What Happens to Your Teeth Prior to Getting Dental Veneers?
Posted on 1/15/2025 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before you get your sparkling new dental veneers? As an expert general dentist, I'm here to walk you through the steps involved in preparing your teeth for these beautiful and functional restorations.
Initial Consultation and Planning Your journey towards dental veneers begins with a thorough consultation. During this visit, I will discuss your goals, examine your teeth, and take X-rays to assess your oral health. We will work together to determine if veneers are the right option for you and discuss the desired shape, size, and color of your new smile.
Preparation Appointment Once you decide to proceed with dental veneers, an appointment will be scheduled to prepare your teeth. This preparation involves minimal tooth reshaping to create space for the veneers to be placed seamlessly over your natural teeth. The amount of tooth reduction depends on the thickness of the chosen veneer material and the desired final result.
During this appointment, I will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The tooth enamel is then gently and precisely removed, usually less than half a millimeter. This ensures the veneers blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth and maintain a natural appearance.
Impressions and Temporary Veneers After preparing your teeth, I will take precise impressions of your mouth using a moldable material. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom veneers will be fabricated based on the chosen material, color, and specifications.
To protect your prepared teeth and maintain your aesthetics while the final veneers are being created, temporary veneers are placed. These temporary veneers are made of a durable material and closely resemble the final product, allowing you to experience the look and feel of your new smile before the permanent placement.
Final Veneer Placement Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will return for a final appointment. I will carefully remove the temporary veneers and check the fit, color, and shape of the permanent ones. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure a perfect fit and natural-looking smile.
The final step involves permanently bonding the veneers to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive. This ensures a long-lasting and secure fit. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your new veneers and maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Enjoying Your New Smile Following your final appointment, you can start enjoying your beautiful and functional new smile! With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, your dental veneers can last for many years.
Remember, good oral care is essential for the longevity of your veneers and overall oral health. Make sure to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to maintain a healthy and radiant smile.
I hope this information has helped you understand the process of getting dental veneers. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss if veneers are right for you, please don't hesitate to contact my office. |
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