Thanks to veneers, it’s possible to make multiple improvements to your grin with just one cosmetic treatment. This makes it a great choice for individuals who are struggling with a wide range of aesthetic dental flaws. Are you thinking of pursuing veneers to make your dream smile a reality? If so, it’s a good idea to learn more about what exactly the procedure entails. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to the process of getting veneers.
1. The Initial Consultation
Naturally, the first thing you’ll need to do is confirm that veneers are the right cosmetic dentistry option for you. To do so, you can schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will check your teeth to make sure they’re in good condition, and they will ask about the goals you have in mind for your smile. Then they’ll give you their recommendation for treatment; veneers are suitable for a wide range of situations, but other cosmetic treatments could be worth considering as well.
2. The Preparation Stage
If you ultimately decide to get veneers, your dentist will need to prepare the teeth in question. This generally means removing a small amount of enamel to create the necessary space. Then impressions of your teeth will be taken. This used to involve biting down on messy impression material, but nowadays your dentist can simply perform a scan of your mouth.
3. The Design Stage
Veneers are not one-size-fits-all; they need to be personalized according to the needs of the patient. To that end, the impressions taken during the preparation stage will be used to design your veneer. The shape, size, and shade all need to be carefully chosen so that the final veneer looks like a natural part of your smile.
4. The Creation Stage
Once a design has been settled on, it will be time for your veneers to be made at a separate laboratory. This stage can take a couple of weeks; as such, you will need to wear temporary veneers in order to keep your prepared teeth safe while you’re waiting.
5. The Placement Stage
The last step is to return to your dentist’s office so that the completed veneers can be attached to your teeth. Your mouth may be numbed to help you stay comfortable during the process. Once the temporary veneers have been removed, the permanent ones will be cemented to the teeth. Then, after the necessary last-minute adjustments have been made, your new smile will finally be complete.
Now that you know the basics of what it’s like to have veneers placed, you can take the first steps of the process today by calling your dentist to schedule an appointment. Don’t let the smile you’ve always wanted stay out of reach!
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has more than 40 years of dental experience and is dedicated to bringing his patients friendly, efficient care. His Kittanning practice, Voller Dentistry, offers multiple cosmetic dentistry options, including veneers for hiding cracked teeth, stubborn dental stains, and other flaws. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Voller, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.