A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to the front of a tooth to change its color, shape or length. One veneer can fix a single chipped or discolored tooth; a set of six to ten can redesign a smile. Dr. Kim plans the shape with you first, keeps tooth preparation minimal, and matches the shade in natural light. We speak English, Spanish and Korean.
What veneers can and cannot do
Veneers correct chips, worn edges, small gaps, stains that whitening cannot lift, and teeth that are slightly crooked or uneven. Because they cover only the front surface, far less tooth is removed than for a crown.
They are not the right tool for every problem. Significant crowding is better treated with aligners, teeth with large fillings or cracks need crowns, and gum disease must be treated first. Dr. Kim tells you plainly if bonding, whitening or aligners would get you the same result for less.
What to expect
Veneers take two to three visits over a few weeks.
1. Consultation and design
We talk about what you want to change, examine the teeth and gums, and decide how many veneers make sense. Shade and shape are chosen with you.
2. Prepare and scan
A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth, the teeth are digitally scanned, and temporaries are placed so you can preview the look.
3. Try-in and bond
The porcelain veneers are tried in and checked for color and fit, then bonded permanently and polished. You leave with the finished smile.
Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal. Veneers are cared for like natural teeth: brushing, flossing, checkups, and a night guard if you grind.
Cost and insurance
Veneers are cosmetic, so dental insurance usually does not cover them. The fee is per tooth and depends on the number of veneers and the complexity of the case; you receive a written estimate at the consultation, and no preparation starts until you approve it.
Monthly payment plans are available through CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit, subject to credit approval. We give you a written estimate before any treatment.
Dr. Kim's approach
Conservative preparation and honest planning. We remove as little enamel as possible, show you temporaries before the final veneers are made, and will recommend whitening or bonding instead when they would achieve what you want.
Healthy gums first: veneers look their best when the gum line is healthy and even.
Why Happy Light Dental for veneers
Digital workflow
Intraoral scans give the lab an exact model for precise, thin veneers.
Shade matching
Color chosen with you in natural light so the result looks like your teeth, not a set of teeth.
Written estimate
Per-tooth fee and financing options in writing before anything is prepared.
Your language
We speak English, Spanish and Korean.
Veneer questions
Ready to talk about veneers?
Call (310) 644-4648 or book online. Se habla español · 한국어 진료 가능.