Porcelain Veneers Placement Procedure

Porcelain veneers are an excellent treatment approach to correcting cosmetic flaws in your smile. The porcelain veneers procedure can be accomplished in three simple appointments to your qualified cosmetic dentist's office. Dentists strive to make the process as relaxing and comfortable as possible, so patients can feel confident in their choice to move forward with the porcelain veneers. Once the procedure is complete, you can enjoy a beautiful, new, picture perfect smile. Please continue reading for a detailed account of the entire procedure from start to finish.

Appointment 1: Initial Consultation

Before beginning any dental work, you will meet with the dentist for an initial consultation. It is important that you choose a dentist that has a high level of skill and experience in placing porcelain veneers. As veneers are primarily cosmetic, the dentist should have an eye for aesthetic details, as well as the necessary technical expertise.

Evaluation: During your first appointment, the dentist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine whether you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Additionally, the dentist will inquire regarding your medical history and overall dental health. It is important that you inform your dentist of any allergies or medical conditions you may have. Now is also a good opportunity to ask questions that will help you to make an informed decision.

Options: There are various types of porcelain veneers available. For example, some dentists offer the increasingly popular LUMINEERS® or Da Vinci Veneers^TM, which were featured on the hit TV show, Extreme Makeover. Your dentist will present you with all of your dental veneer options, and recommend one that will best suit your smile.

Smile preview: Some dentists offer cosmetic digital imaging, which allows patients to view a computerized image of themselves with their final results on a screen, so they know exactly what to expect at the end of the treatment. This process helps patients make a final decision to move forward with the treatment.

Alternatives: Porcelain veneers are not necessarily right for everyone. It is important to be aware of all of your options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Your dentist may suggest an alternative to porcelain veneers, such as Invisalign® or dental bonding. Or, perhaps you could benefit from a simple teeth whitening treatment instead.

Appointment 2: Teeth Preparation

The next step in the process is to return for your second appointment for tooth preparation. As veneers must adhere to the surface of the tooth, a portion of the natural tooth must be removed. Preparing the teeth involves the following steps:

• Reducing the teeth: The dentist will buff away one-half millimeter of enamel from the surface of the teeth.
• Creating a mold of the teeth: The dentist will take an exact impression of your teeth, including their size, shape, and bite position. The mold will be sent to a lab, in which skilled technicians will hand customize your porcelain veneers to fit your smile.
• Placing temporary veneers: Temporary porcelain veneers are placed to protect the teeth while the permanent veneers are being made. You will usually have to wait no more than one week for the permanent veneers to be ready.

Appointment 3: Placement of Veneers

Your third appointment, which is often the most exciting, will consist of the following steps:

• Your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic
• The temporary veneers are gently removed
• The permanent veneers are placed and bonded to the surface of your natural tooth with dental cement
• The dentist will ensure that the veneers look and fit to your liking
• The adhesive will then be hardened using a special light
• The dentist will make sure your bite is properly aligned and that the color of the veneers looks beautiful and natural
• You will leave your appointment with a bright, new, beautiful smile

Porcelain veneers are specifically made to be an exact replica of your natural tooth enamel. The material is translucent; and therefore when light hits the tooth, it penetrates down to the opaque tooth dentin which exists below the surface. This characteristic of porcelain veneers gives the teeth that natural luster, making them a top choice for individuals who want to perfect smile flaws.

Before you leave the dental practice, your dentist will provide you with the necessary aftercare instructions, so you can ensure your porcelain veneers will last a very long time.

Locate a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers

If you would like to learn more about having a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, locate an experienced cosmetic dentist near you. DocShop can link you to a talented dentist in your area who can help you achieve a beautiful smile with veneers.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure Video