Dental veneers also referred to as porcelain veneers, are a very thin shell applied to the front of a tooth or teeth. They are normally used to correct chipped, discolored/stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven or abnormally spaced teeth. The shells are wafer-thin, custom-made to cover the front of the tooth in need of correction and are permanent.
Dental Veneers – The Process
Now that you have a basic understanding of what dental veneers are let’s talk about the process – what to expect. If you are thinking dental veneers might be the answer to correct your imperfect smile the first step is to set up an initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist. During this consultation, the dentist will do an exam to determine if dental veneers are the best solution. After the initial consultation, you will then set up an appointment to return for the procedure, which normally takes 3 dental visits.
About the procedure:
Visit 1 Preparation – During this visit, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth/teeth. The model is then used to create your veneer/s. Normally this takes 2-4 weeks.
Visit 2 The Procedure – When you arrive for the placement of your dental veneer the dentist may or may not administer a local anesthetic. The dentist will then remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth/teeth surface. Enamel is removed to make room for the veneer to be bonded to the front of the tooth/teeth. The veneer will then be placed on the tooth/teeth surface to examine fit and color before permanently bonding. They will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed. The color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used.
Once the veneer is properly fit, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then bonded to your tooth/teeth. Any excess cement will then be removed while evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments as necessary.
Visit 3 Follow-Up – Following the procedure, your dentist may ask you to return in a couple of weeks to check the veneer’s placement and how your gums are responding.
Schedule Your Dental Veneer Consultation
Ready to schedule your initial consultation visit to determine if dental veneers are right for you? Call us today to schedule: 763.546.1301
