Porcelain veneers are emerging as one of the more popular methods of correcting cosmetic dental issues. If you are considering getting porcelain veneers it is important that you educate yourself on what happens during the porcelain veneer procedure. Knowing what happens will help better prepare you and help you decide whether or not the procedure is right for you.
Before the Porcelain Veneer Procedure
The first step in getting
porcelain veneers is smile planning. Your cosmetic dentist will discuss your desired outcome and what you can realistically expect when getting porcelain veneers. The dentist will use cosmetic dental imaging to show you what your smile will look like after the porcelain veneer procedure. They may also discuss alternatives if porcelain veneers are not suitable for your dental issues.
During the Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Once you have settled on a design for your smile your second office visit will be used to prep your teeth for your porcelain veneers. The front of the teeth needs to be filed away so the veneers fit naturally. Only a half a millimeter of your tooth front will be removed.
Once the front of your tooth has been buffed away the cosmetic dentist will make a mold of your teeth. This mold is used to create your porcelain veneers. When they are done taking the mold of your teeth they will place a temporary veneer for you to wear until your custom fit veneers come in.
On your third office visit the dentist will place your custom fit porcelain veneers. Your dentist will match the color of your veneers to your teeth and make sure the alignment of the veneer is correct. The veneer is bonded to your teeth with dental cement and it is set using a special light.
After the Porcelain Veneer Procedure
With proper care porcelain veneers can last for may years. In fact, many patients have had veneers that lasted 10 to 15 years. To extend the longevity of your porcelain veneers you must follow a regular oral hygiene routine, avoid grinding or clenching your teeth and wear a mouth guard during contact sports.
For more information on porcelain veneers as well as
porcelain crowns,
dental implants and implant dentistry,
smile makeover options,
teeth whitening and bleaching, and more, it is important to visit a skilled
cosmetic dentist serving Houston and Harris County.