The process of getting porcelain veneers begins with an evaluation by a dentist, who will examine your smile and take photographs, dental impressions and possibly x-rays in order to develop the treatment plan. The dentist will then use that information to design the specifications for your veneers. If the veneer is expected to be on the thicker side, your teeth may also be prepped for veneer placement by removing a thin layer of enamel from them. In this case, you may have the option to wear temporary veneers in the interim.
It typically takes a few weeks for the dental lab to craft the veneers. When they are ready, you will return to the office to have them bonded to your teeth. One of the great benefits of this cosmetic dentistry option is the drastically compressed treatment timeline in comparison to alternative treatments that might also be used to correct excess space between teeth.
The veneers can still be adjusted prior to placement if you are not satisfied with them. The shade or shape can be altered. However, they cannot be changed after they are bonded to the teeth, so it’s important to request any adjustments before then. Veneer placement may also influence the timing of other cosmetic dentistry options, such as teeth whitening, so if you are planning on multiple treatments, consult with your dentist to see when each one should take place.
You may not have to invest years in eliminating the gaps between your teeth if porcelain veneers can serve that purpose. Schedule a consultation at our office to learn if this might be a suitable treatment in your case.