What Are Veneers? Results, Costs & Procedure

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your smile — to feel more confident in photos, meetings, or even just laughing with friends — veneers might be exactly what you’re looking for.

At ME Dental SF, Dr. Olivia Moran specializes in creating natural, beautiful smiles using high-quality, custom porcelain veneers. Whether you are from San Francisco, the Bay Area, or flying in from across the country, patients choose Dr. Moran for results that look amazing and feel authentic.

But what exactly are veneers — and how do you know if they’re right for you?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Think of them as a cosmetic upgrade for your smile — designed to fix imperfections while still looking completely natural.

They’re commonly used to correct:

  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Discoloration or deep stains
  • Small gaps between teeth
  • Uneven, short, or worn-down teeth
  • Teeth that are misshapen or lack symmetry

Each veneer is custom-crafted by Dr. Olivia Moran and her lab team to match your smile and enhance your unique facial features. When done right, they’re virtually undetectable — just a brighter, more confident version of you.

Types of Veneers

There are different materials used to make veneers, but Dr. Moran focuses on the one that offers the most natural and lasting results:

✅ Porcelain Veneers

These are the gold standard — strong, stain-resistant, and incredibly lifelike. With proper care, they typically last 10–15 years or more. They also allow for beautiful layering, texture, and translucency — which is why they’re our go-to.

❌ Composite Veneers

While more affordable, composite veneers stain easily, don’t last as long, and often lack the depth and beauty of porcelain. At ME Dental SF, Dr. Olivia Moran does not offer composite veneers — she believes in giving patients the best long-term value and aesthetics.

What Is the Veneer Process Like?

The process is customized for every patient, but here’s a step-by-step overview of how Dr. Olivia Moran performs veneers at ME Dental SF:

1. Smile Consultation & Mock-Up Design

Everything starts with a personalized consultation. Dr. Moran performs a full exam, takes digital scans, and talks through your smile goals. From there, she designs a mock-up — a 3D preview of what your veneers can look like. This is also used to create your temporary veneers, so you can test-drive your new look.

2. Tooth Preparation & Temporaries

A thin layer of enamel (about 0.5 mm) is gently removed to make room for the veneers. This step is pain-free with local anesthesia. Then, Dr. Moran takes a final impression or digital scan and places custom temporaries for you to wear while your permanent veneers are being made.

📝 Post-op care includes soft brushing, using a Waterpik, avoiding hard foods, and drinking colored liquids through a straw.

3. Final Veneer Delivery & Cementation

Once your veneers are ready, Dr. Moran tries them in and walks you through the final result before cementing. The bonding process is detailed and meticulous to ensure a strong, beautiful fit. The bite is adjusted and refined before you leave with your brand-new smile.

4. Retainers & Final Touches

Dr. Moran delivers your upper retainers about a week later and makes any last adjustments for comfort or aesthetics. Your smile is officially complete!

Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?

Not when done right.
Dr. Olivia Moran takes a very conservative approach to veneer preparation, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. The goal is a healthy foundation and a smile that looks and feels completely your own.\

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers are a long-term solution. Porcelain veneers done by Dr. Moran can last 10–15 years or longer with good home care and regular dental checkups. They're bonded to your teeth and designed to last — but like anything dental, maintenance matters.

How to Care for Veneers

Dr. Moran’s tips for keeping your veneers looking great:

  • Brush and floss daily with non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Don’t bite hard objects (like ice, pens, or nuts) with your front teeth
  • Minimize red wine, coffee, and staining foods (or use a straw)
  • Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Keep up with professional cleanings and checkups

Is the Veneer Procedure Painful?

The procedure itself is typically very comfortable thanks to local anesthesia. But Dr. Moran always prepares patients for a bit of sensitivity after cementation — and that’s totally normal.

  • You may feel gum soreness or cold sensitivity
  • Sensitivity can last a few days to several weeks — and in rare cases, up to 90 days
  • Dr. Moran recommends Advil (ibuprofen) to manage post-op discomfort
  • If you're experiencing pain when chewing, it could be a high spot — Dr. Moran will happily bring you in to adjust the bite and make sure everything feels perfect

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

Dr. Olivia Moran has helped hundreds of patients fall in love with their smile again — and she’d love to help you do the same. If you’ve been thinking about veneers, there’s no better time to explore your options.

