Confidence You Can Feel—and See
Porcelain veneers in Palo Alto are performed by Dr. Qian at Mary Qian Dental Group.
It’s amazing how even small imperfections—like a chipped edge, a gap, or deep discoloration—can make you second-guess your smile. Whether you’re meeting someone new, taking photos, or just speaking up in a meeting, your smile plays a powerful role in how you express yourself.
That’s why so many patients choose custom veneers to refresh their appearance and promote their confidence. Veneers offer a beautiful, long-lasting solution that looks natural, feels seamless, and helps you feel more like you.
If you live in Palo Alto or the surrounding communities, veneers can be a life-changing part of your smile journey—especially when designed with your features, goals, and personality in mind.
For many of our patients, veneers are also part of a personalized smile makeover that may include bonding or teeth whitening. Whatever your vision, we’ll help you bring it to life—beautifully.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells we bond to the front of your teeth. This is done to enhance their shape, color, and overall appearance. They’re made from high-quality ceramic materials that mimic the natural translucency and strength of enamel—so your results look just like real teeth, only better.
Veneers are often used to correct cosmetic concerns like:
- discoloration
- chips
- small gaps
- uneven edges
Each one is carefully designed to match your facial features, skin tone, and smile goals—creating a polished, symmetrical look that still feels completely you.
If you’re exploring ways to refresh or transform your smile, veneers can also be part of a full cosmetic dentistry plan that’s tailored to your unique needs.
Why Choose Dr. Mary Qian for Veneers in Palo Alto?
When it comes to veneers, the difference is in the details—and that’s where Dr. Mary Qian truly shines.
With passion, advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, and a reputation for precision, Dr. Qian brings both technical skill and artistic vision to every case. She carefully considers your facial structure, skin tone, and personal style to design veneers that feel natural—not manufactured.
Her gentle, collaborative approach means you’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, you’ll feel empowered—because every decision is made together, with your comfort and confidence in mind.
Want to learn more about her process and philosophy? Read our interview with Dr. Qian to hear how she approaches veneer design with thoughtfulness and care.
Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers are a preferred option for patients who want to improve their smile without extensive and highly invasive dental work.
You might be a great candidate if you have:
- Minor chips or cracks
- Deep stains or discoloration that don’t respond to whitening
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slightly uneven or worn-down teeth
They’re ideal for anyone looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance upgrade to the look and feel of their smile. However, veneers aren’t right for everyone. Patients with severe misalignment, untreated cavities, or active gum disease may need other treatments before veneers are recommended.
In some cases, we may suggest combining veneers with dental bonding and contouring to refine specific areas or balance out the overall shape of your smile.
If you’re unsure whether veneers are the right fit, Dr. Qian will walk you through all your options—and help you choose a path that aligns with your goals and oral health.
READY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION?
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Porcelain Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Options
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approach in dentistry. Depending on your needs, Dr. Qian may recommend veneers, dental bonding, or professional teeth whitening. Each option has its own strengths—and we’re here to help you find the one that fits you best.
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to guide your thinking:
| Treatment | Best For | Durability | Aesthetic Control | Cost | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain Veneers | Chips, gaps, discoloration, wear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ | 10–15+ years |
| Dental Bonding | Small chips, minor reshaping | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ | 3–7 years |
| Teeth Whitening | Surface stains, dullness | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | Varies (with maintenance) |
Each smile is unique—so what works for one person may not be the best fit for another. During your consultation, Dr. Qian will walk you through all of your treatment options and help you choose a plan that meets your goals, budget, and timeline.
Our Veneer Process in Palo Alto
Every smile we design starts with your story—what you love, what you’d like to change, and how you want to feel when you see your reflection.
Here’s what you can expect from our veneer process:
Step 1: Consultation & Smile Preview
We’ll sit down to talk about your goals and what you envision for your smile. Using digital imaging and smile mockups, we help you preview the potential results before committing to treatment.
For many, this is also the first step in a full smile makeover plan.
Step 2: Tooth Prep & Impressions
Once we’ve finalized your treatment plan, we’ll gently reshape a small amount of enamel—just enough to ensure a natural fit. We take precise digital impressions so your veneers can be custom-crafted to your exact smile.
Step 3: Temporary Veneers
While your permanent veneers are being created at the lab, we’ll place temporary ones to protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new look.
Step 4: Final Veneer Placement
At your final appointment, we’ll carefully place and bond your porcelain veneers. Dr. Qian will make fine adjustments to ensure a perfect fit, natural color, and comfortable bite—so your new smile looks beautiful and feels completely your own.
How to Care for Veneers (and Make Them Last!)
Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and stain-resistant, but they still need proper care—just like your natural teeth. The good news? Keeping them beautiful is simple.
