Porcelain veneers are the most transformative way to change the front of your smile. In one treatment they can brighten the color, refine the shape, correct the length and balance the symmetry of your teeth. In Beverly Hills, where a smile is often on camera, the goal is not a perfect row of identical teeth but veneers that look like natural teeth, only better.
Dr. Dan Shaer designs every set of veneers around your face. Your proportions are measured, your new smile is designed digitally and previewed in your mouth, and the preparation is kept as conservative as possible. The result is a smile that looks natural, symmetrical and truly yours.
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental porcelain, custom made to fit the front surface of a tooth and bonded permanently in place. The American Dental Association describes porcelain veneers as strong, long lasting and natural looking.
Porcelain reflects and transmits light much like natural enamel, which is why well made veneers have the depth and translucency of real teeth instead of a flat, opaque white. Because they cover the front of the tooth, veneers can correct several problems at once.
- Stains and discoloration that whitening does not change
- Chipped, cracked or worn edges
- Teeth that are too short, too small or uneven in length
- Small gaps between the front teeth
- Mild crowding or rotation, when orthodontics is not preferred
- Old bonding or veneers that no longer match
Veneers designed around your face, not a template
The most common complaint about veneers is that they look like veneers: too white, too uniform, too large. That happens when teeth are designed in isolation. Dr. Dan starts with your face. Your facial midline, lip line, the amount of tooth you show when you speak and smile, and the natural width to length ratio of each tooth all shape the design.
Your new smile is designed digitally and then tried in as a mockup, so you can see and feel the length, shape and fullness before any tooth is prepared. You can request changes at this stage. Only when you approve the design are the veneers made.
Are veneers bad for your teeth?
Placed with skill and cared for properly, veneers are not harmful. They can even protect teeth with worn enamel, chips or cracks.
To make a veneer sit flush and natural, a thin layer of enamel, usually a fraction of a millimeter, is typically removed. Enamel does not grow back, so this step is permanent and the tooth will always need a veneer or another covering. That is why planning comes before preparation, and why Dr. Dan follows a minimally invasive philosophy that keeps as much natural tooth as possible. Any decay or gum disease is treated first, because veneers should only be placed on healthy teeth.
Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
You may be a good candidate if any of these sound familiar:
- Healthy teeth and gums, or a plan to treat decay and gum disease first
- Front teeth that are stained, chipped, worn, short or uneven
- Small gaps or mild misalignment you would rather not treat with aligners
- Enough healthy enamel to bond to
- Patients who understand that enamel preparation is permanent
- Heavy grinders may still be candidates, with a night guard to protect the veneers
The only way to know for sure is an examination with digital scans. Dr. Dan tells you honestly whether this is the right option for you, and what the alternatives are.
Porcelain veneers vs composite veneers
Both are valid options, and the right choice depends on your teeth, your goals and how much change you want. The ADA notes that composite veneers may need less enamel removed and fewer visits, while porcelain is more resistant to stains and wear.
| Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| How they are made | Crafted by a dental lab from your approved design | Sculpted directly on the tooth |
| Look | Natural translucency and depth | Natural, can be less lifelike over time |
| Stain and wear resistance | High | Lower |
| Tooth preparation | Usually a thin layer of enamel | Often less |
| Repair | Usually replaced if damaged | Easier to repair |
| Best for | Lasting change in color, shape and symmetry | Smaller corrections and budgets |
Getting porcelain veneers, step by step
Every treatment at the studio follows the same mapped, guided process, from your first consultation to the final reveal.
- 01
Consultation and digital scanning
Dr. Dan listens to what you want to change, examines your teeth and gums, and takes digital scans, photos and video of your smile to confirm whether porcelain veneers is the right choice for you.
- 02
Facial analysis and 3D mapping
Your face, lips and bite are measured so the plan is built around your proportions, not a template.
- 03
Your smile blueprint
The treatment is designed digitally. You review the blueprint and ask for changes before any treatment begins.
- 04
Mockup and preview
A mockup lets you preview the design before anything is final, so you know what you are agreeing to.
- 05
Treatment
The teeth are gently prepared, impressions or digital scans are sent to the lab, and temporaries are placed if needed. At the next visit the finished veneers are tried in, checked for color and fit, and permanently bonded.
- 06
Final reveal and after care
Your result is checked for fit, bite and comfort, and you leave with a care plan to keep it looking its best.
What to expect after porcelain veneers
There is no real recovery period. After the veneers are bonded you can return to normal life the same day. Some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is common and usually fades within a few days, and your bite may feel different for a short time while you adjust.
Veneers do not change how you brush. Brush twice daily with a non abrasive toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day, and keep your regular checkups. Avoid biting very hard objects such as ice, pens or fingernails, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Porcelain resists stains, but the edges and your natural teeth do not, so the same habits that keep teeth healthy keep veneers beautiful.
How much do porcelain veneers cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost of veneers depends on the material, the number of teeth treated and the complexity of your case. As a general guide, these are typical per tooth estimates in Southern California:
| Veneer type | Cost per tooth (estimate) | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain veneers | $900 to $2,500 | 10 to 15+ years |
| Composite resin veneers | $250 to $1,500 | 5 to 7 years |
| No-prep or minimal-prep veneers | $800 to $2,000 | 10 to 15 years |
Estimates only. Your actual cost depends on your treatment needs and the number of teeth treated. What shapes your fee:
- How many veneers you need (one, a few, or a full smile)
- Porcelain or composite
- Whether whitening, gum shaping or other treatment is planned alongside
- Any decay, old restorations or gum health issues to treat first
Your exact fee is confirmed in a written plan after your consultation, before any treatment begins.
Payment options include cash, check or card, flexible spending accounts and select insurance coverage, plus third party financing through Cherry, Sunbit and CareCredit, which offer low monthly payment plans. For eligible patients there is a no interest option if fees are paid in full within a set number of months.
The most expensive dental work is often the work that has to be redone. Careful planning, quality materials and precise execution are what make a result last.
Why patients choose Dr. Dan Shaer for porcelain veneers
Dr. Dan Shaer is a Beverly Hills trained cosmetic and restorative dentist who plans every case the way an architect plans a building: symmetry, proportion, alignment and balance are mapped first, and the treatment follows the blueprint. His philosophy is simple. Great dentistry should be natural, minimally invasive and tailored to the individual, so your smile matches your face, your personality and your identity.
- Digital Smile Design Certification, so every plan is previewed before treatment
- Implantology Fellowship and Biomimetic Dentistry Certification
- European Minimally Invasive Dentistry Program and U.S. and European training
- Beverly Hills Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry Training
- One plan for function and aesthetics, reviewed and approved by you before anything begins
See real results in the before and after gallery, or book a consultation at the studio on Wilshire Boulevard.
