According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work in the US has doubled within the last five years. This means that more people than ever before are opting to enhance their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. And of all the various treatments that are able to transform your pearly whites, very few can produce the gorgeous results that porcelain veneers can. If you’re interested in receiving veneers to boost the beauty of your smile, here’s a closer look at the step-by-step process of getting them.
#1. The Initial Consultation
As with any other type of dental work, a consultation with your dentist is the first step towards getting veneers. This is where you will discuss your smile goals and let your dentist know what you desire for your teeth. Of course, they’ll have to double-check that you’re a good candidate for veneers; the affected teeth must have enough enamel to support the veneers, for instance. It’s also worth noting that some issues are beyond the capabilities of veneers—while chipped, fractured, stained, or misaligned teeth can easily be corrected by them, serious issues might require a more restorative treatment option.
#2. The Trial Run
There are many ways that your dentist can provide you with a preview of how your teeth will look with porcelain veneers 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.
#3. Preparing Your Teeth
If your dentist has cleared you for veneers and you’re happy about how the trial run went, the next step is having your teeth prepped. Your dentist will need to polish or shave off a very tiny portion of enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth that are receiving veneers (usually about 5mm or less); this process is irreversible, but it ensures that once bonded, the veneers stay in place!
#4. Fabricating the Veneers
After your teeth have been prepared for the veneers, your dentist will send impressions of them to the laboratory where your veneers will be created. Dental technicians will use the impressions to create an exact replica of your teeth, which is then used to create veneers that custom-fit your smile.
#5. Bonding & Wrapping Up
Once your veneers have been crafted and sent back to your dentist, the final step is bonding them to your teeth. The insides of your veneers are “etched” with a mild acidic solution that opens up pores in the surface and facilitates a stronger bond. Your dentist also utilizes a special bonding cement to fully fuse the veneers to the teeth.
Knowing the details of the porcelain veneer process can make you feel much better about opting for the treatment and enhancing your pearly whites. If you’re ready to upgrade your teeth with veneers, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about your smile goals.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald A. Moreno has proudly served patients and families in the Bellingham, WA area for over 25 years. Dr. Moreno attended dental school at Georgetown University and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the renowned Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is proud to offer many available services including cosmetic options like porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about veneers or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact his practice online or over the phone for assistance: (360) 676-0642.