Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers in Upland: The Art of the Flawless Smile
If you have ever wondered how celebrities maintain perfectly shaped, permanently white teeth, the answer is almost always porcelain veneers. Veneers are the chameleon of cosmetic dentistry—a single treatment capable of correcting color, shape, size, and alignment simultaneously.
At Higher Ground Dentistry, we specialize in biomimetic porcelain veneers. This means we don't just cover your teeth; we reinforce them using materials that mimic the strength and flexibility of natural enamel, all while preserving your healthy tooth structure.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-fabricated shells of medical-grade ceramic (typically lithium disilicate or feldspathic porcelain) that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth.27 Think of them as "contact lenses" for your smile.
Unlike dental crowns, which require grinding down a significant portion of the tooth, modern veneers are minimally invasive. In many cases, we only need to remove a fraction of a millimeter (0.2mm to 0.5mm) of enamel to create space for the veneer, ensuring the restoration looks natural and not bulky.
Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: A Detailed Comparison
Patients in Upland often ask: "Should I get veneers or just bonding?" Here is the breakdown:
|
Feature |
Porcelain Veneers |
Composite Bonding |
|
Material |
High-strength Ceramic (Glass-like) |
Biocompatible Resin (Plastic-like) |
|
Esthetics |
Superior translucency; mimics real enamel perfectly. |
Good, but can look "flat" or opaque over time. |
|
Stain Resistance |
High. The glazed surface repels coffee/wine stains. |
Low. The material is porous and will stain like natural teeth.28 |
|
Durability |
10–20 Years. Very strong once bonded. |
3–7 Years. Prone to chipping.22 |
|
Esthetics |
Superior translucency; mimics real enamel perfectly | Good, but can look "flat" or opaque over time |
|
Procedure |
2 Visits (or 1 with CEREC). |
1 Visit. |
The Verdict: Bonding is excellent for minor, quick fixes (like a small chip). Veneers are the superior choice for lasting, complete smile transformations.
The "Minimal-Prep" Difference
Traditional veneers often required aggressive reduction of the sensitive tooth structure. At Higher Ground, we utilize a No-Prep or Minimal-Prep philosophy whenever possible. Using advanced bonding protocols, we can adhere veneers to your enamel with incredible strength. This preservation of enamel is crucial because it prevents post-operative sensitivity and maintains the rigidity of the tooth.29
The Veneer Process at Higher Ground
- Design Phase: We analyze your facial features—eye line, lip symmetry, and skin tone—to design teeth that look like they belong to you.
- Preparation: Sikka gently prepares the tooth surface.
- Fabrication: Using our in-house partner ceramists, the veneers are crafted from biocompatible porcelain blocks.
- Bonding: The veneers are permanently bonded using resin cement that seals the tooth and prevents future decay.
Realistic Beauty — Not the “Fake” Veneer Look
Modern veneers don’t create the bulky, opaque “Hollywood chiclet” style many people fear. We design natural characteristics into the porcelain — subtle translucency, gentle texture, and shade gradients — so your smile looks refined, not artificial.
Designed Around Your Personality
Some patients want a glamorous smile. Others want a conservative, natural look — like they were born with perfect teeth. We offer both. Veneer artistry isn’t just dentistry — it’s smile styling based on your goals, expression, and individuality.