Porcelain Veneer Process
The journey to your new smile with porcelain veneers typically involves several steps spread across two to three appointments. We begin with a comprehensive consultation where we discuss your smile goals, examine your oral health, and determine if veneers are the right option for you.
Once we’ve established a customized treatment plan, the preparation appointment involves removing a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the teeth receiving veneers. This minimal preparation—typically less than a millimeter thick—creates space for the veneers to fit naturally without appearing bulky. We then take precise digital impressions of your prepared teeth, which guide the creation of your custom veneers in a specialized dental laboratory.
While your permanent veneers are being crafted, we may place temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. When your custom veneers arrive, usually within two weeks, you’ll return for the placement appointment. During this final visit, we’ll carefully check the fit and appearance of each veneer before permanently bonding them to your teeth, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Veneer Care and Longevity
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. Maintaining your investment requires some simple but important habits that protect both your veneers and underlying teeth.
Daily oral hygiene remains essential, including regular brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and daily flossing. While veneers resist staining better than natural teeth, we recommend limiting consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and berries to maintain their bright appearance.
Protecting your veneers from damage means avoiding using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite fingernails, and wearing a nightguard if you tend to clench or grind your teeth during sleep. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings remain important not only for maintaining your veneers but also for ensuring the health of your natural teeth and gums underneath.
Is Veneer Treatment Right for You?
Veneers offer dramatic cosmetic improvements but aren’t the ideal solution for every situation. The best candidates for veneers have generally healthy teeth and gums with primarily cosmetic concerns rather than significant functional problems.
Before recommending veneers, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to ensure you don’t have untreated decay, gum disease, or inadequate tooth structure to support veneers. We’ll also discuss your habits, as people who clench or grind their teeth heavily may need additional protection to prevent veneer damage.
For patients with more severely damaged or decayed teeth, full crowns might be more appropriate. Those with significant misalignment might benefit from orthodontic treatment before or instead of veneers. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all available options and help you choose the treatment that best aligns with your oral health needs and cosmetic goals.
