Five Easy Steps of Transforming Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are super-thin porcelain shells bonded on the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their aesthetics. Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and offer translucency similar to natural teeth.

Want to transform your smile with porcelain veneers? Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Consultation: Your treatment begins with a discussion. We’ll discuss the aspects of your smile you don’t like and how you envision your dream smile. Next, our dentist will examine your teeth with digital X-rays to determine their suitability for veneers. Many patients are candidates for veneers, but dental problems like gum disease, decay, and severe orthodontic issues must be resolved to make you eligible.
2. Tooth preparation: If you are eligible for veneers, the dentist will numb your gums with local anesthetics to ensure you don’t feel pain during teeth preparation. If you are anxious about the procedure, you can talk to Dr. Guillen about sedation dentistry. Once you are at ease, the dentist will grind down about 0.5mm of your enamel to create space for your veneers. This tooth preparation ensures your veneers integrate seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
3. Veneer creation: After tooth preparation, our dentist will take digital scans of your teeth and send the records to our dental lab. Each of your veneers is handcrafted to match the exact specifications of your teeth. Until your veneers are ready, we’ll place interim veneers on your teeth to restore oral function and aesthetics. Remember, your interim veneers are temporary, so be careful when using your teeth to avoid dislodging.
4. Placement: When your custom-made veneers are ready, you’ll schedule an appointment for their placement. The dentist will first ensure each veneer’s fit and aesthetics are as per the specifications. This step involves a “try-in” process, where veneers are temporarily placed on the teeth to assess their look and feel. The dentist may make minor adjustments to ensure each veneer fits seamlessly. Once you and the dentist are satisfied with their appearance, the veneers are permanently secured with a special adhesive, giving you an instantly refreshed smile.
5. Aftercare: After placing your veneers, maintenance is vital to ensure your restorations last long and keep looking their best. Good news! Caring for veneers isn’t complicated. Simply brush your teeth with non-abrasive toothpaste and floss your teeth at least once daily. Additionally, schedule regular visits with your dentist for check-ups and dental cleanings. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade.