What Is The Process For Veneers?

People consider veneers for lots of different reasons especially when it comes to improving the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their smile. 

At the same time, people decide to opt for veneers to improve damaged teeth, discoloured teeth, an uneven smile, or misshapen teeth. Ultimately, one of the main reasons people get veneers is the positive impact they can have on self-esteem. 

But what is the process for veneers? If you are considering investing in this treatment, you have certainly landed in the right place. We’ve created a helpful guide outlining everything that you need to know!

The Initial consultation

The initial consultation for veneers provides the perfect opportunity for you to discuss your smile goals with your dentist and determine whether veneers are the best option for you.

At the same time, you will undergo a dental examination to determine the health of your gums and teeth. X-rays might be taken to assess your jawbone health and underlying tooth structure, and you can openly communicate your desired aesthetic outcome. Your dentist will also discuss the difference between porcelain and composite veneers.

Designing your custom veneer plan 

It’s not a case of one size fits all when it comes to veneers and your dentist will discuss your preferred colour, shape and size of your veneers. The vast majority of dentists use shade charts and models to help patients visualise the outcome of their treatment.

Once you have a clear vision of how you want your veneers to look, the dentist will use digital imaging to create a mock-up for you to approve. 

Preparing your teeth

Preparing your teeth for your new veneers involves using local anaesthesia to numb the area around the teeth being treated in order to minimise discomfort. 

Once the area is numb, your dentist will then use a specialist dental drill or laser to remove a thin layer of enamel from the surface of your teeth.  The amount of enamel which will need to be removed depends on the thickness of the veneer, as well as your own personal desired results. Remember, the enamel removal is permanent, which is why veneers should be carefully considered. 

At the same time, your dentist may also need to reshape the underlying tooth structure. Once your dentist has prepared your teeth, they will then take impressions 

using a soft putty-like material or a digital scanner, in order to capture the precise contours of your teeth. This will then be used by the dental lab to create custom-made veneers that perfectly fit your smile.

Finally, you should also be aware that you might need temporary veneers while you wait for your new veneers to be fabricated in the dental lab. These temporary veneers are designed to help protect your teeth during this period.

Creating your custom veneers

Creating your custom veneers is a highly-skilled, precise process that takes place in a dental lab. 

Here is an insight into how the process works.

Step 1.  Impression Analysis: Once the dental lab technicians receive the impressions, they will capture the exact size, shape, and contours of your teeth.

Step 2.  Specialist technology is then used to create a digital model of your teeth using the impressions, ensuring a customised fit.

Step 3.  Veneer Material Selection: You will then need to choose the material of your veneers. Most people opt for porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers. 

Step 4.  Veneer Fabrication: Using the impressions or digital model, the technicians will  then create your custom veneers. 

Step 5.  Quality Control: All fabricated veneers undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure they meet the dentist’s exact specifications.

The veneer Bonding process explained

Veneer bonding is the final stage of the veneer procedure and involves permanently bonding your custom made veneers to your teeth. Before carrying out the procedure, your dentist will thoroughly clean the surface of your teeth to remove any debris, plaque, or bacteria. 

Next, they willn etch the tooth surface with a mild acid solution to create microscopic irregularities. This process is incredibly important as it helps the bonding material adhere more securely to the tooth enamel.

The dentist will then apply a special dental cement to the inner surface of the veneer, which acts as the adhesive that will bond the veneer to your tooth. Now the veneer will be placed onto the tooth and checked for proper alignment and fit. 

Once the dentist is happy with the fit, they will complete the light curing process, which involves using a high-intensity light to cure the bonding cement and secure it to your tooth’s surface. Finally, theywill check your bite and make any necessary adjustments.

How to look after your veneers

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your veneers looking their best for as long as possible. Here are some of our top tips for looking after your veneers:

• Brush and floss regularly 
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits
• Avoid excessively hard, crunchy, or sticky foods 
• Avoid using your teeth for biting fingernails, opening bottles, or chewing on hard objects. 
• Avoid smoking

The Importance of follow-up appointments 

Ensuring that you follow up with your dentist after getting veneers is just as important as the initial procedure itself. 

Here are some of the reasons why follow up appointments are important:

• Early detection of any issues
• Gum health monitoring
• Bite adjustment
• Access to expert advice 
• Aesthetics maintenance
• Addressing any concerns or adjustments needed

What are the benefits of veneers?

There’s a whole host of benefits that come hand-in-hand with the procedure. With veneers you can: 

• Improve the aesthetic appeal of your teeth
• Enjoy functional benefits
• Enjoy optimum longevity and durability
• Reshape the appearance of your teeth
• Close gaps in teeth
• Mask stubborn stains
• Confidence booster

What are the potential risks and considerations of veneers?

As with every treatment, veneers come with a couple of considerations. Common risks asscoiated with veneers include: 

• Risk of chipping and cracking 
• Risk of pulp damage 
• Increased tooth sensitivity 
• Irreversibality 
• Potential staining
• Replacement needs in the long run

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers depend on a number of different factors including the type of veneers you opt for, the number of veneers you require, as well as the material used and lab fees.

At Beaulieu Dental, composite veneers start from £600. We are proud to offer our patients Denplan Care, which makes it easy for them to spread the cost of all their routine treatments into affordable monthly payments.

Frequently Asked Questions