Dental veneers are custom-made, thin shells of material, often porcelain, that are bonded directly to the front surface of teeth. They correct cosmetic issues like discoloration, minor misalignment, or chipping, transforming the appearance of a smile. To achieve a natural result, the natural tooth structure must first be subtly prepared to create space for the veneer material. This preparation involves several distinct steps before the final veneers are placed.
Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Planning
The process begins with a thorough initial examination to determine if veneers are the correct treatment option and to ensure the underlying teeth are healthy. This initial phase includes a physical assessment and X-rays to check for hidden issues like decay or infection beneath the enamel. Any underlying dental problems, such as active gum disease or untreated cavities, must be resolved before proceeding with veneer preparation.
The dentist discusses aesthetic goals, including the desired shape, color, and overall look of the future smile. Digital photographs, scans, or physical molds of the current teeth are taken to help plan the final outcome. This planning ensures the designed veneers will complement the patient’s facial structure and bite dynamics for a comfortable and functional result.
The Enamel Reduction Process
The physical preparation of the tooth, often called tooth shaping, involves the controlled removal of a minimal amount of surface enamel. This step is necessary to prevent the final restoration from appearing thick or unnatural on the tooth surface. Without this reduction, the added thickness of the veneer would create a bulky appearance.
For traditional porcelain veneers, the amount of enamel removed typically ranges from 0.3 millimeters to 1.0 millimeter, comparable to the thickness of the veneer itself. The dentist uses specialized burs or drills to precisely reshape the front surface of the tooth. This process creates space and a slightly roughened texture that is optimal for the strong chemical bonding of the final veneer. The procedure is performed using a local anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Taking Impressions and Placing Temporary Veneers
Immediately following enamel reduction, accurate impressions of the prepared teeth are necessary for the dental laboratory to fabricate the custom veneers. These impressions may be taken using a putty-like material or advanced intraoral digital scanners, which create a 3D model of the prepared arch. The precision of this impression is important, as the final veneers are crafted based on this exact model.
This model, along with instructions for the desired shade and shape, is sent to a specialized lab where the permanent porcelain veneers are created over two to four weeks. During this waiting period, temporary veneers made of composite resin are placed over the prepared teeth. These temporary restorations protect the exposed tooth structure, maintain aesthetics, and allow the patient to test the size and shape of their new smile before the final bonding.
Managing Sensitivity and Care After Preparation
After enamel reduction, it is common to experience increased sensitivity in the prepared teeth, particularly to hot and cold temperatures. This occurs because the dentin, the layer beneath the protective enamel, is temporarily more exposed to external stimuli. The temporary veneers help insulate the teeth and reduce this sensitivity.
Patients must be careful with their temporary restorations, as they are not as durable as the final porcelain veneers and are held on with a temporary adhesive. Avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods is advised to prevent dislodging or cracking the temporary shells. Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene is important, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing to keep the gums healthy for the final bonding appointment. If a temporary veneer comes off or cracks, the patient should contact their dental office immediately for repair or replacement.