Maybe you hide your smile in photos. Maybe a chipped front tooth has bothered you for years, or your teeth have darkened in a way whitening strips cannot fix. Whatever the reason, you are not alone. Many adults want to change something about their smile, and today there are more ways to do it than ever.
At Smiles4Life in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Aaron Choroomi has more than 20 years of experience designing smiles that look natural, not "done." This guide explains your cosmetic options, from simple whitening to veneers and full smile makeovers, so you can walk into your consultation knowing what to ask.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, which reflects light much like natural enamel and resists staining. Veneers can change the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth.
Veneers can help with:
- Teeth that are stained or discolored and do not respond to whitening
- Chipped, worn, or uneven teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are slightly crooked or oddly shaped
- Teeth that look too short or too small for your smile
Because porcelain veneers are custom-made for each tooth, we can match the shade and shape to your face, your skin tone, and the look you want.
What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Lumineers?
Lumineers are a brand of ultra-thin veneers. Traditional porcelain veneers usually require us to remove a thin layer of enamel so the veneer sits flush with your other teeth. Lumineers are thin enough that little or no enamel needs to be removed in many cases.
Lumineers can be a good fit if your teeth are already in a good position and you want to change their color or shape. Traditional veneers can do more to correct teeth that are worn, crowded, or very dark. Dr. Choroomi will look at your teeth and your goals and tell you which option makes the most sense for you.
What Are Anti-Aging Veneers?
As we age, our teeth naturally wear down, get shorter, and turn darker. This can make a smile look older than it should. Anti-aging veneers restore the length, brightness, and shape your teeth used to have. Many patients say the change makes their whole face look more rested and youthful.
What Else Is Included in a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a custom plan that combines more than one treatment to improve the look of your smile. Not everyone needs veneers. Depending on your goals, your plan might include:
- Teeth whitening to brighten your natural teeth
- Dental bonding, a tooth-colored resin that repairs small chips and gaps in a single visit
- Cosmetic gum contouring to even out a gummy smile or uneven gumline
- Dental crowns to restore teeth that are cracked or heavily filled
- Invisalign and clear aligners to straighten teeth before cosmetic work
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
Because our general dentist, orthodontist, and periodontist all practice in the same Thousand Oaks office, your whole plan can be coordinated in one place. You can see all of our cosmetic options on our cosmetic dentistry page.
How Do I Choose Between Veneers and Bonding?
Bonding and veneers can fix many of the same problems, but they are not the same. Here is how they compare:
- Bonding is done in one visit, usually without removing enamel, and costs less up front. It is a good choice for small chips or gaps. Bonding can stain and chip over time and may need to be touched up every few years.
- Porcelain veneers take two or more visits and cost more, but they resist stains and can last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care. They are a good choice for bigger changes in color or shape across several teeth.
What Happens During the Veneer Process?
Getting veneers usually takes two to three visits over a few weeks. Here is what to expect:
- Consultation and smile design. We talk about what you like and do not like about your smile, take photos and digital scans, and check the health of your teeth and gums.
- Preview your new smile. In many cases, we can show you a preview of your new smile before any work is done, so you can see the shape and length and ask for changes.
- Prepare your teeth. For traditional veneers, we gently remove a thin layer of enamel. You leave with temporary veneers while your custom veneers are made.
- Bond your veneers. We check the fit and color, make any final adjustments, and bond your veneers in place.
Do I Need Healthy Teeth and Gums First?
Yes. Veneers and other cosmetic work last longest on a healthy foundation. Before we start, we check for cavities, gum disease, and bite problems. If you need a filling, a deep cleaning, or other care first, we take care of it before cosmetic treatment begins. If you grind your teeth, we may recommend a custom night guard to protect your veneers while you sleep.
How Do I Care for Veneers?
Veneers do not need special care, but a few simple habits help them last:
- Brush twice a day and floss once a day, just like natural teeth
- Keep up with regular exams and cleanings
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Wear a sports guard if you play contact sports
Meet Dr. Aaron Choroomi, Our General and Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Aaron Choroomi is the founder of Smiles4Life and has more than 20 years of clinical experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. He is known for designing smiles that look naturally beautiful and for taking the time to explain each step of treatment.
Dr. Choroomi believes your oral health is closely tied to your overall health, and he offers biocompatible materials and treatment options that support the whole body. He is also an implant specialist who has completed many full-mouth restorations. A Westlake Village resident, he lives locally with his wife and two children.
How Much Do Veneers Cost, and Is Financing Available?
The cost of veneers depends on how many teeth are treated, the type of veneer, and whether you need other care first. We will give you a clear treatment plan and estimate before you decide.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic treatment. However, some parts of a smile makeover, like crowns or fillings, may be covered when they are needed to restore a damaged tooth. Smiles4Life offers an in-house discount plan and financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Lending Club, and Sunbit, so you can spread the cost into monthly payments. You can check your insurance or review our financing options.
Book a cosmetic consultation in Thousand Oaks
The best smile makeover starts with a conversation about what you want. Dr. Choroomi will look at your teeth, listen to your goals, and walk you through the options that fit your smile and your budget.
Call Smiles4Life at (805) 301-7777, book online, or visit us at 1140 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Suite A in Thousand Oaks, CA. We welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, and Calabasas.
