Getting a veneer? Here’s what you can expect.

More people than ever are taking an interest in cosmetic dentistry. One of the most common procedures talked about is dental veneers. These wafer-thin porcelain restorations can hide many problems, such as a chipped tooth or spaces in your smile.   

If you are self-conscious about your teeth, consider doing this cosmetic procedure. However, it’s vital to find the best cosmetic dentist for veneers in Williamsville, New York, and understand the dental veneer process.

Having an overview of the dental veneer process can ease your mind. You’ll know what to expect from start to finish and ultimately decide whether you want to move on with treatment. 

Initial Consultation

The first step in making your smile look better is to schedule a visit with a cosmetic dentist. At this appointment, they will review your medical and dental records to determine whether dental veneers suit your needs.

Your dentist will also discuss the benefits of dental veneers. They’ll explain how the procedure is less invasive than other cosmetic procedures and how veneers are easy to maintain.

Typically, these restorations are a good fit for anyone with minor blemishes to their front teeth. Veneers may work for you if you have:

• Discolored teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Spaces between your teeth
• Misshapen teeth

Unfortunately, some people are not candidates for veneers, but there are other cosmetic dental solutions your dentist could recommend to enhance your smile.  

After discussing your goals, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan to achieve them. It will show each step in the dental veneer process, what kind they will be, and how many teeth will get them. 

Use this appointment to ask questions about the procedure. You want to feel confident in your cosmetic dental choice.  

Preparation

The dental veneer process requires two appointments. On the day of your first appointment, your teeth will be prepared to place the veneers. 

Your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth, so the final restoration fits seamlessly and doesn’t look too big or bulky. Some patients like having local anesthetic to ensure they don’t have any discomfort, but it’s not required for this treatment.

You and your dentist will work together to choose a shade or porcelain that closely matches your natural tooth color. You’ll rely mainly on the adjacent teeth and pick from various shade options.

Impressions

After an adequate amount of enamel has been removed, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums and send them to a lab. They may use a 3D scanner or soft putty in a tray to capture a replica of your mouth and the shape of your teeth. 

The lab uses these to create custom veneers that blend beautifully with your smile. The turnaround time for most veneers is approximately one to two weeks.  

Temporary Veneers

Before leaving the office, your dentist will make and place temporary veneers. These provisional restorations will protect your teeth while you wait for your permanent ones.

With a small layer of enamel removed, the other, more sensitive layers of your teeth are exposed. Without the protection of a temporary veneer, you may experience some sensitivity. 

Placement of Permanent Veneers

You’ll have your second appointment when the new veneer arrives back at your dentist’s office. The dentist will try the veneer in your mouth to see whether it fits and the color matches. 

Don’t be concerned if they make adjustments to the veneer. This is a vital part of the process. Even a tiny mistake can lead to bigger problems! Your dentist may need to place it in your mouth and remove it several times to ensure it fits perfectly. 

You’ll be asked to bite on a piece of colored paper and move your mouth to ensure it’s comfortable.

Once you and your dentist are happy with the way the veneers look, they will clean, polish, and roughen your teeth. These steps get them ready for the bonding process.

When the veneers are bonded, your dentist will remove extra cement and recheck your bite. If everything looks and feels good, you’ll be on your way home with a gorgeous new smile. 

What to Expect From Dental Veneers

Although it does require two appointments, the dental veneer process isn’t as lengthy as other cosmetic treatments. For example, getting dental implants might take a whole year. 

The veneer process is comparatively simple. After removing a thin layer of enamel and taking some impressions, a model of your mouth is sent to the lab. The final product returns to the office within a few weeks, and you’ll get your new smile.  

Visit a Williamsville dentist today.

Are you looking for a dentist to fix a chipped tooth? Contact Dr. Kathleen Balthasar, DDS. She is an experienced cosmetic dentist, ready to transform your smile. Schedule your consultation for dental veneers today and get your questions answered.