Step 1: Planning Your New Smile

Planning your new smile is the first, yet one of the most crucial, steps in a smile makeover with dental veneers. It requires the artistic eye and technical skill of a cosmetic dentist experienced in placing porcelain veneers. Therefore, your first step toward cosmetic enhancement with porcelain dental veneers is to meet with a dentist and discuss your goals for treatment. At this time, the dentist you choose will provide you with a full consultation about the porcelain veneers procedure and determine what you can expect from treatment. You can expect the following during your first appointment.

Initial Consultation

In the initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist, he or she will gather information about your cosmetic goals, dental health, and medical history. This will help him or her to determine if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Dental Imaging

To help you in your decision process, some dentists provide cosmetic digital imaging, which allows a patient to preview what their smile makeover may look like before committing to treatment.

Porcelain Veneers Options

Once you and your dentist determine that veneers are the best choice for your smile makeover, there are several types of porcelain veneers to choose from, and your dentist will help you choose the one that is right for you. Among the choices are da Vinci Veneers™, featured on the hit show Extreme Makeover, and LUMINEERS®, which do not require reduction of the tooth to accommodate the veneer.

Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

If porcelain veneers are not suitable for you, your dentist will work with you to create a plan for achieving a beautiful, vibrant smile. Depending on your needs and goals, your dentist may recommend an alternative to porcelain veneers (including braces, Invisalign®, or dental bonding) or another cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening.

Learn about the next step: preparing the teeth for veneers

Locate a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers

If you are interested in having your smile made over with porcelain veneers, you need a talented cosmetic dentist who can help you reach your aesthetic goals. Use DocShop to locate an experienced cosmetic dentist near you.