If you’re researching porcelain veneer treatment in Encino, you’ve probably seen plenty of before-and-after photos. What those photos skip is everything in between: what happens at each appointment and which decisions are yours to make. At The Dental Office Encino, Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard walk patients through that sequence before anything changes on a tooth.
Here’s the full picture, start to finish.
The First Visit Is Mostly a Conversation
Dr. Howard starts by asking what bothers you about your smile. Maybe it’s a chipped edge, a stain that won’t lift, or teeth that never looked quite the way you wanted. Then he looks at the bigger picture: your gums, your bite, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
That last part matters more than most people expect. Grinding and gum problems can shorten the life of a veneer, so they get dealt with before any cosmetic work begins.
Planning Comes Before Anything Changes
Once you decide to move forward, Dr. Howard puts together your treatment plan. Veneers are shaded and shaped to blend with your natural teeth, whether you’re treating one tooth or several.
Sometimes the plan includes more than veneers. We’ve paired laser gum surgery with porcelain veneers for a patient who wanted to show less gum when she smiled. If gum shape is part of what bothers you, bring it up at your consultation.
How Your Veneers Get Made
Dr. Howard captures the shape of your teeth so each veneer can be built to fit them. Depending on your case, veneers can be made in our office with our CEREC system or by a dental lab. Dr. Howard will tell you which route makes sense for you.
Preparing Your Teeth
To make room for each veneer, Dr. Howard removes a small amount of enamel. That gives the veneer space to sit naturally and helps it bond well.
This step is largely irreversible, which is why we spend real time up front making sure veneers are what you want. You should feel sure before this point, not after it.
The Day Your Veneers Go On
When your veneers are ready, Dr. Howard bonds them to your teeth. Afterward he makes small adjustments so they fit the way they should in your mouth.
This is the moment to speak up. If something feels off when you bite down, or the shape isn’t quite what you pictured, say so while you’re still in the chair.
Life After Veneers
Veneers get the same care as your natural teeth: daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Porcelain resists staining better than natural enamel, but coffee, red wine, and tobacco can still dull your smile over time, so go easy on them. Skip the ice and the fingernail biting too, since hard things can chip a veneer.
At your regular exams, Dr. Howard checks how your veneers are holding up and flags any repair or replacement early.
Questions Worth Asking at Your Consultation
A good consult should leave you with real answers. Ask how your veneers will be made and what the timeline looks like for your case. Ask whether your gums or bite need attention first, and what the cost and financing options are for the number of teeth you’re treating.
Veneers are typically not covered by dental insurance, but we offer payment options, including low-interest medical financing. Dr. Howard will give you a personalized quote.
Veneers, Bonding, or Something Else?
Veneers aren’t the only route. Bonding uses composite resin applied directly to the tooth, often in a single visit at a lower cost, while porcelain veneers are built for a longer-lasting result.
If your teeth are significantly crooked, Dr. Howard may suggest clear aligners first, since veneers can only mask minor misalignment. For a closer look at what porcelain veneers can correct, our veneers page goes through each concern.
Ready to Talk Through Your Veneer Treatment?
Dr. Alan Howard and Dr. Yonatan Howard can look at your teeth and explain what treatment would involve for you, step by step. We’re at 17071 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Encino, CA 91316.
Call us at 818-300-0333 or book an appointment online to set up your consultation.
