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Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so if your pearly whites are in a state of disarray, you might feel embarrassed every time you open your mouth! But fortunately, porcelain veneers are one of the many available cosmetic dental solutions that can enhance your teeth and in turn, your life. That said, you might have questions about the veneer process and what goes into getting them. Keep reading to learn more about the step-by-step process of receiving porcelain veneers.
Step #1: The Initial Consultation
Your first step towards getting veneers and upgrading your smile is a consultation with your dentist. This is where you will discuss your smile goals and let your dentist know what’s on your mind for your teeth. Veneers are ideal for improving the appearance of chipped or damaged teeth, stained or misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, uneven gum heights, and more. Your dentist will also have to double-check that you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers; the affected teeth must have a sufficient amount of enamel to support the veneers, for instance. It’s also worth noting that some issues are beyond the capabilities of veneers and might require a treatment option more restorative in nature.
Step #2: The Trial Run
There are several ways that your dentist can provide you with a preview of what porcelain veneers can do for your teeth before you fully commit to them. They might create a life-sized model of your teeth and shape wax “veneers’ onto them to see how it looks. They can also fit your teeth with trial veneers that are made from an acrylic plastic or tooth-colored filling material.
Step #3: Preparing Your Teeth
If you’re happy with your smile preview and your dentist has cleared you for veneers, the next step is getting your teeth prepped. This is done by either polishing or shaving off a very tiny portion of enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth that are receiving the veneers. Your dentist will only remove what’s absolutely necessary, as this process is irreversible. But this greatly helps to ensure that once bonded, your veneers are staying put!
Step #4: Fabrication at the Laboratory
After your teeth have been prepped, impressions of them are taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneers will be fabricated. Dental technicians will use these impressions to create an exact replica of your teeth, which is then used to create your custom-fitted veneers. Since this process can take some time, you’ll likely be given a temporary set of veneers to wear, which also serves as another trial run.
Step #5: Bonding the Veneers & Wrapping Up
After your veneers have been crafted and sent back to your dentist, they’ll be physically bonded to your teeth—and this bond is so strong that it usually takes special means to undo it. The insides of your veneers are “etched” with a mild acidic solution that opens up pores in the surface and facilitates stronger bonding. Your dentist then uses a special cement to fuse the teeth and veneers together for a lasting connection—with good care, your veneers can last up to 10 or 15 years!
Knowing what goes into getting porcelain veneers can make you feel much better about opting for the treatment and giving yourself the beautiful smile that you’ve always deserved. If you’re curious about receiving veneers, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about your smile goals.
About the Practice
FS Dental Arts proudly serves patients and families in the Manhattan area under the leadership of Dr. Francisca Sanchez. Dr. Sanchez received her dental doctorate from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about veneers or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (646) 669-7407.