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Achieving Your Dream Smile in Just Two Appointments
Are you wondering whether or not porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic dental treatment for you? Understanding the porcelain veneer process can help you make an informed decision about whether this cosmetic dentistry option is right for you.
Explore our comprehensive guide with our North East, PA, cosmetic dentist to get a better understanding of how porcelain veneers are applied and what it entails. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call our dental office today at (814) 725-4700.
The Steps to Getting Porcelain Veneers
Initial Consultation
The first step in receiving traditional porcelain veneers is an initial consultation with our North East dentist. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your dental concerns and your goals for your smile and determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you. Dr. Dina Nuhfer will examine your natural teeth and take digital dental X-rays to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough for the porcelain veneer procedure.
Tooth Preparation
Once you and our North East dentist have decided that veneers are the best option for you, the next step is tooth preparation. A thin layer of tooth enamel is removed from the surface of your natural teeth to make room for the custom porcelain veneers. This ensures a proper fit and a natural look. The enamel removal procedure is typically done using a local anesthetic for your comfort.
Impressions and Temporary Veneers
After the preparation, they’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory to fabricate your custom dental veneers. In the meantime, your North East dentist will place temporary dental veneers on your teeth to protect them and give you a preview of your final results. Since temporary veneers are less durable, it’s important to be cautious with them, especially when eating hot and cold foods.
Bonding and Veneer Placement
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return to North East Dental Arts for the bonding process. Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers, clean the tooth surface, and apply an acidic gel to prepare your teeth for bonding.
The porcelain veneers are then placed on your teeth, and adjustments are made if necessary. Your dentist will use a special light to harden the bonding material, securing your new veneers in place. You’ll leave the office with a brand-new, beautiful smile.
Follow-up Appointments
After your veneers are applied, our dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the veneers are functioning properly and that no tooth sensitivity has developed. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene will help ensure the longevity of your veneers.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
If you don’t qualify for traditional porcelain veneers, there are alternatives to choose from:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the porcelain veneer process take?
The timeline for the porcelain veneer procedure can vary, but it typically requires two or three visits to the dentist. The first visit involves a dental exam, X-rays, and tooth preparation, while the second visit is for placing the final veneers.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Yes, porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic procedure because they involve the removal of some tooth enamel. While veneers are designed to last for many years, they may need to be replaced over time due to normal wear and tear.
Are porcelain veneers glued on?
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the natural tooth using a composite bonding material (you can think of it as a strong, 100 percent non-toxic glue). It sets in just a few seconds and is incredibly strong and long-lasting.
Can you go back to normal teeth after getting veneers?
You can’t go back to your normal teeth after receiving veneers. However, veneers can be removed and replaced with new veneers to improve your smile appearance.
Achieve the Perfect Smile!
Porcelain veneers are a great option for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last for many years and provide you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
If you’re interested in our cosmetic dentistry treatments like porcelain veneers or teeth whitening, consult with our North East cosmetic dentist today by calling (814) 725-4700! We welcome patients from Erie, Ripley, and Findley Lake, PA.