Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental Veneers Procedure

Individuals that have issues with their smile can consider dental veneers as they are a cosmetic dentistry treatment worth looking into. Veneers are teeth covering made from thin sheets of porcelain. The dentist can use them to correct cosmetic issues such as a chipped tooth, as well as discoloration on the teeth. This article covers what to expect during the procedure.

The dental veneers procedure

Every cosmetic dentistry procedure begins with a consultation with the dentist. During the appointment, the dentist will check if dental veneers are the best or most effective cosmetic procedure to correct the issue. Patients will learn about the pros and cons of the procedure so they can make an educated decision for their smiles. For instance, if the tooth is fragile and weak due to severe damages or decay, a crown might be a more suitable option.

Veneers are placed over the front surface of the teeth that are obvious when laughing or smiling. For the back row teeth, other options might need to be considered. Patients can also ask any questions they have during the initial consultation. Dental veneers can fix issues such as a chipped tooth, discoloration, irregularly shaped teeth and small gaps between teeth.

Preparing the teeth

Since the veneers cover the front side of the teeth, the dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel on that side to create space for the veneers. This is important, or the restoration will make the teeth appear big and bulky. The dentist may use local anesthetic while removing the tooth enamel to reduce pain or discomfort throughout the process.

After filing down the tooth enamel, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth. The dental impressions will be sent to an off-site dental lab dedicated to making veneers and other restorations. It typically takes about one or two weeks to complete the procedure, which is when the next meeting with the dentist will occur. While waiting for the permanent veneers, temporary covers will be placed over the teeth to protect them.

Placing the veneers

When the patient returns for the net cosmetic dentistry appointment, the dental veneers will be available, and the temporary covers will be replaced for the permanent ones. It is normal for the dentist to make minor modifications to the color and fit of the veneers. This is an important part of the process to ensure the cosmetic restorations look and feel natural. For instance, the color alteration is necessary to that the veneers match the natural tooth enamel, or some shades lighter if the purpose is to achieve a brighter smile.

When the dentist is satisfied with the appearance of the veneers, they will prepare the affected teeth. The preparation involves cleaning, polishing and etching the surface of the teeth to ensure that the veneers adhere strongly. Dental cement is used to bond the veneers. Excess cement will be cleaned off, and the dentist will do a final check to ensure everything looks perfect.

Final note

Dental veneers are a popular option in cosmetic dentistry because of their versatility. Book a consultation appointment with the dentist to discuss how you can improve the appearance of the smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Dentistry at (561) 225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.