Porcelain veneers are an effective way to repair chipped or discolored teeth and help you achieve a more confident, radiant smile. It’s important to know that getting veneers is a process that takes a couple of dental visits over about two weeks. Once completed, you’ll have a radiant smile that will last for many years. Here, we break down what you can expect when getting porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers begin with a pre-treatment process, where you’ll have a comprehensive consultation to make sure you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If not, another cosmetic dental procedure may be recommended. Once you’ve decided to move forward with getting veneers, patients often get their teeth cleaned. Any teeth that need repair are done at this time.
Since porcelain veneers can’t be whitened, you will want to get your natural teeth brighter and whitened to your liking to ensure a consistent smile once veneers are in place.
Once pre-treatment has been completed, Dr. Jirik will begin the veneer process. Under local anesthesia, your affected teeth will be reduced slightly so that the wafer-thin veneers lie flush and teeth don’t appear too thick. Next, impressions of your teeth are taken to create a mold. The mold is then sent to a dental laboratory that will manufacture the permanent veneers. You may wear temporary veneers to lessen any sensitivity on your teeth while you wait for final veneers to be placed in a few weeks.
The final visit is when you receive your new veneers. Temporary veneers are removed, and teeth are cleaned to get rid of any dental cement from the temporary restorations. The new porcelain veneers are placed on the teeth with a mild adhesive and are evaluated for shape, shade and fit. Minor adjustments will be made, if necessary. Once Dr. Jirik is satisfied with the appearance of the veneers, they are then bonded to the teeth, the final step in your smile makeover.
Veneers can last a decade or longer with proper care. If you’re interested in learning whether you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, call 501-843-9561 to schedule a consultation.
