How Long Does the Veneer Procedure Take?

How Long Does the Veneer Procedure Take? from Dental Studio Colleyville in Colleyville, TXFor dental patients wanting minor corrections to cosmetic issues, veneers offer a quick and easy solution by covering the fronts of teeth with a thin shell. Placing these restorations is typically done in three stages and takes around three weeks. It is relatively simple and generally does not involve intense preparation on the patient's part. Find out more about what takes place at each appointment needed for this common procedure.

3 stages of veneer placement

What takes place during each appointment varies by patient and dental practice, and it can be helpful to ask for specifics when deciding on the right time to have this procedure performed. The more knowledge a patient has prior to the procedure, the smoother it should go.

1. Consultation

During this appointment, a dental professional examines the teeth to ensure veneers are the right choice. This typically involves a general examination to check for gum disease, tooth decay, or infection. Many dentists also take X-rays and get wax impressions of the teeth. Some dental practices can use this information to produce a picture of what the teeth will look like after completing the procedure. This allows the patient and dentist to collaborate on any adjustments that need to be made and can prepare the patient for the look of the new smile.

2. Tooth preparation

The purpose of the second appointment is to prepare the teeth for veneer placement. During this appointment, the dentist often scrapes a small amount of enamel off the teeth and makes a solid impression to send to the laboratory making the veneers. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during this process and it is not invasive. Temporary veneers are then placed on the teeth to protect them until the permanent ones can be applied. In most cases, laboratories take one to two weeks to make the shells and ship them back, which is what takes up the bulk of the time this process requires.

3. Veneer placement

At the final appointment, the veneers are bonded to the teeth. During this process, the dental professional will use a bonding cement to secure the veneers, and then use tools to remove any excess cement. Most patients then require a few minor adjustments, which can be done quickly and on-site.

Because veneers can alter the shape of the teeth, it takes many patients a few weeks to adjust to the feel of the restorations. In some cases, a new chewing pattern can disrupt the bite or cause issues for the gums. It is a good idea to go back to the dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure there are no complications after the mouth has had time to get used to the treatment.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Colleyville, TX

Conclusion

A popular procedure, veneer placement for most people can be done in approximately three weeks and involves three separate trips to a dental office. This relatively simple treatment can be a lasting solution to improve the look of a smile.

Request an appointment or call Dental Studio Colleyville at 817-885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.

Recent Posts

Starting The Conversation About Veneers With Your Dentist

Veneers are artificial tooth coverings made of porcelain or resin that can improve a patient’s smile. Only fixed to the surface of the patient’s natural teeth, these dental appliances can be used to repair a majority of aesthetic issues, such as chips, stains, or cracks. Getting any dental treatment that mends problems with a smile…

How To Care For Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. To maximize their effectiveness, patients should learn how to care for them. These appliances are used to enhance the appearance of the smile by covering flaws, such as broken, discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth. With proper care, such…

How To Prevent Cavities Under Veneers

Dental veneers are common restorations that are used to change the size, shape, or color of teeth. These can be made of porcelain or resin and are most commonly used on the front teeth. When these restorations are placed, there is a margin between the tooth and the porcelain or resin material. This can leave…

Recent Posts

FAQs About Dental Implants

5 FAQs About Dental Implants

Getting dental implants is a major decision. It is an invasive procedure that places titanium rods in your jawbone. The healing time will take months, but the result will be worth the wait. Understanding the process will allow you to prepare well for your procedure. Here are some FAQs about dental implants that you can…

Alternatives To Dental Crowns

3 Alternatives To Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are often costly and require that a dentist remove a significant amount of the tooth's structure to place them. Read on to learn about dental crown alternatives. Other treatment alternatives are sometimes available that are either less expensive or significantly less invasive. Dental crowns are frequently used to restore severely damaged teeth.The following…