Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin ceramic shells that are applied to the teeth in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. They are most commonly used on the upper front teeth, but can also be used on the lower and back teeth. Dental veneers are usually placed on the teeth in sets - this allows for a more even-looking smile. Individual teeth can be veneered; it just may be more difficult to match the natural color of the teeth. For patients with minor imperfections, dental bonding may be the appropriate solution. Talk to your cosmetic dentist to find out which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you.

The Procedure

It will generally take three appointments for porcelain veneers to be applied. The first appointment will be used to evaluate the teeth, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of porcelain veneers, and plan treatment.

The second appointment will be used to prepare and take an impression of the teeth. The cosmetic dentist begins by filing down the tooth enamel by ½ millimeter; this can be done with local anesthetic or sedation dentistry if the procedure is too uncomfortable or if the patient suffers from dental anxiety. After the teeth have been prepared, the cosmetic dentist will take an impression of them, which will be used to make the veneers. It will take approximately one to two weeks for the veneers to be prepared.

The third appointment will be used to apply the veneers to the teeth. First, the dentist will temporarily place the veneers on the teeth to check their fit and color. The veneers can be trimmed and shaped if the fit is not exactly right. After the veneers have been adjusted, they will be removed and the dentist will clean the teeth. Once the teeth have been cleaned, they will be etched with a mild gel and the veneers will be bonded to the teeth with bonding cement. The color of the veneers can be adjusted with the cement used to bond them to the teeth. The cement is then hardened with a blue light (a process known as curing).

There will be a follow-up appointment in which the cosmetic dentist will evaluate how your teeth and gums are adapting to the veneers. Further adjustments and final touches can be made at this time.

Learn more about how alternative dental treatment options can improve the health and appearance of your smile.