Porcelain veneers have become a popular choice for those who want to enhance their smiles. Whether you have chipped teeth, discoloration, or minor misalignment, veneers offer a durable and natural-looking solution. But before you commit to this cosmetic dental procedure, you want to understand what the process involves. We’ll review the porcelain veneers process in our Lansdale, PA office, from the initial consultation to the final result.
Porcelain Veneer Treatment in Lansdale, PA
You can get one or more veneers in several office visits. We’ll make sure you get results that meet your cosmetic goals. You can expect multiple steps to getting your new smile.
The First Consultation
The journey to your new veneers begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our dentists. This appointment is more than just a casual chat. We’ll perform a detailed evaluation of your dental health and cosmetic goals, and discuss whether veneers are the right option for you.
Our dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays. He or she will possibly even make digital impressions or mock-ups to show how your smile might look after treatment. This is also the time to discuss your expectations. Be clear about what you want to change, whether it’s the shape, size, color, or spacing of your teeth. Our dentist will assess if your goals can be realistically met with veneers or if another treatment might be right for you.
Tooth Preparation
If you decide to move forward, the next step is preparing your teeth. We remove a very small amount of enamel from the front surface of each tooth that will receive a veneer. Our dentist will remove less than a millimeter from each treated tooth. This is done to ensure that the veneer fits naturally and doesn’t appear bulky.
While the procedure is minimally invasive, we often use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Then, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth and use a shade guide to find the best shade for your veneers. We send these specifications to a dental lab where your custom veneers are crafted. This process can take a couple of weeks. We’ll fit you with temporary veneers to protect your teeth and give you a preview of the final result.
Veneer Placement
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return to us for the final placement. Our dentist will start by checking the fit, shape, and color of each veneer to ensure they match your expectations. He or she may make minor adjustments at this stage.
The bonding process involves cleaning your teeth thoroughly, applying a special adhesive, and then positioning the veneers. Our dentist will use a curing light to harden the adhesive quickly and secure the veneers in place. He or she may make some final refinements by trimming or polishing the veneers to better ensure a flawless finish.
Recovery and Aftercare
There’s little to no downtime after getting veneers. You might feel some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods if enamel was removed during preparation. This usually subsides within a few days.
Our dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your bite feels comfortable. Caring for your new veneers is relatively straightforward. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, will keep them looking great for years. Although porcelain is highly stain-resistant, you still want to minimize exposure to things like coffee, red wine, and tobacco to keep them bright.
Long-Term Expectations
Porcelain veneers are durable and can last between 10 to 15 years with proper care. But they’re not indestructible. Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bite down on hard objects like ice or pens. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a custom night guard can protect your veneers from unnecessary wear.
Ultimately, veneers are a long-term investment in your smile. When you understand the process and set realistic expectations, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy all the benefits that veneers have to offer.
Get Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment in Lansdale, PA
At Brookwood Dental Associates, we’re dedicated to your oral health and smile. If you suffer from misshapen teeth, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, or discoloration, porcelain veneers could be right for you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We welcome you to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry treatment options.