Are you ready to have your dream smile? Are you considering veneers to make yours a reality? If so, we have good news: the entire treatment process can usually be completed in just two or three visits! Below, you will find a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect – from the consultation to your final appointment.
Step #1: Scheduling the Consultation
The first step toward your dream smile is scheduling a consultation. At this visit, your cosmetic dentist will get to know you and your smile goals as well as complete a comprehensive oral exam. This is crucial because veneers should not be placed over decayed teeth or when there is an active infection. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry – your dentist can provide the restorative care you need.
Step #2: Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
One of the many reasons veneers are so popular is that they are incredibly versatile; they can fix one chipped tooth, multiple gaps, or several severely stained teeth in a row. In addition to determining how many veneers you need to achieve the look you desire, your cosmetic dentist will help you select the size, shape, and shade of each one. Once all of those details are solidified, it will be time to move on to the next step.
Step #3: Prepping Your Teeth
To ensure your veneers don’t protrude unnaturally, a sliver of your enamel will be removed beforehand. Then, your cosmetic dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send those over to the lab artisans who will make your custom veneers. Since that process usually takes a few weeks, we will provide you with temporary veneers in the meantime.
Step #4: “Test Driving” Your Veneers
Temporary veneers essentially allow you to “test drive” your new smile. That said, they aren’t as durable as your permanent ones, so you’ll need to take certain precautions. One of the most noteworthy ones is sticking to extremely soft foods, like fruit smoothies, vegetable soup, and plain yogurt.
Step #5: Bonding Your Permanent Veneers in Place
Once your veneers arrive at our office from the dental lab, we will inspect them closely to ensure they are perfect. Then, we will schedule your final visit. At this appointment, we will remove your temporary veneers, bond your permanent ones in place, and make any small adjustments that are necessary. Then, we will give them a good polish, and your dream smile will be yours!
About the Dentist
Dr. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986, and he has been helping patients achieve their dream smiles ever since. He has completed countless hours of continuing education outside of the office as well. In fact, he was the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)! If you would like to schedule a consultation with him to discuss if veneers are right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.