If you’re looking to enhance your smile, veneers can be a fantastic option! These thin sheaths of porcelain are designed to cover cosmetic dental issues, improving the appearance of your teeth overall. If you’re curious about the process of veneers and how they can give you a more beautiful smile, continue reading!
Step 1: Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this important visit, your dentist will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and discuss your goals for your smile. These conversations help decide if veneers are the right solution for your needs or if another treatment would be more suitable.
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with your treatment, your dentist will develop a personalized plan for your procedure. It includes selecting the number, color, and shape of your enhancements so they cover a good area and match your natural teeth.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
The next step involves preparing your teeth to receive your veneers. Your dentist will remove about half a millimeter (about the width of a mechanical pencil lead) of enamel from the front of the affected teeth. Doing this is necessary to ensure that your enhancements will fit properly and look natural. Otherwise, they can appear out of place or bulky.
Step 3: Impressions
After your mouth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These are then sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are created. In the meantime, your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them and give you an idea of how your new smile will look!
Step 4: Fabricating Your Veneers
Creating your custom veneers takes about 1-2 weeks. During this time, skilled technicians from a partnered dental laboratory will carefully craft your enhancements. They use your dentist’s specifications to match the shape, size, and color of your veneers. The finished product is then sent back to your dentist so they can schedule your next appointment.
Step 5: Placing Your Veneers
Once your custom veneers arrive, you’ll return to your dentist for final placement! They’ll begin by removing the temporary covers and thoroughly cleaning your teeth to ensure a strong bond. The permanent veneers are then temporarily placed on your teeth to check their fit and appearance.
Once all the adjustments have been made, your dentist will use a strong dental cement to bond your veneers in place. Once this final step is over, your new smile is complete!
Getting veneers is a lengthy process, but the results are truly transformative! So, if you’re ready to love your smile again, call your dentist and ask about enhancing your smile with veneers. Now that you understand the process, you’ll be much more prepared for the journey that lies ahead!
About the Author
Looking to give your grin a gorgeous makeover? You’ll be in great hands with Dr. Sienna Palmer! She’s an expert dentist with a degree from Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. With many hours of continuing education and years of experience, Dr. Palmer is the perfect dentist to enhance your smile. Call (949) 365-0951 to schedule a cosmetic consultation at Palm Dentistry or visit our website to explore all the services we provide.