When there are multiple imperfections on your smile, veneers can be used to correct them all at once. By placing these thin, natural-looking shells over specific teeth, your dentist can help you hide chips, stains, and various other flaws with just one cosmetic treatment. If you’re considering getting veneers to enhance your grin, you’re probably wondering what you can expect when having them placed; here’s an overview of the 4 main steps of the process.
1. Initial Consultation
As with many kinds of dental work, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation. Your dentist will ask you about your goals for your smile and explain what cosmetic dentistry options are available. They’ll also examine your mouth carefully to make sure that there aren’t any oral health issues that would stop you from having veneers placed. Once you’ve considered your choices and have decided to move forward with getting veneers, the next step of the process can begin.
2. Preparations
To make sure that the veneers don’t look bulky and unnatural, a small amount of enamel will have to be removed from the teeth in question. Once this is done, your dentist can capture an impression of your mouth in its current state. Said impressions are vital for designing veneers that match the rest of your smile.
3. Waiting for Permanent Veneers to Be Made
A separate dental laboratory will be responsible for the actual creation of your veneers. They will use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to make restorations that are uniquely suited for your smile.
While you’re waiting for your permanent veneers, temporary ones will be placed on your prepared teeth in order to keep them safe. To make sure your temporary veneers last until it’s time to take them off, you need to be careful around hard or sticky foods that might damage them; it’s also best to avoid coffee, berries, and other foods and beverages that might cause stains.
4. Having Permanent Veneers Placed
After a couple of weeks or so, your dentist will receive your permanent veneers. You’ll return to their office for the final step of the process: placement. Once your temporaries are removed, your new veneers are carefully cemented over the teeth in need of correction. Sometimes your mouth may be numbed with a local anesthetic to help you stay as comfortable as possible during placement.
If you’re happy with the way your veneers look and feel, your dentist will gently polish them and make any slight adjustments that might be needed. After that, it will finally be time to leave the office and show off your new, dazzling smile to the world.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Zhang earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dentistry. At Zhang Dental Group of Tustin, he makes it his goal to fulfill all of his patients’ dental needs in a single comfortable location. He is proud to provide veneers as a solution for various kinds of cosmetic dental imperfections. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Zhang, visit his website or call (714) 836-5600.