Dental veneers can make your smile look absolutely stunning – just ask Hollywood stars like Morgan Freeman and Tom Cruise! The process, however, isn’t a one-and-done appointment like teeth whitening or dental bonding. You’ll have to go through at least five separate steps in order to complete your dental cosmetic transformation.
If that seems overwhelming, don’t worry – this post lays out everything you need to know about getting dental veneers in a quick, easy-to-read guide!
1: The Consultation
Before you can begin any sort of dental work, you’ll have to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. This is when the two of you will discuss your smile goals to make sure you’re on the same page, and it’s when your dentist will examine your mouth. The exam accomplishes two things:
- Checking on your oral health to see if you require prior treatment, such as gum disease therapy or a cavity filling.
- Taking impressions of your teeth so your custom veneers can be sized accurately.
Once you and your dentist have finalized your treatment plan, it’s on to the next step!
2: Enamel Removal
In order for dental veneers to look natural, it’s often necessary to remove a tiny sliver of your enamel. Normally, this isn’t something a dentist would recommend, because enamel serves as a protective layer for your teeth. However, your veneers will essentially replace this layer, so there’s no increased risk to your oral health.
3: Temporary Veneers
At this point, your customized veneers aren’t actually crafted yet. Does that mean you’ll have to go about your day with weakened enamel? Fortunately not! Your dentist will provide you a set of temporary veneers – they won’t be as aesthetically pleasing as your permanent set will be, but they’ll shield your teeth in the meantime.
4: Wait Period
Your permanent veneers aren’t crafted yet because your dental impressions and cosmetic preferences need to be sent off to a dental lab. The technicians at these labs are specially trained in color matching and veneer fabrication. Rest assured, the one to two weeks you’ll have to wait are well worth it!
5: Permanent Veneers
When your dentist receives your customized veneers, they’ll have you come in for another appointment. That’s right – this is when you’ll finally receive your dream smile! Your dentist will check with you to make sure the veneers fit well and look good, give them a polishing, and send you on your way.
That’s the dental veneer process in a nutshell. It can get pretty detailed, so if you have any questions at any point, don’t hesitate to voice them to your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner has accreditation in both the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry – something only 10 dentists have achieved! He’s also on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. These affiliations are a testament to his skill with dental cosmetics like dental veneers. If you’re interested in this transformative treatment, Dr. Latner will be able to provide you with quality, beautiful veneers. To contact his office, call 310-477-1081.