible as it involves the alteration of your natural tooth structure.

With the latest advancements in dental technology and our team's precise, personalized approach, most patients find these risks are vastly outweighed by the benefits. Veneers offer an immediate improvement to the appearance of your smile, are stain-resistant, and can even provide a layer of strength to your natural teeth.

We prioritize clear and open communication. We'll thoroughly discuss any potential risks and ensure you're completely comfortable with the procedure during your consultation. This way, you're informed every step of the way.
Let your veneer dentist know if you have or are planning on getting lip fillers. The lips are an important part of framing your smile and along with other features on your face, they serve as a reference point for your new smile and it will be important component for designing your new teeth.
Minimal-Prep Veneers require minimal or no tooth structure removal before bonding. We'll determine if this is an option for you after an initial oral examination. Please see our section on Minimal-prep Veneers or feel free to schedule a consultation to learn more.
On average, veneers may need to be replaced after 15 years or longer, but it's not uncommon for veneers to last for several decades. The longevity depends on various factors, including your oral hygiene routine and individual circumstances.
Yes - While our primary focus at BAVC is porcelain veneers, we understand that comprehensive esthetic dentistry might sometimes involve other treatments, such as crowns or bridges. If they become necessary as part of your smile enhancement process, rest assured, we're equipped and ready to manage those needs.
We are committed to creating perfect smiles, and missing teeth don't have to stand in the way of that. While our emphasis is on veneers, if it is involving your smile and cosmetic dentistry, we're fully prepared to address missing teeth in conjunction with the specialists who place implants and your trusted General Dentist. Depending on your specific case, a bridge or implant may be considered to restore your full smile.
Before the veneer procedure, it's crucial to ensure your teeth are in their best health, which means addressing any existing cavities. We can often take care of cavities during the veneer preparation stage if they're on the teeth due for veneers.
Gum health is crucial to any dental procedure, including veneers. If gum disease is present, it should be addressed prior to starting the veneer process. This ensures the best possible outcome and longevity of your veneers.

Dr. Sharma



Read Our Story
Contact Us at 650-557-4808 or Book an Appointment.
Logo for Bay Area Veneer Center

Contact Us


Bay Area Veneer Center
2875 Middlefield Rd., Suite #A
Palo Alto CA 94306-2548
Copyright © 2022-2024 Bay Area Veneer Center and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap