After seeing before-and-after photos online, you feel pretty confident that veneers are the treatment you’re looking for to perfect your smile. However, before you jump into the procedure, you should know the general steps that you’ll take to achieve it. Here is a breakdown of the four steps your dentist will follow in the veneers process.
Step 1: Preparing the Tooth
Unless you want your veneers to protrude out from the other teeth in your mouth and attract funny looks, a tiny amount of the outer layer of enamel needs to be removed to make space for the veneers. To do this, your dentist will numb the area of your mouth with a local anesthetic, which will prevent discomfort. Then, they will use a tool that allows them to precisely wear away about 0.5 mm of enamel. That’s all!
Step 2: Taking Impressions
Traditionally, impressions are taken with a putty-like substance that is pressed against your upper and lower arches. For many, this process is uncomfortable, but some even gag! Fortunately, some dental practices take advantage of a digital impression system instead. A small device scans and measures the entire oral cavity within minutes and provides a 3D model of the mouth, which can be examined by the dentist on a screen before sending the information to the lab.
Step 3: Wearing a Temporary Veneer
Prior to leaving the dentist’s office, they will attach temporary veneers over the treated teeth, which will not only protect them from forming a cavity on the vulnerable front surface but also make the teeth look complete until the final veneers arrive from the lab.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, the lab technicians will use the digital impressions to create a mold of your upper and lower teeth and shape the veneers to fit perfectly.
Step 4: Bonding the Permanent Veneer in Place
Once the veneers are finished, the lab will ship them to your dentist, and you’ll return to their office. Using a strong bonding material, they’ll secure the veneers onto the teeth instantly improving their appearance. The dentist may give you special instructions for the hours following placement, such as not eating or drinking for a certain amount of time, to allow the bond to set. Otherwise, you’ll be able to resume a normal diet and normal routine!
Now that you’re aware of the steps involved, you can have a clearer idea of what to expect of your treatment and go into your consultation with more confidence. So get started loving your smile by contacting your dentist today!
About the Practice
In addition to veneers and other cosmetic treatments, Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten are highly trained in advanced services like dental implants, Invisalign, and more. At Beach Dental, they are happy to serve patients coming from East Moriches, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, Manorville, and East Quogue. If you are interested in learning more about veneers or any other dental treatment, you are invited to call the office at 631-325-0731 or visit our Contact Us page here.