Dental veneers are famous for their Hollywood shine, but if you’re considering this cosmetic treatment, you’d probably like to know more about the process! While the details can vary based on your oral health, there are five general steps you can count on once your dentist determines you’re ready. Keep reading for the breakdown!
Step 1: The Consultation
It’s always a good idea to talk with medical professionals before committing to a treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth during this stage, which gives them a chance to scan for veneer-compromising problems like tooth decay or gum disease. Depending on what they find, the two of you might have to tweak the plan to ensure a successful veneer placement.
Overall, the point of a consultation is to get you and your dentist on the same page. It helps to come prepared with lots of questions!
Step 2: Color Matching and Fitting
Once you and your dentist know how you’re going to proceed, it’s time to design your dental veneers. Veneers can be customized to match the rest of your pearly whites in color, shape, and size – which means your dentist will have to take impressions of your teeth and discern their shade. They might compare your pearly whites to some sample guide teeth to make sure they get the color just right. This is all to provide you with a uniform smile, so sit tight and allow your dentist to take their time.
Step 3: Preparing Your Enamel
Dental veneers are placed overtop the front-facing portion of your teeth, but a little bit of sculpting has to be done so that they don’t appear bulky or pushed forward. Your dentist will remove a sliver of enamel to accomplish this. There’s no reason to be worried about your dental health, since your permanent veneers will essentially replace the removed layer. However, your teeth would indeed be tender and vulnerable without a cover, so your dentist will provide a set of temporary veneers.
Step 4: Fabrication
Why do you need a temporary set of veneers in the first place? Well, your customized cosmetics won’t appear out of thin air. Your dentist has to send your dental colors and measurements off to a special lab. This is where your permanent set will be fabricated. Rest assured, the lab technicians are skilled artisans and will double-check your dentist’s calculations to help ensure your dental veneers look their best.
Step 5: Final Placement
Sending, crafting, and receiving your dental veneers will likely take about two weeks. When it’s time for your final appointment, all that’s left to do is adhere your veneers to your teeth. This part is as simple as it sounds. Your dentist will set the adhesive material, meticulously place your cosmetics, make sure they’re stable, then hand you the mirror. Be sure to take a moment to admire your new smile. After all, you and your dentist put in a lot of hard work!
About the Dentist
Dr. Carole Emanuel earned her dental doctorate from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. With over 25 years of experience in the field, she knows what it takes to provide beautiful, quality dental veneers! If you have questions about dental veneers or would like to schedule a consultation, call Dr. Emanuel’s office at 303-986-0090.