Are you curious about the process of obtaining veneers or a smile makeover? Fortunately, it’s easier than one would think. Getting custom-made dental veneers only requires a couple of appointments with your dentist. Let’s look at the process in detail.
Types of dental veneers
Picking the right veneer shell can be a daunting task, but fortunately, there are several options available. Porcelain is often used as it offers long-lasting protection and durability, yet other materials, such as composite resin or enamel, may also be employed depending on your individual needs.
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most beautiful and least damaging material available for dental restorations, making them a great option to enhance your smile. Not only is porcelain aesthetically pleasing, but it also offers superior strength and longevity compared to other materials used in veneers. Their biocompatibility makes these veneers an ideal choice, as they rarely cause injury or discomfort when placed on the teeth. However, due to their permanent nature, some tooth shaving may be required before placement of the veneer.
2. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are crafted from a combination of organic and inorganic elements, including an initiator, resin, coupling agent and filler. The bonding material employed to produce composite resin veneers is similar to tooth-coloured dental fillings; however, they don’t possess the same strength as porcelain ones. Regardless, these stunning composites can give you that desired look with ease.
Composite veneers are usually more economical than porcelain counterparts and tend to match your original tooth shade well. However, they collect stains easily over time and have a maximum lifespan of 5-7 years. These permanent fixtures require some minor teeth filing before placement.
3. Lumineers
Lumineers are an innovative type of veneer made from ultra-thin porcelain laminates and require little to no preparation before being applied. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, the placement of a Lumineer requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure. These designer veneers provide instant aesthetic improvement by covering discolourations or irregularly shaped teeth with their smooth surface – providing both an enhanced appearance as well as a more natural feel.
4. Removable veneers (Temporary veneers)
Removable veneers come in two distinct forms: instant and custom-made clip-on. To apply the instant type, simply heat a malleable material to make it easy enough to apply. It is important to keep in mind that these kinds of temporary solutions are not intended as long-term or overall dental practice replacements.
Though they can provide immediate gratification with their one-of-a-kind fit that’s specific to each individual’s unique smile line, dentists always advise against them in favour of permanent options since temporary solutions lack natural beauty over time and may not last long.
The classic dental veneer procedure
The veneer process is a simple two-step journey to the smile of your dreams. During the first appointment, we prepare and create moulds for custom-made veneers; then, at the second visit, you can finally reveal that dazzling new grin! We understand that some patients may be concerned about discomfort or sensitivity during treatment – rest assured in knowing that our numbing injection will make it completely comfortable. The process for receiving veneers is not painful, but there may be some slight tooth sensitivity and discomfort in the days after your appointments. Don’t worry; this will fade away soon, leaving you with a smile that looks great.
The first appointment
During the first visit, much of the groundwork is laid. A thorough examination will be conducted to assess your individual needs and problem areas. Now let’s dive into what you can expect when getting veneers during your initial appointment!
The talk
During the dentist-patient consultation, both parties must have a thorough conversation about your medical background, dental issues and desires for the result. This is your opportunity to fully disclose any relevant illnesses or allergies you may hold, as well as notify them of any unhealthy habits (i.e. smoking) or teeth-grinding tendencies you possess. Above all else though, be honest with yourself and the doctor when speaking about what you’d like from their veneers treatment plan.
The visit
Before the procedure for obtaining veneers can commence, a dentist must evaluate your mouth, teeth, gums and dental health to make sure there are no cavities or decay present. If everything is in order, you may need to opt for teeth whitening if you wish for a brighter smile with whiter-looking veneers.
The grinding
The dentist will begin grinding the surface of your teeth, removing a thin layer of enamel—roughly 0.5mm to 0.7mm from all sides and edges. This process creates an indented space that allows the veneer to attach securely and comfortably in place – no pain necessary! Of course, if you feel more comfortable undergoing numbing beforehand, that can be done as well.
The mould
After the dentist removes the outer layer of your teeth, they will create a moulded structure that can be tailored to you specifically. The mould is then sent off to their laboratory to begin production immediately. Both you and your dentist need to discuss what colour veneers best suit you; while it should match surrounding teeth, there may be times when a lighter shade better suits your liking.
