Step 2: Preparing the Teeth

After planning your new smile, you will return for your second office visit to have your teeth prepared for porcelain veneers. This step is necessary since veneers adhere to the front of teeth, and a portion of the tooth structure must be removed to make room for the veneer. Preparing the teeth involves the following steps:

Reducing the Teeth

By lightly buffing the front surface of your teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist will remove an approximately one-half-millimeter layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. The wafer-thin porcelain veneers will eventually be set in place of this enamel. This step is virtually painless, thanks to advances in dental technology, including sedation dentistry.

Creating a Mold of the Teeth

After the teeth are reduced, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth. This mold provides an exact impression of your bite, mouth size, and teeth shape. The mold is then sent to a dental laboratory, where lab technicians will custom craft your porcelain veneers to match your teeth and complement your smile.

Placing Temporary Veneers

After the mold is made, your dentist will place attractive temporary veneers to cover and protect the teeth while your permanent veneers are crafted. When your permanent veneers are ready (usually in about a week), you will return for your third and final visit to have your porcelain veneers placed.

Learn about the next step: placing the veneers

Locate a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers

If you would like more information about having a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, it is best to consult with a cosmetic dentist. You can locate an experienced cosmetic dentist near you through DocShop, your connection to dentists who can help you obtain the smile you deserve.