The Complete Guide to Porcelain Veneers
By Dr. Harut Hakobyan, Olive Dental Studio · Burbank, CA
Everything you need to know about porcelain veneers — from the consultation process to long-term care and maintenance.
Porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative cosmetic dental treatments we offer at Olive Dental Studio. They can correct the shape, color, and alignment of your front teeth in just a few visits — and when they're done well, they look so natural most people can't tell they're there. Here's an honest, step-by-step guide for anyone considering veneers in Burbank or the surrounding Los Angeles area.
What are porcelain veneers, exactly?
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental-grade ceramic that's bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Each veneer is custom-shaped and color-matched to your other teeth (or to the new smile we're designing together). They're durable, stain-resistant, and reflect light the way real enamel does — which is what makes a high-quality veneer indistinguishable from a natural tooth.
Veneers are most commonly used for:
- Discolored or stained teeth that don't respond to whitening
- Chipped, cracked, or worn-down edges
- Mild crowding or gaps
- Misshapen or unusually small teeth
- Complete smile makeovers (typically 6–10 veneers across the front teeth)
How the consultation works
Every veneer case starts with a free consultation. Dr. Hakobyan takes detailed photographs of your smile, talks with you about what you want to change, and then plans the case digitally. You'll see a preview of what your new smile could look like — color, length, shape — before any decisions are made.
Some patients come in knowing exactly what they want. Others want guidance on what would look natural on their face. Both are fine. The goal of the consultation is to get aligned on a design before we touch a tooth.
The treatment process, step by step
1. Smile design. We use digital scans, photos, and (sometimes) a wax-up model to plan the exact shape and color of each veneer. You'll have a chance to review and approve the design.
2. Tooth preparation. A small amount of enamel — usually less than half a millimeter — is removed from the front of each tooth so the veneer can sit flush. This is done under local anesthetic; most patients don't feel anything.
3. Temporary veneers. You'll leave with a beautiful temporary set while your permanent veneers are crafted at the lab.
4. Final placement. About 2 weeks later, the permanent veneers are bonded into place. Dr. Hakobyan adjusts the bite, polishes the edges, and reviews the finished smile with you in the mirror before you leave.
How long do veneers last?
With good home care and routine cleanings, modern porcelain veneers typically last 10–20 years. They don't stain like natural enamel does, and they hold their color essentially forever. Where they can fail is at the bond margin — which is why a careful, well-fit veneer matters more than a fast one. A rushed case with poor bonding can chip or come loose; a properly placed case rarely does.
Caring for your veneers
- Brush and floss as usual. Veneers don't change your daily routine.
- Avoid using your front teeth as tools. No biting fishing line, opening packages, or chewing ice.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind. Most veneer failures happen because of grinding. We'll fit you for a custom guard if needed.
- Come in every 6 months. Routine cleanings keep the gum margins healthy and let us catch any small issues early.
Are veneers right for you?
Veneers are a long-term investment in your smile. They're not the right choice for every patient — sometimes whitening, bonding, or Invisalign delivers what you want at lower cost. The best way to know is a free consultation. We'll show you what's possible, what's reasonable, and what we'd recommend if you were a member of our family.
If you're in the Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, or Studio City area and considering veneers, we'd love to meet you. Schedule your consultation online or call us at (818) 588-3244.