During your initial consultation, the cosmetic dentist will carefully examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and take x-rays of your teeth. If you have healthy teeth and gums, the dentist will curate your individualized treatment plan.
The cosmetic dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth, ensuring optimal comfort. They’ll shave a few millimeters of the enamel from your teeth — this is done to make space for the dental veneers. Without shaving the enamel, the porcelain veneers will look bulky and unnatural. After your teeth are prepared, the dentist will take measurements and impressions of your teeth. The impressions will be sent to a laboratory to prepare the finalized veneers according to your unique goals and needs.
While the dental veneers are being prepared, you’ll have to wear temporary veneers for 2 to 4 weeks. Once the veneers are prepared, the dentist will ask you to return for another session. Your teeth will be cleansed, polished, and etched, roughing up the surface to accept the porcelain veneers. The dentist will use dental cement to bond the permanent veneers to your teeth, and the cement will be hardened using a special light. Once the porcelain veneers are bonded, the dentist will make final adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and alignment. You can then resume all your daily activities with a perfect smile.