It often takes time to get to the place where you definitively say, “Yes, I want porcelain veneers.” But after all that waiting, indecision, and budgeting, most patients are eager to get things started – and finished. So how long does it take to get porcelain veneers? That depends.
The Porcelain Veneers Process
Impatience is understandable when it comes to getting a smile makeover. You’ve finally decided to change your smile permanently and you are ready to make that shift immediately. Some patience is required when you choose to invest in porcelain veneers. The treatment itself usually requires three to four steps over two dental visits, sometimes more depending on indecision, scheduling, and comfort level. Here’s how you can expect things to go:
- Consultation: Wanting porcelain veneers is one thing, being a good candidate for them is quite another. It’s important to meet with your cosmetic dentist, get a thorough dental exam, and discuss your oral health, smile goals, and budget so an accurate determination can be made about whether veneers are the right procedure for you. Above all, your mouth must be healthy enough to provide an excellent foundation for the veneers.
- Design: This is the fun part, identifying every characteristic your porcelain veneers will have, from their color (there is more than just one shade of white) to their shape, size, length, and translucency. You may have your heart set on bright white teeth, but make sure you listen to your cosmetic dentist’s expertise. Sometimes, off-white is more flattering, and certain teeth shapes deliver the right symmetry for your smile and face shape.
- Preparation: While your impressions, digital images, and specifications for each veneer are sent off to the dental lab to be customized just for you, there will be preparation on your natural teeth. In most cases, a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed from your teeth to make room for the veneers. Though some patients may only need a light sanding and teeth cleaning to prep for this procedure. You can your dentist will discuss this step long before you arrive here to make sure you’re comfortable with what comes next.
- Application: When the dental lab returns your veneers, usually about two weeks after they receive the order, it will be time to put the porcelain shields in place. You and your dentist will test out the composition of the veneers and, if everything looks great, they will be bonded permanently to your teeth. Your smile makeover is complete and your teeth will look better and more beautiful than ever before.
Are You Ready for Porcelain Veneers?
At Smiles by the Sea, we want to help our patients achieve the smile makeover of their dreams. For many, this is porcelain veneers. If you have healthy teeth and want to makeover whatever aesthetic complaints you have about your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shevchenko to discuss porcelain veneers and all the cosmetic dentistry treatments that could work for you.