Prosthetic Process: 3 Steps to Getting Veneers

If you’re frustrated by an imperfect smile, you’re not alone. Countless people have turned to various dental cosmetic services to brighten, straighten, and enhance their smiles. If you’re eager to address one or more aesthetic issues at the same time, you could potentially benefit from porcelain veneers.

These thin ceramic shells are customized to match your natural teeth and then bonded to their front surface to mask chips, cracks, stains, slight gaps, and mild overcrowding. However, being fitted with these prosthetics can take some time from start to finish. Continue reading to learn more about the step-by-step process so you know what to expect!

Step #1: Consultation Appointment

Before beginning any elected treatment, you must schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, they’ll update your medical history and list of medications and examine your mouth to ensure it’s in good condition. Based on their findings, they’ll let you know whether you’re a good candidate for veneers.

This appointment is also an ideal time for you to ask questions or express any concerns you may have about the procedure. For instance, you might inquire how long it will take to create your veneers or what the final results will look and feel like.

Step #2: Dental Preparation

If your provider finds signs of weakened enamel, cavities, or gum disease, they’ll treat those first so they don’t interfere with your veneers. Then, for the shells to align correctly against your gums, they must remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. That way, the shells can sit flush against your gums without appearing overly bulky compared to your natural pearly whites. Next, we’ll make impressions of your teeth that will be used to create the ceramic covers.

It’s important to know that your enamel will not grow back, making this an irreversible change. Your teeth are somewhat more vulnerable in this slightly weakened state, so you’ll need veneers or another restoration to keep them safe on an ongoing basis. Thankfully, these prosthetics are durable enough to shield your teeth and can last 15+ years with the proper care, making them an excellent long-term solution.

Step #3: Veneer Design & Creation

Your dentist will work with you to choose just the right shade for your veneers and then send this information, along with the required images and impressions, to a special lab to begin building them. This can take several weeks, so you’ll likely be fitted with a temporary set to wear to protect your pearly whites in the meantime. Once your permanent ones are delivered, your dentist will schedule an appointment to try them on and ensure everything fits as intended.

If everyone is pleased with the final results, your new restorations will be cemented in place for an instantly enhanced appearance!

About the Practice

At Drum Point Family & Implant Dentistry, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to provide a full array of services under one roof. They welcome patients of all ages and take the time to get to know your unique dental needs so they can quickly build individualized treatment plans when problems arise. They combine a personable approach with state-of-the-art technology to help you feel comfortable while providing accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re interested in perfecting your appearance with veneers, you can request a consultation on the website or call (732) 451-3230.