Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells used in dental restoration. Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth, and they’re attached to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers treat cosmetic problems, including broken, chipped, misshapen, or discolored teeth. Most veneers are made from composite resin or porcelain and are bonded to your teeth.
How are Veneers Applied to Your Teeth?
Before your veneers are applied, you’ll visit your dentist to learn more about the different types of veneers. Your dentist will also ensure you know how many veneers are being applied. If your teeth are misaligned, you might need braces before your dentist can apply the veneers.
After a set of X-rays, your dentist will evaluate the state of your teeth. If your dentist notices gum disease or tooth decay or they realize they’ll need to perform a root canal, you may not be able to have veneers placed.
To ensure your veneers are sized correctly, your dentist takes about half a millimeter off your teeth. They use a unique grinding tool to remove the enamel before taking an impression of your teeth. Once the impression is made, your dentist sends them to a lab to create the veneers. Now that you’ve completed the preemptive steps and your veneers arrive at your dentist’s office, it’s time to have them applied to your teeth:
- Step One: Once your dentist receives your veneers, they schedule an appointment to place them. This appointment evaluates the shape, fit, and coloration to ensure they’re made correctly.
- Step Two: Your dentist cleans your teeth to keep bacteria from getting trapped beneath the veneer and causing tooth decay. Because the veneers are bonded to the teeth, tooth decay can cause them to fall off.
- Step Three: Once the teeth are cleaned, the grinding tool “scores” the tooth’s surface. The rough surface created through grinding makes it easier for the veneer to adhere to the tooth.
- Step Four: After cleaning and scoring the tooth, your dentist uses dental cement to attach the veneer. Once the veneer is in place, a UV light is used to harden the cement so that it doesn’t fall off before you leave the office.
When you return to your dentist to place your veneers, the appointment only lasts about two hours. But if your dentist places multiple veneers, your appointment might be longer. The appointment can also last longer if you need a local anesthetic to place your veneers.
Schedule an Appointment to Place Your Veneers
Now that you know what you expect when veneers are placed, it’s time to schedule an appointment. At 3D Dentistry, a team of dentists can perform this procedure for you. Our dentists are well-trained and compassionate. Once your teeth are evaluated and prepared, your veneers take about two weeks to be delivered. But as soon as they are, you’ll be called. We can even text or email you if you prefer to avoid being contacted by phone. Call us today at or visit us online to schedule an initial veneer appointment.
