Preparing the Teeth for Veneers
Tooth preparation is key to the success rate and longevity of your porcelain veneers - in addition to choosing a highly qualified cosmetic dentist. Our award-winning doctors at Cosmetic Dentistry Institute perform a variety of procedures in preparing the teeth for veneers so patients in the Troy, MI area achieve optimal results. Veneers are an outstanding solution for treating a variety of cosmetic imperfections, such as stained, disproportionate, and slightly misaligned teeth. The entire placement process can generally be completed in about two to three appointments.
The Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, the doctor will perform an examination to determine if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers. The best candidates include patients with healthy teeth and gums (no signs of tooth decay or gum disease) that have realistic expectations for what veneers can accomplish. Porcelain veneers are designed to conceal a variety of concerns, such as
- Tooth staining and discoloration
- Crooked or asymmetrical teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Mildly gapped or misaligned teeth
- Teeth with worn edges
If you qualify for this procedure, the doctor can immediately proceed with preparing your teeth, or schedule a follow-up appointment that better fits with your schedule.
Tooth Preparation
As stated above, the preparation is the most important part of the process. Although porcelain veneers are thin, to ensure a seamless and long-lasting fit, the doctor must remove a small amount of enamel (about 1mm). Because of this, veneers are considered an irreversible treatment. For patients who struggle with any type of dental sensitivity, a local anesthetic can be used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. We also provide sedation dentistry for patients with dental anxiety.
Once the teeth have been adequately prepared, impressions will be made of the teeth so a model of the mouth can be created. This is what the lab technicians will use to fabricate the customized veneers. The doctor will also use a shade guide to choose a color of porcelain that closely resembles the natural shade of your teeth. Patients who wish to go lighter in shade often undergo teeth whitening first. After the impressions have been taken, the doctor will place temporary veneers over your teeth while you wait for your veneers to be made.
Placing the Veneers
In about two weeks, you will return for a follow-up appointment where the doctor will place your veneers. Each veneer is fashioned to match the shade and size of your tooth to deliver realistic results. After removing the temporary veneers, the newly designed veneers will be placed over your teeth to ensure they fit properly. If no adjustments are required, the teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried, and each veneer will be permanently bonded in place. Once secured, your teeth will be polished to reveal a beautiful smile.
Schedule Your Consultation
Porcelain veneers provide patients with cosmetic concerns an opportunity to dramatically transform their smiles. To learn more about porcelain veneers and the benefits they provide, visit our practice for a personalized consultation with one of our highly trained cosmetic dentists. Please contact our office online or give us a call at (248) 519-1919.
