A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell that a dentist bonds to the front of a tooth to improve its color, shape, size, or alignment. At Vaksman Dental Group in South San Francisco, our dentists use both porcelain and composite veneers to correct chips, stains, gaps, and worn or uneven teeth for a brighter, more even smile.
Veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments because a single shell can fix several flaws at once. Below, our team explains the difference between porcelain and composite veneers, how the procedure works, what affects the cost, and how patients from South San Francisco, San Bruno, Daly City, Colma, Brisbane, and San Francisco can get started.
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to change their appearance. They cover imperfections such as stains, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment, creating a smile that looks natural and uniform while leaving most of the underlying tooth intact.
Veneers are a cosmetic restoration and are typically chosen for the teeth that show most when you smile. You can read more about veneers on the American Dental Association’s consumer site.
Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: What’s the Difference?
The two main types of veneers are porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are crafted in a lab and bonded to the teeth, while composite veneers are sculpted directly onto the tooth in a single visit. Each has trade-offs in appearance, durability, and timeline:
Feature
Porcelain Veneers
Composite Veneers
Material
Lab-made ceramic
Tooth-colored resin
Number of visits
Usually two or more
Often a single visit
Stain resistance
Highly stain resistant
Can stain over time
Durability
Long-lasting
Durable but generally shorter lifespan
Repairability
Usually replaced if damaged
Often repairable in office
Our dentists will help you weigh appearance, longevity, and timing to choose the right option for your smile.
What Can Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers are a flexible cosmetic solution. Our dentists commonly use them to address:
Stained or discolored teeth that don’t respond well to teeth whitening.
Chipped or cracked teeth from wear or injury.
Gaps between front teeth.
Slightly crooked or uneven teeth when full orthodontics isn’t desired.
Worn, small, or misshapen teeth that throw off your smile.
How Does the Veneer Procedure Work?
Getting porcelain veneers usually takes a couple of visits, while composite veneers can often be completed in one. The typical porcelain process is:
Consultation and smile design — our dentists examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and plan the shape and shade.
Tooth preparation — a thin layer of enamel is gently removed so the veneer sits flush.
Impressions and temporaries — an impression is taken for the lab, and temporary veneers may be placed.
Fabrication — your custom veneers are crafted to match your planned smile.
Bonding — the finished veneers are checked for fit and color, then permanently bonded to your teeth.
For minor touch-ups, cosmetic dental bonding can be an alternative to veneers in some cases.
How Do I Care for Dental Veneers?
Veneers don’t require special products, but good habits keep them looking their best:
Brush twice daily and floss once a day, just as you would with natural teeth.
Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens, which can chip a veneer.
Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Limit staining foods and drinks, especially with composite veneers.
Keep up with regular cleanings and checkups at our South San Francisco office.
Why Choose Vaksman Dental Group for Veneers?
Beautiful veneers depend on careful color matching and a smile design that fits your face. When you choose our South San Francisco practice for veneers, you get:
Both porcelain and composite options — our dentists offer both materials and recommend the one that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.
Custom smile design — we plan shape and shade so your veneers look natural, not bulky or overly white.
A full cosmetic menu — we can pair veneers with whitening or bonding for a coordinated result.
An easy-to-reach location — we’re on Mission Road near El Camino Real, convenient to the Westborough area, San Bruno, Daly City, and San Francisco.
Dental Veneers FAQ
The cost of veneers varies by case. Factors include whether you choose porcelain or composite, how many teeth are treated, and any prep work needed. Veneers are usually elective and cosmetic. We offer flexible financing and will provide a clear estimate after your consultation.
Because veneers are typically cosmetic, most dental insurance plans don't cover them. If a veneer is being used to restore a damaged tooth, partial coverage may sometimes apply. Our team accepts most insurance and will help you review your benefits and financing options.
Vaksman Dental Group is at 1241 Mission Road in South San Francisco, near El Camino Real and the South San Francisco BART station. We welcome cosmetic patients from San Bruno, Daly City, Brisbane, Colma, Pacifica, and San Francisco.
Neither is universally better — it depends on your goals. Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant and longer lasting, while composite veneers are often quicker and more easily repaired. Our dentists will help you choose based on your smile, timeline, and budget.
Veneers are designed to be conservative. Porcelain veneers usually require removing a thin layer of enamel, which is permanent, while some composite veneers need little to no enamel removal. Our dentists take a minimal approach and will explain what your case involves.
With good care, porcelain veneers can last many years, and composite veneers generally have a somewhat shorter lifespan. Avoiding hard foods, wearing a nightguard if you grind, and keeping up with checkups all help your veneers last.
It depends on your smile. Some patients only need one or two veneers to fix a chip or gap, while others choose several across the front teeth for a full smile makeover. Our dentists will recommend a number based on what shows when you smile.
Veneers can mask minor crookedness or unevenness for a straighter look without braces. For more significant alignment issues, our dentists may recommend orthodontic options like Invisalign first. We'll let you know which approach fits your case.
Yes. Veneers are custom-made and color-matched to blend with your surrounding teeth. Our dentists design the shape and shade so the result looks like your own teeth, just improved — not artificial or overly bright.
Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant. Composite veneers can pick up stains over time from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. Limiting those and keeping up with cleanings helps maintain their color.
Cost & Financing
The cost of Dental Veneers varies with each patient’s needs and treatment plan. We keep care affordable with flexible financing, accept most dental insurance, and offer an in-house membership plan. Contact us for a personalized estimate.
Vaksman Dental Group 1241 Mission Road South San Francisco, CA 94080 Phone: (650) 588-3710 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Conveniently located near El Camino Real and the South San Francisco BART station, serving San Bruno, Daly City, Brisbane, Colma, Pacifica, Millbrae, and Burlingame.
