Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a wafer-thin shell of dental-grade ceramic — usually less than half a millimeter thick — that is permanently bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Think of it like a custom-made facade for your smile: the underlying tooth stays in place, but its visible surface is transformed in color, shape, length, and alignment. Because high-quality porcelain reflects and transmits light in much the same way natural tooth enamel does, a well-crafted veneer is virtually impossible to distinguish from a real tooth, even up close.

Veneers are one of the most versatile tools in cosmetic dentistry. A single veneer can repair one chipped or discolored front tooth, while a set of six to ten can completely redesign a smile. At Olive Dental Studio in Burbank, Dr. Harut Hakobyan plans every case individually, balancing the science of a healthy bite with the artistry of a smile that suits your face, age, and personality.

Most adults with generally healthy teeth and gums are candidates for porcelain veneers. They are an excellent choice for teeth that are permanently stained (including deep, intrinsic discoloration that whitening can't touch), chipped or worn at the edges, slightly crooked or gapped, or simply small and misshapen. Many patients choose veneers when they want a comprehensive, lasting change rather than addressing one issue at a time.

There are situations where veneers aren't the first step. Active gum disease, untreated decay, or a significant bite problem should be addressed before any cosmetic work begins. Patients who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) can absolutely get veneers, but they'll need a custom nightguard to protect the investment. And for significant crowding or major orthodontic issues, Dr. Hakobyan may recommend Invisalign first, then veneers for the finishing touch. The only way to know what's right for your smile is a free consultation, where we'll evaluate your teeth and walk you through every option honestly.

Not all veneers are created equal, and the difference usually comes down to two things most patients never hear about: the type of porcelain and the dental lab that fabricates them. Pressed ceramics like e.max are prized for their strength and lifelike translucency, while feldspathic porcelain — layered by hand by a master ceramist — can achieve the most natural, custom appearance for front teeth. Cheaper veneers often use thicker, more opaque materials from commodity labs, which is why they can look bulky or flat under natural light.

Dr. Hakobyan works with high-end cosmetic labs and selects the material based on your specific goals, not a one-size-fits-all default. This is the same standard used by the Beverly Hills cosmetic practices many of our Burbank and Glendale patients came from — without the Beverly Hills price tag. When you invest in veneers, you're not just paying for the procedure; you're paying for the planning, the artistry, and the quality of the ceramic that will be on your smile for the next 10 to 15 years.

Porcelain veneers don't require any exotic maintenance — in fact, you care for them almost exactly like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with your six-month cleanings so the gum margins stay healthy. Because porcelain is highly stain-resistant, your veneers will hold their color far better than natural enamel, though the small areas of natural tooth around them can still respond to coffee, tea, and red wine.

A few simple habits protect your investment: avoid using your front teeth as tools (no opening packages or biting fishing line), don't chew ice or extremely hard foods, and wear a nightguard if you grind. With this routine, modern porcelain veneers reliably last 10 to 15 years and often longer. When a veneer eventually needs replacement, it's a straightforward process. Burbank patients who maintain their veneers well are often surprised how little day-to-day thought they require for such a dramatic, lasting result.

Cosmetic dentistry rewards experience and patience, and that's exactly how Dr. Hakobyan approaches every veneer case. As a graduate of the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, he combines clinical precision with a genuine eye for natural-looking smile design. He personally handles your case from the first consultation through final placement — there's no rotating cast of providers, and no case leaves the office until it meets his standard.

Patients travel to our Burbank office from Glendale, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Studio City, and across the greater Los Angeles area specifically for cosmetic work, because the combination of premium materials, careful planning, and honest pricing is hard to find. If you're considering veneers, your free consultation includes digital photos, a smile assessment, and a clear treatment plan with itemized pricing — no pressure, no surprises. You'll leave knowing exactly what's possible for your smile.