Achieving Your Dream Smile in Just Two Appointments
Are you wondering whether or not porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic dental treatment for you? Understanding the porcelain veneers procedure can help you make an informed decision about whether this cosmetic dentistry option is right for you.
Explore our comprehensive guide with Dr. Aurora Fields, our Northampton, MA, cosmetic dentist, to get a better understanding of how porcelain dental veneers are applied and what the veneers process entails. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call our Hampshire County dental practice today at (413) 387-4585.
The Steps to Getting Porcelain Veneers
Initial Consultation
The first step in receiving porcelain dental veneers is an initial consultation with our Northampton, MA, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Fields. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals for your smile and determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you. Dr. Fields will examine your teeth and take digital dental X-rays to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough for the procedure.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and our Northampton dentist have decided that veneers are the best option for you, the next step is preparation. Dr. Fields will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth to make room for the custom porcelain veneers, preserving as much of your natural enamel as possible. This part of the veneer procedure is typically done using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth to create veneers that fit perfectly.
Impressions and Temporary Veneers
After the preparation, Dr. Fields will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab where your veneers will be fabricated. In the meantime, your Northampton dentist will place temporary dental veneers on your teeth. These temporary dental veneers protect your teeth and allow you to acclimatize to the new look, providing feedback to the dentist before the final, permanent veneers are applied. This period typically lasts two to three weeks. Temporary veneers aren’t as durable as permanent veneers, so make sure to be careful with them.
Bonding and Veneer Placement
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return to Refresh Valley Dental for the bonding process. Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and clean your teeth. They’ll place the porcelain veneers on your teeth and check the fit and color, ensuring they match your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Adjustments can be made at this stage if necessary.
Once the permanent veneers are in place, your dentist will use a special light to harden the bonding material, which secures the final veneers in place. You’ll leave the office with a brand-new, beautiful smile.
Follow-up Appointments
After the bonding process, our dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your veneers and ensure that they’re properly bonded and functioning correctly. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings with your dentist to ensure the longevity of your porcelain veneers.