According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work in the US has actually doubled within the last five years! And of all the various treatments that people are opting for, very few can produce the gorgeous results that porcelain veneers can. If you’re interested in receiving veneers to boost the beauty of your smile, here’s a closer look at the step-by-step process of getting them.
1. The Consultation
As with any other type of dental work, a consultation with your dentist is the first step towards getting veneers. This is where you will discuss your smile goals and let your dentist know what you desire for your teeth. Of course, they’ll also have to double-check that you’re a good candidate for veneers! For example, the affected teeth must have enough enamel to support the veneers. It’s also worth noting that some issues are beyond the capabilities of veneers—while chipped, fractured, stained, or misaligned teeth can easily be corrected by them, serious issues might require a more restorative treatment option.
2. The Trial Run
There are several ways that your dentist can give you a preview of how your teeth will look with porcelain veneers before you commit to them. They can create a life-sized model of your teeth and shape wax veneers onto them to see how it looks. They can also fit your teeth with trial veneers that are made from an acrylic plastic or tooth-colored filling material.
3. Preparing Your Teeth
Once your dentist has cleared you for veneers and approved your treatment plan, the next step is preparing your teeth. Your dentist will need to polish or shave off a very tiny portion of enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth that are receiving veneers (usually about 5mm or less). It’s important to note that this process is irreversible, but it ensures that once bonded, the veneers stay in place!
4. Making the Veneers
Once your teeth have been prepped, your veneers will need to be fabricated at a special laboratory. Your dentist will send impressions of your teeth to the lab, where dental technicians use them to create an exact replica of your teeth This is then used to create veneers that custom-fit your smile!
5. Wrapping Up
Once your veneers have been crafted, they’re sent back to your dentist for their placement on your teeth. But they aren’t quite ready just yet! The insides of your veneers are first “etched” with a mild acidic solution that opens up pores in the surface and facilitates a stronger bond. Your dentist also utilizes a special bonding cement to fully fuse the veneers to the teeth. Once they’re bonded, you’ll immediately notice how much better your smile looks!
Knowing the steps of the porcelain veneer process can make you feel much better about opting for the treatment and enhancing your pearly whites. If you’re ready to upgrade your teeth with veneers, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist.
About the Practice
The team at Thomas Family Dental Associates is honored to serve patients and families in the Milton, MA area under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Kevin Thomas, Dr. Richard Thomas, and Dr. Peter Rider. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including cosmetic options like porcelain veneers! If you have any questions about veneers or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or over the phone: (617) 696-4800.