📍 Book your consultation with Dr. Olivia Moran at ME Dental SF — right in the heart of San Francisco.
📞 Call (415) 404-6644 or
🌐 Visit medentalsf.com to schedule online today.

A smiling dentist pointing to a 3D dental scan of a patient's teeth displayed on a large digital monitor.

Meet Dr. Olivia Moran

Dr. Olivia Moran was born in the Philippines and raised across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and Canada before making San Francisco her home. She knew she wanted to become a dentist at just 12 years old and later earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. One year after graduating, she took a leap of faith and opened her practice during the height of the pandemic.

Since the beginning of her career, Dr. Moran focuses on cosmetic and comprehensive dentistry, including porcelain veneers, smile makeovers, and full-mouth rehabilitations. She has completed thousands of hours of continuing education to keep perfecting her craft and is known for her kindness toward each patient, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to create natural, beautiful smiles that feel personal to each person.

Her international upbringing shaped the way she connects with people, and building real relationships with her patients is one of the parts of dentistry she loves most.

Treatments

Find the right treatment for you.

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preventative dentistry
Preventative 
Regular cleanings, exams, and x-rays are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing future issues.
cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic
Cosmetic treatments contribute to the beauty and health of your smile.
restorative dentistry
Restorative
Address cavities and dental issues restoring your teeth to good function and health.

"Dr. Moran completely transformed my smile and my confidence! With my wedding coming up, I was so anxious about my front teeth, especially my discolored, uneven crowns, and I couldn’t be happier with my new veneers. Dr. Moran genuinely cares about her patients. She’s a true perfectionist, always taking the time to answer questions and go the extra mile."

-Ivy A.

What do our patients say?

5.0
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Based on 100+ reviews from Google and Yelp
"I can't recommend Dr. Moran and her team enough! From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind and welcoming. The care I've received has been excellent and its clear they genuinely care about their patients.
- Nathalie T.
“Dr. Moran's knowledge extends far beyond one area of dentistry. She has a unique ability to explain how orthodontics, aesthetics, endodontics together. She helps me understand my dental health as a whole. I genuinely enjoy coming to her office and couldn't recommend her more highly.
- Janica S.
Dr. Moran is truly an artist! I came to her after an accident left me with broken teeth and composite bonding that was long overdue to be fixed. I had been hesitant to move forward because I wanted a dentist I could trust, someone whose recommendations didn’t feel like a cash grab and who would preserve what made my smile mine.
Cydni R.

Tailored to you

Every aspect of your treatment is designed to contribute to a healthier, happier you. It’s not just straightening, or the appearance of a tooth — but enhancing overall dental health and well-being.
No two smiles are alike, and neither are the treatment plans. We personalize your dental journey to match your unique needs.

See you again soon

Even though we enjoy seeing you, our goal is to make sure it doesn’t need to happen too often. Our approach aims to be preventative and long-term, to minimize the risk of complications and unwanted return visits.
Therefore, we are meticulously thorough and promise never to compromise on dental expertise.

Dental anxiety?

Feeling uneasy about visiting the dentist is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Let us know when booking, and we will tailor your visit to your comfort. Dr. Moran and her team go above and beyond to support and accommodate patients with varying levels of dental anxiety, ensuring a positive and stress-free experience.

Our approach to dental veneers

At ME Dental, we craft each set of veneers to complement your unique smile, ensuring a natural look. Dr. Olivia Moran and our dedicated team begin with a thorough evaluation of your dental features and personal preferences. Using precise color-matching techniques, we design veneers that blend effortlessly with your teeth, providing both beauty and durability.
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Caring for your veneers over the long term

Your well-being is our top priority at ME Dental. We’re dedicated to more than just providing treatment; we’re here to support your long-term health and happiness. From tailored guidance to attentive follow-up, Dr. Moran and our team are committed to ensuring your comfort, satisfaction, and confidence every step of the way—creating smiles that look and feel great for a lifetime.

Invest in your smile

We offer CareCredit financing as well as an in-house savings and payment plan, ME Dental Plan. Need help with payment and financing options? Our friendly staff is here to help! Call us at (415) 404-6644 for our San Francisco location.
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