The temporary veneers
The dentist will craft temporary acrylic veneers for the patient and fit them onto their teeth, ensuring that they are protected in the interim as well as maintaining a pleasing smile. Afterwards, permanent veneers can be ready to install within 4-7 days.
Following the application of dental veneers, the patient’s appointment ends with guidance and advice from their dentist on how to care for their teeth and temporary veneers until they return for a second visit.
After your initial appointment, you are well on the way to an improved set of teeth and a stunning smile. There may be minor side effects that can easily be avoided– simply abstain from hard foods and cold or hot food items, refrain from chewing hard objects and heed any advice given by the doctor.
The second appointment
Once the veneers have been created, it’s time for you to return to your dentist. But what does the second part of this process entail? Let’s explore together and discover how easy installation can be!
The fit
To begin, the dentist will swap out your temporary veneers for permanent ones. If they fit perfectly and blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth colour and that of those surrounding it, then the process can continue.
The disinfection
To ensure that no bacteria remain and cause rotting teeth, cavities or decay, a rigorous cleansing of the area is essential. Your dentist will apply a specialised disinfectant solution made specifically for natural teeth and gums to guarantee thorough results. This step should not be overlooked as it plays an integral role in protecting your oral health.
The installation
Utilising dental cement as an adhesive, the dentist will secure the veneers to areas of removed enamel. To ensure that the bond is strong and long-lasting, a special ultraviolet light beam is used to quickly harden the cement; this guarantees that your new veneers are firmly secured in place.
Smile transformation
Now is the time to invest in your veneers and ensure good oral hygiene. Regular follow-up visits with a dentist throughout the year are essential for preserving their efficacy.
We hope this helps when wondering about the veneer process. But let’s make some other things clear in the following paragraphs.
Same-day veneers procedure
The same-day veneer procedure commences with the same preparation as classic veneers. Your dentist will review your dental situation, carefully match the veneer colour to your smile and listen to what you desire for desired outcomes. Then, a slight grinding of the surface is done to delicately remove part of the tooth enamel.
Thanks to CAD/CAM technologies (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing), quick same-day veneers are now achievable. Through this technology, a three-dimensional image of your teeth – the ones needing veneers as well as those surrounding it – is easily obtained, eliminating the need for physical moulds. Once your dentist has acquired the 3D image, they will upload it onto their computer so that you can receive instant results! Thanks to special software, your dentist will be able to design the veneers one by one, perfectly and carefully custom-made for you. For same-day veneers, a milling machine crafts dental-grade porcelain into veneers. Then, your dentist will disinfect and glue each individual piece for optimal installation. Porcelain veneers are essential for this type of procedure since no other material works with this technology; plus, it’s also the priciest option when it comes to veneer costs.
Clip-on veneers procedure
Clip-on veneers utilise the same process as traditional veneers and take two appointments. During your initial appointment, your doctor will have a discussion with you about what it is that you want to achieve, inspect the colour of your teeth, and make an impression for a mould to be sent off to create them at the lab. You won’t need to worry about having any enamel shaved since clip-on veneers are temporary and can easily be removed if necessary.
The mould has been sent to the laboratory, commencing the production of clip-on veneers. These secure yet removable appliances offer you more flexibility than permanent solutions; just slip them on or off whenever you desire. Once they’re ready, simply book an appointment with your dentist for fitting advice and instructions – no tedious installation process is required. Your dentist will also provide useful tips so that you can make sure these temporary veneers last for years to come – it’s almost as easy as putting in a nightguard.
Replacing veneers procedure
Veneers can be resilient and durable but may occasionally break or fall off after a decade or so of use. If this occurs, you must contact your dentist as quickly as possible. The tooth where the veneer was removed will require another moulding process and then fitted with a new one following the same steps that were taken when they were originally applied. To protect it between appointments, temporary veneers will also be provided in its place until it is finished.
If you have more questions, please get in contact with Sydney Dental Group on (02) 9158 6135, and our skilled, friendly dental team will be happy to answer all your questions.
References
Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
What to know about dental veneers?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers
