Berkeley Porcelain Veneers

If you have chipped, cracked, worn-down, or badly stained teeth, Dr. Amy Au may recommend dental veneers in Berkeley, CA. Porcelain veneers were first introduced in 1928 by a dentist in California to change the shape of an actor’s teeth. In the decades since, veneers have become one of the staples of cosmetic dental treatment, and they're no longer only for celebrities.

Since materials and technology have advanced over the years, we are now able to offer veneers that look every bit as real as your natural teeth, and you can start enjoying your dazzling new smile in a matter of weeks.

Dr. Amy Au is a skilled prosthodontist who has extensive expertise and experience in creating restorations like veneers to improve the appearance of your smile. We work with master ceramists who create esthetic, conservative, and long-lasting veneers. If you are curious about what porcelain veneers in Berkeley can do for your smile, we invite you to contact Berkeley Prosthodontics and General Dentistry today at (510) 644-2114 to schedule a smile evaluation with Dr. Au.

Problems Veneers Can Fix

If you need to alter the appearance of your tooth, whether from accidental trauma, severe staining or other cosmetic concerns, or just a desire to improve your smile, veneers are a beautiful solution.

A dental veneer is an extremely thin shell of porcelain that is bonded onto the surface of upper and sometimes lower teeth. Veneers at Berkeley Prosthodontics and General Dentistry are customized to enhance your smile. Using veneers we can:

• Conceal severe internal or external staining

• Close uneven gaps and spaces between teeth

• Cover teeth that are chipped, broken, or cracked

• Reshape the form of a tooth for a more uniform appearance

We can use one or two veneers to repair certain teeth, or you might choose to use multiple veneers to completely redesign the appearance of your smile. Veneers are stain-resistant and capable of changing the size, shape, and shade of your teeth, and Dr. Au will work closely with you to design a treatment plan that helps you achieve your smile goals.

Are You Living With Misaligned Teeth?

If you've been hiding your smile because of crooked or unevenly spaced teeth, you might be surprised to learn that porcelain veneers in Berkeley could be a possible solution. Imagine being able to enjoy your new smile in a matter of weeks without the hassle or discomfort of orthodontic treatment.

Dental veneers are often referred to as "instant orthodontics" because they can often cover your tooth misalignment and provide a more symmetrical appearance without you ever having to wear traditional braces or Invisalign.

If you feel embarrassed about crooked teeth, but you don't like the idea of orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to contact Dr. Au and schedule an evaluation to explore the possibilities of using dental veneers to align your teeth.

Contact Berkeley Prosthodontics and General Dentistry today at (510) 644-2114 for more information.

Why Choose A Prosthodontist

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who receives extensive additional training focused on tooth restoration combined with aesthetics and bite health and function. During her advanced training, Dr. Au completed a three-year prosthodontic residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.

Prosthodontists work hard to achieve the artistry of excellent aesthetics that also delivers the function you need to enjoy food and maintain healthy jaw joints. Choosing a prosthodontist to create your new smile with porcelain veneers is a wise investment in both the aesthetics of your smile and your dental health.

Our Berkeley Veneer Process

We have seen the dramatic impact even a single veneer can have on a smile. Dr. Au will consult with you to determine what your aesthetic goals are and how you would like us to help. She creates treatment plans that are personalized and based on each patient's individual needs.

Despite the dramatic impact that veneers have on your smile, the process is straightforward. We start by carefully removing a micro-thin layer of dental enamel to ensure that the veneer sits naturally against your gum line. We take impressions of the tooth or teeth, which are then used to create both your temporary and your final veneers. 

When we place your temporary veneers, you have the opportunity to decide if you’re pleased with their shape and shade. We also have local master ceramists that can provide in-person shade-matching. The process takes around two weeks to finish your new restorations, and then you'll return to our Berkeley dental office, so Dr. Au can permanently place your veneers, and you can begin enjoying your amazing new smile.

We want you to be thrilled with the outcome, and we will take all the time necessary to create customized veneers that give you a reason to smile!

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are surprisingly easy to care for since you can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. Be sure to avoid whitening toothpaste as it tends to be abrasive and could scratch the surface of your veneers. Instead, use a mild toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing your teeth twice daily.

Also, like your natural teeth, you want to avoid biting directly into hard foods like crusty bread, apples, or carrots. Biting into something hard could crack or chip your veneer just like it would with your tooth. Instead, cut these foods up and enjoy them in smaller bite-size pieces. Avoiding sticky or chewy foods that could pull a veneer off is also a good idea.

Regular cleanings and check-ups with our Berkeley dentist will also help to protect the health and longevity of your dental veneers. Be sure to contact your team at Berkeley Prosthodontics and General Dentistry if it is time to schedule your next preventive teeth cleaning and check-up.

Porcelain Veneers Can Fit Into Your Budget

Many people are under the impression that porcelain veneers are expensive and out of the reach of their budget. While they may be an investment in your smile, there are also many ways to comfortably fit them into your budget.

If monthly payments are more feasible for you, third-party financing might be an option for you to consider. A bank or third-party like CareCredit can help break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments that won't deplete your wallet.

Our financial team at Berkeley Prosthodontics and General Dentistry has helped many patients fit cosmetic dental treatment in Berkeley into their budgets without breaking the bank. We would love to talk with you about the options for your smile, too.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Berkeley Porcelain Veneer Dentist

Our goal is to exceed your expectations, no matter what service you are receiving. Dr. Au wants you to feel confident in your decision to have veneers placed. She will gladly listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan that is personalized just for you.

If you are concerned about smile flaws and are interested in learning about porcelain veneers, please call our office today at (510) 644-2114. A member of our team will be happy to arrange a consultation at your convenience.

We look forward to being part of your effort to achieve a more attractive, confident smile!