You Asked. We Answered.
Aug 7, 2025
Each week, when we sit down to write this blog, we reflect on the conversations we’ve had with our patients in the chair, in the DMs, and over the phone. We pay attention to what questions come up again and again. And then we ask ourselves: what information would truly serve you, and how do we best deliver it?
This week, we’re answering the most common questions related to cosmetic dentistry and the Apa experience. Consider this blog your guide and trusted resource. And, if you want to see us answer additional questions, reach out! We love hearing from you.
“What are the different kinds of restorations?”
Restorations are how we build, refine, and elevate the smile, whether we’re enhancing your natural teeth or replacing what’s been lost. There are different restorations to satisfy different needs. We do it all and our in-house lab knows how to deliver a seamless result. At the end of the day, restored teeth should just look like teeth.
Veneer: A thin, hand-layered porcelain shell bonded to the front facade of a tooth. Porcelain veneers remain the hallmark of our craft, blending art, function, and facial aesthetics with unmatched precision.
Crown: A full-coverage restoration that encases the entire tooth. Think of it as both protection and structure in a 360-degree piece of porcelain, ideal for teeth that are weakened, fractured, or heavily restored. Root canaled teeth, for example, call for a crown.
Bridge: A fixed restoration that fills the space left by a missing tooth, anchored on either side by crowns. It restores form, function, and continuity in a way that feels natural and secure.
Implant: A titanium post that acts like a new root, integrating directly into the jawbone to support a custom crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration. Implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because they restore what’s visible and what’s foundational.
Denture: A removable option for replacing several or all teeth. While we don’t offer traditional dentures at Apa Aesthetic, they are a restorative solution.
Every treatment plan begins with the end in mind. The right combination of dental restorations depends on the patient’s original smile and goals, along with the provider’s vision for a successful outcome.
“What is prep? Are you going to shave down my teeth?”
“Prep” refers to the process of shaping the natural tooth in preparation for a veneer. But if you’re imagining tiny stubs or the scary before-and-afters floating around the internet that normalize shark teeth, you’re not alone and you’re not getting that here.
At Apa Aesthetic, we practice minimally invasive prep. We remove as little natural tooth structure as possible, just enough to make space for the veneer to sit flush, not bulky. In many cases, it’s less than half a millimeter. How much prep your tooth requires is unique to not only the restoration type, but the condition of each tooth. A healthy tooth with ideal alignment may require little to no prep at all, while a tooth that’s infected, misaligned, or heavily restored may need more structure removed to achieve a proper fit and natural aesthetic. The extreme reductions you’ve seen online? Those are crown preparations, not veneer preps.
So no, we’re not shaving your teeth down. We’re sculpting with intention, preserving strength and integrity while making room for something better.
“How much prep is required with each restoration?”
The amount of prep required depends on your starting point and your goals. Are we adding volume or symmetry? Closing gaps? Correcting old dental work? Each case is different and so is the level of prep required.
Veneers: Minimal. Sometimes, none at all. We are known for our conservative preparations.
Crowns: A bit more involved. The entire tooth is reshaped and covered. A crown refers not to the shape of the restoration, but to the amount of porcelain that’s placed. Crowns will only be placed on top of unhealthy teeth due to infection, cavities, or other problems with a tooth.
Bridges: The adjacent teeth are prepped to support the restoration.
Implants: No prep to surrounding teeth – just surgical placement in the bone.
Our philosophy is simple: preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible, while still delivering a flawless result. It’s never about doing more. It’s about doing what’s right for your smile.
“How do you choose the color of veneers?”
Choosing the perfect veneer color is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) parts of cosmetic dentistry and smile design.
It’s both a science and an art. Rather than going as white as possible, we focus on tone, translucency, and depth. It’s about how the restoration interacts with your skin, your lips, your eyes, and light. We consider your undertones, your natural enamel, your age, and the aesthetic you want to present to the world.
The best veneer color doesn’t just match your desired brightness and whiteness, it’s the one that completes your face.
“Can I still whiten my teeth if I have veneers?”
Porcelain veneers themselves don’t whiten, but the rest of your teeth still can. We often recommend whitening your natural teeth before veneer placement, so we can match to your brightest shade. Post-placement, professional cleanings and polishing help keep your entire smile radiant. And our Apa Beauty line is a go-to for keeping things fresh between appointments.
“What is the smile makeover process like?”
Your smile makeover is designed to be as comfortable as it is transformative. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice it doesn’t feel like a dental office, and that’s intentional. With thoughtful patient comforts available at every step of the smile makeover process, the experience is grounded in personalization and comfort. From Brunello Cucinelli cashmere blankets, Beats noise-canceling headphones, smart-TVs, and a full CBD menu, we believe that your time in the chair should feel as good as your smile looks.
“What’s the downtime after getting veneers?”
There’s little to no downtime after getting veneers. Many patients return to work, social plans, and their normal routines the very same day. After your prep appointment, when your temporaries are placed, you might experience some mild sensitivity or tenderness around the gums. That’s normal and typically subsides within a few days.
Your temporaries are designed to look and feel as close to the final result as possible, so you can smile confidently throughout the process. They’re also an important part of the design phase, giving you time to adjust and provide feedback.
After your final veneers are placed, any residual sensitivity usually fades quickly. There are no stitches, no recovery period, and no reason to pause your life.
In other words: it’s a major transformation that won’t majorly interrupt your schedule. The only thing that really changes is your smile – and how you feel in it.
“How Do I Book a Consultation?”
Booking a consultation is simple. You can reach out directly to your preferred office location, or visit https://apaaesthetic.com/schedule-a-consult/ to submit a consultation request form. If you’re unsure which office and/or provider is right for you, our team is ready to guide you in making the right decision based on your unique needs.
Still on the fence about starting your smile transformation? Stay tuned for more blogs that answer our most frequently asked questions and walk you through the process, so you’ll feel informed and ready to choose Apa Aesthetic when the time is right.
