Ever notice how some people never smile in photos? Always doing that weird closed-mouth thing that never looks natural? Maybe their teeth aren’t terrible, but they have stubborn coffee stains or chips from old habits.
If you’re one of those people, porcelain veneers in Upland might be exactly what you need. At Higher Ground Dentistry, Dr. Sikka explains the process clearly, drawing from over a decade of experience with every possible scenario.
Whatever brought you here – that crooked tooth, stains that won’t budge, gaps that bother you – we get it.
What Are Porcelain Veneers in Upland?
Porcelain veneers are basically like really fancy contact lenses for your teeth. Except they don’t fall out and they last forever (well, not forever, but you know what I mean). They’re these super thin pieces of porcelain that dentists stick right on the front of your teeth.
Here’s the cool part – porcelain acts just like your real tooth enamel. Light bounces off it the same way, so people can’t tell you have them. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has set standards for this stuff, and when it’s done right, veneers look completely natural.
They fix a bunch of different issues:
- Those stubborn coffee/wine stains that seem permanent
- Chips from whatever accident or bad habit caused them
- Teeth that are a little crooked but not “get braces” crooked
- Gaps that make you cover your mouth when you laugh
- Teeth that look worn down or just… shorter than they should be
Porcelain ones cost way more than the composite kind, but they last longer and don’t get stained or gross-looking after a few years.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Upland: The Process
Getting porcelain veneers in Upland at Higher Ground Dentistry typically takes 2-3 visits. We offer weekend appointments for busy schedules.
Consultation and Planning Dr. Sikka discusses your goals and uses imaging technology to show potential results. Our bilingual team ensures everyone feels informed throughout the process.
Preparation We remove a whisper-thin layer of enamel – less than a fingernail’s thickness. This ensures natural-looking veneers without bulk. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create custom veneers tailored to your smile.
Temporary Protection Temporary veneers protect your teeth and preview your transformation while permanent ones are created.
Final Bonding Dr. Sikka carefully bonds each veneer using advanced adhesive, making adjustments until everything feels perfect..
What to Know Financially Before Choosing Veneers
Veneers can be a beautiful investment in your smile and your confidence — but like any investment, it’s important to feel prepared before taking the leap. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Start With a Healthy Foundation
Before you even think about veneers, make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape. Taking care of cavities or gum health first will set you up for a long-lasting, healthy smile once you do get veneers.
Get Clear on the Costs
Veneer pricing can vary a lot depending on how many you’ll need, the type of material, and even your dentist’s expertise. Having an open conversation with your dentist about the full cost upfront can save you from surprises later.
Look Into Payment Options
Higher Ground Dentistry offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost out over time. This can make veneers much more manageable instead of paying everything at once.
Check In With Your Insurance
Most dental insurance doesn’t cover veneers since they’re usually considered cosmetic. Still, it’s worth checking your plan or giving your provider a quick call — you never know what might be included.
Taking Care of Them
Once you have your porcelain veneers in Upland, looking after them is simple: brush, floss, and keep up with your regular cleanings. Try not to use your teeth as tools.
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, even with coffee or tea. According to Dr. Sikka, with good care, veneers can last 15–20 years.
It’s best to avoid chewing on really hard things like ice or jawbreaker candies. Not because veneers are weak, but because it’s just smarter to play it safe with your smile.
Ready to Actually Smile in Photos?
Porcelain veneers can do more than change how teeth look — they can change how someone feels. Many people find themselves smiling more in pictures and laughing without holding back once they’ve had their veneers done. That kind of confidence boost can make a big difference in everyday life.
If you’re in the Upland area and considering veneers, Dr. Sikka is a great place to start. Even if veneers don’t end up being the right option, you’ll leave knowing what choices are available. And with weekend hours, it’s easy to fit a consultation into your schedule.