Dental veneers can provide a quick fix for a wide range of cosmetic smile problems. They are effective for correcting crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth, uneven teeth, and stubborn discoloration that hasn't responded to whitening treatments. To determine if dental veneers are the right option for you, it’s essential to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist who can help you craft your dream smile. The dental veneers process typically involves three visits: the initial consultation, the preparation and fitting of temporary veneers, and the final placement of the permanent veneers.
In the first appointment, your dentist will sit down with you and listen to your concerns about your smile. They will also examine your mouth, take x-rays and make sure that you are healthy enough for the procedure. If you have a condition like gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist may recommend that you get treatment before proceeding with the veneers.
On the second visit, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your tooth for a dental veneer. They will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface so that the veneer can be bonded firmly in place. The dentist will also etch the tooth, which roughens the surface to ensure that the bonding process is strong. A veneer is then placed on the tooth and a special cement is used to bind it in place. This cement is then “cured” with a special light to speed up the hardening process.
Before the veneers are permanently bonded, your dentist will place them on your teeth to check their fit and color. They will then trim the veneers if needed and remove any extra material. Once they are satisfied with the size, shape and color of your veneers, they will use dental cement to bind them in place. Once they are finished, they will shine a special curing light on them to speed up the hardening process.
Some minor changes to your veneers, like length and slight color alterations can be made in the office with acrylic temporaries that are used to cover your natural teeth while the permanent veneers are being created. Once the dentist has completed this step, they will remove the acrylic temp veneers and allow you to view them for your approval.
If you are happy with your new smile, the dentist will apply the permanent veneers to your teeth and seal them in place. Once they have cured, your dentist will polish them and give you some dental floss to keep the area clean. Then you can enjoy your beautiful new smile!