Placing Porcelain Veneers: What's the Process Like?
When the people of Scottsdale come to our practice, they know they will receive expert dental care treatment. We are proud to offer patients some of the most state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry treatments, able to enhance the beauty of a smile as well as overall wellness.
Porcelain veneers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments we offer. In this post, we'd like to consider the basics of porcelain veneers and what they can accomplish, and then really focus on the prep and placement process that patients will experience.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are an extremely versatile treatment option for a host of aesthetic flaws that affect people's smiles. A veneer is a thin shell of dental ceramic that fit over the front portion of a tooth, concealing it from view. With a porcelain veneer in place, the tooth will look perfect and free from flaws.
Porcelain veneers are most common with the front teeth. Since they are so versatile, an entire smile makeover might be accomplished through porcelain veneers alone.
Cosmetic Issues Porcelain Veneers Can Treat
Porcelain veneers can be used to treat the following cosmetic flaws:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth discoloration and stains
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Tooth/smile asymmetry
Prepping a Tooth for a Porcelain Veneer
Porcelain veneers are very thin, but they will require some prepping of a tooth before they can be placed. A dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front of a tooth to help accommodate the porcelain veneer. Less than 1mm of tooth structure is removed from the tooth. This is a painless procedure thanks to the use of some local anesthetic.
Taking an Impression of the Prepped Tooth
Once the tooth is prepped the dentist takes an impression of the prepped tooth. This will allow the dental lab to create a custom veneer that is perfected fitted to one's tooth.
Wearing Temporary Veneers
The dental lab will generally require a week or so to create the custom veneer. In the meantime, patients are given temporary veneers to wear on their teeth. These will not be like the final veneers since they are not custom fit or fabricated, though they will protect the teeth from harm.
The Crafting of the Permanent Porcelain Veneer
At a dental lab, technicians will use the impressions and other information to create the final porcelain veneer. This is accomplished through the use of advanced materials and the latest technology available to dental labs.
Placing the Permanent Porcelain Veneer
Once the final porcelain veneers arrive at the practice, patients can return for placement. The temporary veneers are removed and the teeth are polished. The dentist checks the permanent veneers for proper fit before adhering them in place.
The Results of Porcelain Veneer Treatment
The results of porcelain veneers treatment can be dramatic and dynamic. Many people smile with renewed confidence thanks to their porcelain veneers. What's more, they results look totally natural. Up close, at a distance, in daylight, low light, or artificial light, no one will be able to distinguish between your veneers and your natural tooth structure. They truly are stunning.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and how they can help you have a beautiful smile, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at Sonoran Dental Design will work with you to enhance your smile.