- Brush and floss daily to keep your gums healthy and prevent plaque buildup around the veneers
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails to protect against chips
- Don’t use your teeth as tools—no tearing open packages or holding onto things
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings and exams so we can monitor your veneers and overall oral health
Wondering exactly how to maintain them long-term? Check out our guide on how to brush and care for veneers.
With good habits and routine care, your veneers can keep your smile bright and confident for well over a decade.
Ready to Love Your Smile Again?
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to invest in yourself—this is it. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refinement or a complete transformation, veneers can help you feel more like you every time you smile.
Call (650) 327-3172 to schedule your veneer consultation or book your appointment online
Let’s design a smile that reflects who you truly are.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAN VENEERS BE REMOVED?
No. Traditional veneers are bonded into place permanently, and are not meant to be removed. The procedure is not reversible, since it requires a thin layer of enamel to be permanently drilled away from your teeth. After your treatment, you will need to take proper care of your veneers, and have them replaced if any of them break or become dislodged.
HOW LONG DO VENEERS LAST?
This mostly depends on how well you take care of your veneers, but most patients can keep a set of veneers for 15 to 20 years. Over time, your veneers may wear down, and you may need to have individual veneers repaired or replaced.
The best way to prolong the lifespan of your veneers is to brush and floss properly, and to see your dentist in Palo Alto every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. You should also avoid doing things that could break or dislodge your veneers, such as chewing non-food objects, chewing hard foods with your front teeth, or using your teeth as tools.
WHAT ARE VENEERS MADE OF?
Veneers are typically made of ceramic porcelain materials that look and feel just like natural tooth enamel. Porcelain can be matched to the color of your teeth and is very similar to enamel in hardness and translucence, making it an ideal option. Resin veneers are also available, but they are typically only used as temporary veneers because resin does not look as natural, and is not nearly as durable compared to porcelain ceramic veneers.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VENEERS AND LUMINEERS?
Veneers and Lumineers are basically the same, with one big difference. Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers, because they’re made out of a special, proprietary ceramic material. They are usually only about 0.2mm thick, compared to the 0.5mm thickness of traditional veneers. Because of this, Lumineers can often be placed without trimming your existing enamel. This is why they’re often called “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers.
HOW MUCH DO VENEERS TYPICALLY COST?
The cost of veneers will vary depending on how many teeth you’re covering up, your oral health, the location of each tooth, and a variety of other factors. The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to contact Dr. Qian for a cosmetic consultation. Dr. Qian can examine your mouth, assess your oral health, and give you a quote for the cost of treatment with veneers.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY VENEERS?
Veneers are made of durable, stain-resistant materials. However, they can become discolored and damaged over time if they regularly withstand wear and tear and staining substances. You should practice good oral hygiene in the same way you would for your natural teeth.
You should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing is recommended at least once a day. Teeth grinding can be very detrimental to veneers and can cause chips or cracks.
While you are not the best candidate for veneers if you suffer from bruxism, you may be able to get veneers if you agree to wear a mouthguard when you sleep each night. You should also avoid using your teeth as tools, chewing on fingernails, ice, or other objects.
Hard foods can also cause damage to veneers, so you should avoid excessively hard, sticky, and crunchy foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and popcorn. Try to chew with the back of your teeth rather than your front teeth.
CAN VENEERS STAIN?
Even though porcelain is a stain-resistant material, it can become discolored over time. You should avoid smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products, which can discolor your veneers. Staining foods and drinks should also be kept to a minimum.
These would include things like tea, coffee, red wine, dark-colored sauces, soda, and berries. Drinking through a straw can help reduce staining. It’s in your best interest to reduce staining and discoloration in your veneers because they do not respond to teeth whitening.
Dental cleanings can remove surface stains and plaque buildup that may cause some discoloration to your veneers. However, if your veneers become severely discolored, you will need to have them replaced.
DO VENEERS DAMAGE TEETH?
No, as long as you see a qualified and experienced dentist to perform the veneer procedure, they will not cause any damage to your teeth. The preparation process involves removing .5 mm of your natural tooth enamel to prevent the veneers from sticking out.
However, this is not a problem because the veneers bond to your enamel, which reinforces their strength and durability. Veneers actually protect your teeth by providing an extra layer of protection and strength.
While you will need to have them replaced after 10-15 years, this doesn’t cause damage to your teeth. But, it’s important to understand that once you have your enamel shaved down, you will need to keep your teeth covered with veneers for the rest of your life.
This is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. You will still need to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental visits to ensure you don’t cause any harm to your teeth or veneers.
Get ready for 5-star Experience
Dr. Qian is responsive, precise, and goes the extra mile to keep patients comfortable. I’ve had lots of dental work, and as a new patient in the past year, she guided me through the treatment of 2 complicated toothaches. On the lighter side, I was also very pleased with my teeth whitening procedure. Her staff is warm, helpful and professional.
Barb Mitchell