Improving one’s smile is a desire shared by many, and dental veneers are an increasingly popular option to achieve this goal. But what exactly is the process of applying dental veneers? In this article, we will examine the dental veneers procedure step by step.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Before delving into the process, it’s important to understand what dental veneers are. Veneers are thin layers of material, typically porcelain or composite resin, applied to the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance.
Step by Step Procedure of Dental Veneers
1. Initial Consultation
The first step is always a consultation with your dentist, during which you discuss your aesthetic goals and determine if dental veneers are the right solution for you.
2. Aesthetic Preview
After an initial evaluation of your teeth, gathering clinical data, photographs, and videos, the dentist specialized in dental veneers designs the case on the computer. Then, a so-called preview of the final result is performed directly in the patient’s mouth. If everyone is satisfied, we move on to the tooth preparation phase.
3. Tooth Preparation
If you decide to proceed, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the application of the veneers. Sometimes and always depending on the case, this involves a very minimal removal of a quantity of dental enamel from the front surface of the tooth, equal to 2-3 tenths of a millimeter.
Many times, however, the tooth is already worn down or reduced, and no enamel removal is necessary.
4. Teeth Impression
Once the teeth are ready, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth, which can be done digitally, with a scanner, or analogically with classic dental impression pastes. The impressions, whichever method is used, will be used by the dental technician specialized in veneers to create your custom-made veneers. There are different ways of making ceramic veneers: by hand layering, the most aesthetic; produced with equipment capable of milling a block of ceramic to make it into the required shape and thickness, and finally a mix of the two techniques.
5. Temporary Veneers Trial
While waiting for the final veneers to be ready, the dentist may apply temporary veneers with still very aesthetic characteristics.
6. Application of the Final Veneers
Once the final ceramic veneers are ready, the dentist will place them on your teeth to check that the fit and color are correct. If everything meets the requirements of precision and aesthetics, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth.
7. Post-Operative Check
After the application of the veneers, a check-up visit is necessary to ensure that everything is in place and that the gums are reacting well to the treatment. Additionally, the patient is provided with a thin transparent plastic mask to wear at night to protect the ceramics from any uncontrolled traumatic movements that may occur during sleep.
Final Considerations
Before proceeding with the treatment, it is essential to thoroughly discuss your expectations with your dentist and fully understand the process and implications.
Choosing an experienced and qualified dentist is crucial to ensure you get the smile you desire.
Book a consultation with Dr. Frabboni, an expert in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, by contacting our office in Bologna at 344-3433540 and in Faenza at 388-0576093.
