Understanding the Porcelain Veneers Placement Process

When chips, misshaped teeth, or other dental flaws keep you from sharing your smile, porcelain veneers may be able to help. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can be used to address dental flaws and enhance the overall appearance of the smile in as little as two dental appointments.

To understand how porcelain veneers can transform the smile in such a short time, it helps to understand the treatment process, which is why we'll take a closer look at the porcelain veneers placement process in this overview from Jackson, TX cosmetic dentists Brian Bell and Justin Crocker.

Step 1: Treatment Planning and Consultation

The porcelain veneer placement process begins with a consultation. During this consultation, the teeth will be examined to determine which teeth would benefit from porcelain veneers and discuss each patient's aesthetic goals. This information is then used to create a treatment plan that will achieve a beautiful, flawless smile.

Step 2: Preparing the Teeth

Once a treatment plan is created, the teeth will be prepared for porcelain veneers placement. To prepare the teeth, a thin layer of enamel may need to be removed to ensure the veneers fit smoothly and seamlessly against the teeth. The enamel is removed using a buffing tool. Most find the process painless, however, a local anesthetic may be used to ensure patient comfort.

Step 3: Impressions Are Made

After the teeth are prepared, impressions will be made and used to create a wax-up. The wax-up allows patients to see how their smile is expected to look after porcelain veneers treatment. Changes can be made at this point to ensure the desired results will be achieved. Once any necessary adjustments are made, the impressions will be sent to a dental lab where the custom-made veneers will be precisely crafted, which takes about two weeks.

Step 4: Placement of Temporary Veneers

Temporary veneers will be placed while awaiting the completion of the customized veneers. Patients should take special care when wearing temporary veneers to ensure they stay in place until the customized veneers are bonded to the teeth. Some ways to care for temporary veneers include using a soft bristled toothbrush to brush the teeth, avoiding hard foods that may dislodge the temporary veneers, and avoiding dark foods that may stain the temporary veneers and underlying teeth.

Step 5: Custom Veneers Are Placed

When the custom-made veneers are ready, an appointment will need to be made to finish the porcelain veneers placement process. During this appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed and the teeth will be cleaned. Next, a special solution will be applied to the outer surface of the teeth to make the enamel porous, or rough. Roughening the surface of the teeth helps the glue, a special dental cement, adhere to the teeth and create a strong bond between the veneers and teeth. Once the dental cement is applied to the teeth, each veneer will be placed and polished to complete treatment.

Learn More about Porcelain Veneers

For more information about porcelain veneers, or to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Bell Dental.