Having porcelain veneers made can give you an instant smile makeover. The veneers procedure is efficient and can be completed in your dentist’s chair. In this article, we will outline the teeth veneers process, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are placed over the front of your teeth. Even though they are light and thin, they are durable and long-lasting. Porcelain is an excellent material for veneers because it can match the colour of your adjacent teeth, and its translucence makes the veneers look natural.
What Are Porcelain Veneers Used For?
People have the veneers procedure to correct teeth that are
- Uneven or asymmetrical
- Discoloured and do not respond to teeth whitening
- Broken, chipped or fractured
- Crooked
- Small or produce a gappy smile
Teeth Veneers Process: What To Expect
A veneers procedure always begins with a consultation with your dentist, who will evaluate your smile to ensure that the procedure will achieve your goals. Your dentist may also take x-rays and impressions of your teeth. X-rays will give your dentist a clear picture of the health of your teeth and identify any decay or gum disease which would need to be treated before you can proceed.
For most people, the veneers procedure requires two to three visits to the practice.
Veneers Procedure | Your First Visit
Before porcelain veneers can be placed, your teeth need to be prepared. This means that some of your dental enamel has to be removed from the surface. Your dentist will remove the same amount of enamel as the thickness of the veneers, so they fit comfortably into your mouth.
Once this has been done, the dentist will take a digital impression or scan of your teeth. You will choose the shade of porcelain to be used. The impressions and shade of porcelain will be sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be made.
While you wait for this to happen, you will probably have temporary veneers placed.
Veneers Procedure | Your Second Visit
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you will be called to return to the practice for the fitting. A dry fit is done first to make sure the fit and colour are suitable. Your dentist may make some adjustments to the size and shape. Then, the surface of your teeth will be cleaned, and the porcelain veneers will be fitted permanently into place using dental cement.
In some cases, the teeth veneers process may require a third appointment so your dentist can evaluate how your gums respond to the veneers.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With good dental care and regular visits to your dentist, your veneers could be expected to last for ten years. In some instances, veneers made from porcelain have been found to last up to 20 years.
At your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know how many visits you can expect during your procedure and how best to prepare for it. For a more personal insight into the teeth veneers process, it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for an appointment: (02) 9054 5281.
References
What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1-4
How Long Can You Expect Veneers to Last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last