Advancements in dental technology have now made it possible for the world to achieve its dream smile effortlessly. One of the many sought-after dental procedures is veneers.
They are a popular cosmetic dental procedure that is primarily used for aesthetic purposes and to improve the appearance of the teeth. The global dental veneers market was valued at US $2.36 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.88 Bn by 2031.
This growth is fueled by increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry and improvements in dental technologies.
They are particularly popular among those aged 20-45, as this group feels more conscious of their appearance, especially driven by the social media culture that promotes the desire to have a perfect smile.
One of the most common questions we receive from patients wanting to get this treatment is “how are veneers put in?”. In this article we will give a simple step-by-step guide answering this question and everything related to it.
Step-by-Step Process of Getting Veneers
Initial Consultation And Diagnosis
As with any dental procedure, the first step of how are veneers put in starts with a detailed consultation and diagnosis. You will need to schedule a consultation with us at a time convenient to you. During this initial appointment, our dentists will take the time to review all your cosmetic goals and dentistry options.
We recommend our patients give our dentist a thorough explanation of their expectations of a dream smile or any other concerns they need to address through veneers.
This is because porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile delta procedures, and they can correct a variety of flaws related to your teeth and smile. Some of them include chips, cracks, stains, and gaps in your smile.
Treatment Planning
Based on the initial consultation, we will determine if porcelain veneers are the best option for you. It is also important to emphasize that some conditions can limit your eligibility to get veneers.
Those who can’t get porcelain veneers are as follows:
Individuals with poor oral health
Weak or compromised teeth
Severe bruxism (teeth grinding)
Those with misaligned bite
People have unrealistic expectations that don’t match the profile of their teeth.
Anyone having allergies to porcelain veneer materials
Those who have insufficient enamel
Our dentists will design a customised plan for your conditions and expectations of your dream smile. We will then begin preparing you for your new smile using advanced computer programs to show you your future smile before you start.
This stage is the best time to discuss any concerns you may have and clarify any confusion immediately. It ensures both you and we are on the same page in understanding the results of the procedure.
Preparation Of The Teeth
If we determine and agree mutually that dental veneers are the best option for your smile goals, our dentist will need to prepare your teeth and capture digital scans and images.
Preparing your teeth generally involves trimming or removing a small amount of surface tooth enamel to help with the restoration. Depending on the nature of your teeth, some can only undergo low-prep veneer options that require little to no enamel removal.
One primary reason dentists trim teeth is to adjust the layer of enamel so the veneers can be placed firmly, taking the natural shape of the teeth. Aside from trimming areas of teeth that show signs of decay, it also involves removing old fillings.
However, the tooth preparations and fillings should be no older than two weeks to ensure a proper bond between the porcelain and the filling. While the amount of trimming varies from case to case, normal trimming is about .5 to .7 millimeters.
Once your teeth are prepared, we take digital scans and begin the customised design process for your veneers.
Taking Impressions
Once our dentist has trimmed the teeth and prepped them, they will take an impression of the surrounding gums and neighbouring teeth.
It helps in creating the most personalised image of your jaw, which allows our dentists to create near-perfect veneers that take on the natural shape of the teeth.
This process involves applying a thick, paste-like substance to the teeth and then making the patient bite on a tray to lock the impression.
Then, our dentists will choose a porcelain shade that closely matches the natural colour of the teeth. Our dentist will also determine which part of the laminae needs to be more translucent so that the new tooth looks just like your real tooth.
Temporary Veneers
Our dentists prepare porcelain veneers in a week or two, during which time temporary veneers may be applied. Your veneers are created in our lab using advanced technology to get results that perfectly match the design and impressions taken.
Pre-Bonding
This is the final step in putting in veneers. Once the new veneers arrive from the lab, you will have an appointment to bond them to your teeth.
Now before getting straight into bonding, our dentist mat put it in place to check the accuracy. We believe even the slightest miscalculation can result in bigger problems.
Our dentist will ask you to bite, close your mouth, and move your mouth to ensure you are comfortable and the veneers meet your expectations of your dream smile. If you feel any pain or discomfort, make sure to tell our dentist right away.
Placing the Veneers
The question “Does it hurt” is one of the main concerns people have with how are veneers put in. The answer to this question is that bonding or placing veneers is a painless process, as it is common practice to do it under local anesthetic.
Once the numbness takes effect, you will be unaware of any discomfort. Sometimes, It is possible to have a bit of soreness after the procedure which can be alleviated with over the counter medications.
Follow-Up
Your dentist will ask you to come on for a follow-up consultation to check your gums and how the veneers are attached.
Your Gateway to Dream Smile
At Invisalign Center, we firmly believe that achieving one's dream smile is one treatment away, and the advancement of dental technology has made it effortlessly possible.
We have seen many patients hesitate to get veneers because of the common misconception that it is painful.
Our dentists can walk you through the procedure step by step and give you all the confidence you need to go ahead with this investment in your smile.
