There are many different ways to transform your smile. Cosmetic dentists offer everything from metal-free restorations and teeth whitening to dental bonding and even complete smile makeovers. But one unique form of treatment delivers a comprehensive approach, allowing you to change the size, shape, and color of your imperfect teeth – veneers. If you’re curious about these uniquely designed restorations, keep reading to discover their step-by-step process before making your decision.
Step #1: Meet with Your Cosmetic Dentist
The first step in receiving veneers is to meet with your cosmetic dentist. This visit will allow them to evaluate the imperfections as well as determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. If they do not find any signs of cavities, decay, or gum disease, you may be cleared to move forward. However, if issues exist that could negatively affect your veneers, these will need to be addressed first.
Step #2: Enamel Removal
Once you are given the green light to move forward, your dentist will begin cleaning your teeth before removing a small amount of tooth enamel from each treated area. Only about half a millimeter is taken off from the front, edges, and sides. This will allow the veneers to lay flat when bonded into place.
Step #3: Digital Impressions Taken
After they remove the appropriate amount of enamel from each treated tooth, digital impressions will be taken of your smile. This process is much more comfortable than previous methods that used cold dental putty. Your cosmetic dentist will make any necessary adjustments and note the desired size, shape, and color before sending the images to a local laboratory.
Step #4: The Creation of Your Veneers
Lab technicians will receive the digital images and begin to craft your new veneers. This process requires a skilled hand and an artistic eye for detail so that your new teeth look as natural as possible. Using the specifications and measurements provided, they will shape and sculpt your new veneers to match the desired results.
While your finalized veneers are crafted, you will wear temporary ones, as it can take several weeks before placement. This will allow you to adjust to life with these custom restorations.
Step #5: Final Placement of Your Veneers
When ready, you will return to your dentist’s office to receive your new veneers. After removing the temporary ones, they will carefully place each restoration onto the appropriate tooth so that it bonds correctly and lays flat. Once all are in place, your dentist will give your teeth a final polish and make sure you are pleased with your results.
While placing veneers requires a few visits to your dentist’s office, the process itself is fairly straightforward. In a matter of weeks, you can expect to start enjoying life with a new and improved smile that will boost your confidence like never before.
About the Author
Dr. Deric Budendorf earned his undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2009. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 2013. He and his colleagues at Darby Creek Dental are pleased to provide cosmetic dental treatments to change the way patients see their smile. Using customized veneers, we can deliver beautiful results that can last a decade or longer with optimal care. If you are thinking about changing your appearance with these unique restorations, contact us at (937) 644-8822.