You know you want to change the size, shape, and color of your teeth but with so many available options for cosmetic solutions, you may want to know more about particular treatments before committing to them. If you’re interested in learning more about the veneer process, a local dentist is here to provide the step-by-step details so you can better prepare for the transformation from a bland to a beautiful smile.
What is the Process to Receive Dental Veneers?
When choosing to have dental veneers placed over the surface of your teeth, you can expect them to cover many of the most unsightly tooth imperfections, including chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, misshapen teeth, gaps, and minor misalignments. The process is actually quite easy and noninvasive, leaving you with a beautiful, fully transformed smile that is ready to be shown off to the world.
So, what are the steps involved with receiving veneers? Here is what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Before you can move forward with any type of cosmetic dentistry, you must first undergo an initial consultation with your dentist. This includes allowing them to perform a full examination of your oral cavity to determine the areas that need to be covered as well as discussing your smile goals. Then they will decide if you are a candidate based on your oral health (i.e., no cavities, gum disease).
Removal of Tooth Enamel
If you are cleared to receive veneers, you can expect the next step to include the removal of a small portion of your tooth enamel. This is a necessary part of the process because the bonding agent must adequately adhere to your tooth to ensure the veneer remains in place. This removal is why these restorations are considered permanent because once this stage occurs, you cannot undo it.
Impressions of Your Teeth
Once the bit of enamel is removed, your dentist will then take digital impressions of your teeth that will be sent to a laboratory. Technicians will then review the specifications provided by your dental team to begin creating your customized veneers. The process of taking your impressions will not involve cold, messy dental putty but instead, digital technology will create a model of your smile that is more accurate and precise.
Temporaries Put Into Place
Before you leave the first appointment, you will have temporary veneers put into place. You will wear these while your finalized restorations are created in a dental lab. You’ll need to follow the instructions provided to ensure you do not damage these temporary teeth.
Final Placement of Veneers
The second appointment will include having your temporaries removed and your finalized veneers put into place. Once your dentist is pleased with the overall look of your new smile, you can begin to enjoy the many benefits these restorations provide.
Completed in just two dental appointments, you can expect your veneer process to be quick, easy, and lead to beautiful, life-changing results.
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop is a dentist in Fort Myers who graduated second in his class from the Emory University School of Dentistry with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. As the dentist at Total Dental Solutions, he is pleased to provide an array of comprehensive services to patients needing help to restore, rebuild, and enhance their smiles. With cosmetic solutions like veneers available, he can readily transform a person’s smile, giving them greater confidence in their appearance for the future. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the imperfections found in your smile, contact us at (239) 939-7299.