What are Dental Veneers: Step-by-Step Procedure

What are Dental Veneers: Step-by-Step Procedure

Aug 01, 2023

A brighter, flawless smile can positively impact your overall appearance and self-esteem. Unfortunately, no one has naturally perfect teeth due to teeth stains, cracks, and gaps. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry through dental veneers can transform your smile, giving you a natural-looking, beautiful, seamless smile.

If you’re considering dental veneers, you might be curious about what to expect. This guide highlights the process of getting porcelain veneers for a healthier, brighter, flawless smile.

What are Dental Veneers?

Teeth veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from composite resin or porcelain. They fit over the front surface of the teeth, significantly improving the tooth’s size, shape, and color. You can use them for various reasons, including:

  • Improve the shape or size of a misshapen or uneven tooth.
  • Repair minor tooth damage like chips and cracks.
  • Enhance the colors of a yellowed, stained, or discolored tooth.
  • Close, improper teeth gaps.
  • Correct minor teeth misalignments.

Dental veneers step-by-step process

Below is the dental veneer treatment procedure explained step-by-step:

Initial evaluation

The first step is to book a consultation with a dentist near you. The dentist will assess your teeth and mouth and review your goals and expectations to determine whether veneers suit your condition.

X-rays and impressions can be taken for the examination. Ask any questions or concerns about your treatment or oral health. If veneers aren’t ideal for your condition, the dentist can recommend alternative treatments like dental crowns.

Planning the treatment

Once the dentist has established that veneers are right for you, they will begin planning your personalized treatment. It involves taking digital images and impressions and other details like the desired shape and shade of the veneers to ensure a natural-looking, perfect outcome.

Tooth preparation

For dental veneers to fit perfectly on your natural tooth without looking bulky or abnormal, the dentist must remove a small portion of the tooth’s enamel from the front surface of the tooth. They can use a local anesthetic to prevent pain or discomfort during the procedure.

After the enamel shaving, the dentist will take impressions of the prepared and adjacent teeth. These and other records are sent to the dental lab to fabricate the customized veneer. Since this can take a few weeks, the dentist can place a temporary veneer or restoration on the prepared tooth for protection. Once the veneers are ready, they will be sent back to your dentist’s office, and you’ll be invited for the fitting procedure.

Placing the custom veneer

During the fitting appointment, the dentist will carefully remove the temporary veneer. The custom veneer is placed on the teeth to check their fit and appearance. The dentist can make minor adjustments to ensure a perfect fit, bite, and appearance. Lastly, the dentist will clean your tooth and bond the custom in place. A special laser or curing light can activate the bond for a secure fit.

Post-placement care

After placing the veneer, the dentist will provide a set of aftercare instructions that you should follow strictly to ensure your veneer’s stability and long-term success. These can include:

Excellent oral hygiene

Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to remove bacteria and debris around the veneers and teeth for optimal oral health. Ensure to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Proper diet

Avoid biting on hard, chewy, or sticky foods and non-food items like ice, nails, and pens, as they can cause your veneers to chip, break, or dislodge.

Limit exposure to staining ingredients

While veneers are highly resistant to staining, reducing exposure to staining items like coffee, tea, and soda is vital to maintaining a brighter, natural smile.

Routine dental checkups and cleanings

Visiting your dentist for cleanings can help remove bacterial deposits around your veneers and teeth, which could compromise the health of your underlying tooth and veneer. The dentist also checks your veneer and mouth for potential issues and addresses them promptly to prevent future complications.

Get a custom mouthguard. Consult our dentist near you about a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth against damage caused by teeth grinding or high-impact sports.

Get Dental veneers in Claremont, NH.

Do you have minor to moderate dental imperfections like chips, stains, or gaps? Dental veneers significantly improve the appearance of your smile. For more information about dental veneers near you, contact and book a dentist appointment at Claremont Dental Group.

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