Porcelain Veneers

Procedure for Getting Veneers

1. Treatment planning – During this appointment, we will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. We can take X-rays and and make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
2. Tooth Preparation – We will remove about 1/2 millimeters of enamel from the tooth surface, an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and Dr. Patel will decide if you need a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, we will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent to a dental laboratory, which makes your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to receive the veneers from the laboratory. For unattractive teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed at an additional cost.
3. Bonding -Before the dental veneer is permanently bonded to your tooth, Dr. Patel will temporarily place it on it to examine its fit and color. She will constantly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the color of cement. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for an intense bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer, and the veneer is then put on your tooth. Once correctly positioned on the tooth, Dr. Patel will use a special light beam on the dental surface, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess adhesive, evaluating your bite, and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Dr. Patel may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to examine the veneer’s placement once again.

Pros & Cons: