Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-crafted shells of high-quality dental ceramic that cover the front surface of your teeth to create a stunning, natural-looking smile transformation. Think of them as the haute couture of cosmetic dentistry—each veneer is individually designed and handcrafted by our Master Ceramist to enhance your unique facial features and personality.

At Maria Cardenas DMD, we don't create cookie-cutter smiles. Our porcelain veneers are designed using revolutionary Digital Smile Design technology, ensuring your new smile harmonizes perfectly with your facial structure, enhances your natural beauty, and reflects your personal style.

Veneers come in various types to suit different preferences and requirements. The most common types are porcelain laminate veneers and composite resin veneers.

• Porcelain Laminate Veneers: Thin “shells” of porcelain that are Crafted in the Laboratory by a Master Ceramist and bonded to the front of the tooth. It takes two visits to complete this process.
• Composite Resin Veneers: A composite material that is applied in layers directly on the tooth by a Dentist. It takes one visit to complete this process

Ideal candidates for dental veneers are individuals with healthy teeth and gums looking for cosmetic improvements or patients with existing veneers looking for replacement or revision.

Veneers can correct minor misalignments, discolorations, and imperfections, providing a lasting solution. Revision cases are performed to replace existing, defective veneers.

Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance. With excellent oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or using teeth as tools, many patients can enjoy their beautiful veneers for well over a decade. 

Factors that influence longevity include:

• Quality of oral hygiene
• Regular professional maintenance
• Avoiding destructive habits (teeth grinding, nail biting)
• Using protective appliances when needed
• Choosing experienced dentists and quality materials

Read our How long do porcelain veneers last blog for more information.

Absolutely. Natural-looking results are our specialty. As the first Digital Smile Design clinic in the US, we've perfected the art of creating veneers that enhance your natural beauty. Our Master Ceramist handcrafts each veneer with individual characteristics, subtle color variations, and natural translucency that makes them indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We use advanced techniques to ensure pain-free treatment. Any mild sensitivity after preparation typically resolves within a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available 24/7 for any concerns.

Yes, you can enjoy all your favorite foods. Porcelain veneers are designed to withstand normal chewing forces. We recommend avoiding extremely hard foods (ice, hard candy) and using caution with very sticky items, just as you would with your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers don't stain like natural teeth, which is one of their major advantages. They maintain their color permanently. If you want a whiter shade in the future, the veneers would need to be replaced, which is why careful color selection is important during the design phase.

While this is rare, chips or breaks can happen and can be usually polished and sometimes repaired.

Alternatively, the veneer can be replaced. Our in-house lab allows for quick turnaround times.

We also provide detailed care instructions to minimize the risk of damage and offer emergency support for any concerns.

We must address any underlying oral health issues before placing veneers. This ensures the best foundation for your new smile and maximizes the longevity of your investment. We can coordinate any necessary treatment before beginning your veneer procedure.

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are both used to improve the appearance and function of teeth, they can both be beautiful and natural looking but they differ in purpose, coverage, and when they’re recommended.

• Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover only the front surface of the tooth. They are ideal for cosmetic enhancements—such as improving shape, color, symmetry, or closing small gaps—while preserving most of your natural tooth structure.
• Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth (front, back, and sides) and are typically used when a tooth is structurally compromised—due to fractures, large fillings, or root canal therapy.

At Maria Cardenas DMD, we prioritize minimally invasive, esthetic-driven treatments. Whenever possible, we recommend veneers to maintain your natural tooth and deliver a stunning, long-lasting result with less removal of enamel.

Absolutely not—when done properly and by the right provider. At our practice, we take a conservative, minimally invasive approach that preserves your natural tooth structure. Veneers are carefully bonded to the enamel and, when placed with precision, can enhance both the strength and appearance of your smile.

Choosing a skilled cosmetic dentist with strong clinical experience and facially driven design is essential to getting beautiful, long-lasting results while feeling safe without compromising your teeth.

It depends on your smile goals. Some patients only need 2–4 veneers to enhance a specific area, while others choose 6–10 or 12 veneers for a full smile makeover transformation. We evaluate your facial features, lip line, and smile width to recommend the right number for a balanced, natural-looking result. Remember, this decision should be a collaborative process between patient, Lab and your Cosmetic dentist.

During your consultation, we’ll design your smile digitally so you can preview exactly how many veneers will help you provide feedback and achieve your vision.

Porcelain veneers are considered permanent, because a small amount of enamel is usually prepared to ensure proper fit and esthetics. While the procedure is not reversible, it is safe, predictable, and long-lasting when performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist.

With proper care, your veneers can last 10–15 years or more—and we’ll guide you every step of the way to protect your investment.

Absolutely—and we highly recommend that you do. With over 25 years of clinical experience, we’ve documented thousands of smile transformations and maintain an extensive private gallery of before-and-after cases, most probably, this includes many similar to your own.

During your consultation, we’ll show you real examples of our work—so you can feel confident about the quality, precision, and esthetic detail we deliver.

You can also explore a selection of our results on our Smile Gallery and on Instagram @mariacardenasdmd.

And here’s our genuine advice: always ask to see real patient cases before choosing a cosmetic dentist. It’s one of the simplest and most reliable ways to identify a truly skilled, experienced provider—and ensure your smile is in the right hands.