02 Aug What’s the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneers are one of the very best ways to improve the appearance of your teeth. This cosmetic dentistry procedure consists of a specialist placing a thin prosthetic over the top of your tooth. The prosthetic, usually made of porcelain or resin composite, looks and feels exactly like a tooth and covers any aesthetic issues with your existing tooth. If you are interested in getting a dental veneer, it is important to understand the entire placement process. At University Dental in San Diego, we specialize in dental veneers, and below we detail each step of the procedure for getting a dental veneer. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a dental veneer consultation, contact us today by calling (619) 582-4224.
How much do veneers cost in San Diego?
Step 1: Dental Veneer Consultation
The first step in getting a dental veneer is visiting with a cosmetic dental expert for a consultation. During the consultation, you will need to actively communicate with your dentist exactly what you want veneers to fix, pointing out all aesthetic issues you want the dental veneers to address. After explaining why you want dental veneers, the cosmetic dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to make sure that dental veneers are the best treatment option. As an additional step, your dentist might also take X-rays or make impressions of your teeth, but this is not always necessary. Finally, your dentist will explain each and every step of the procedure, making sure you understand exactly what getting a dental veneer entails.
Step 2: Preparing the Tooth for a Veneer
Once a veneer plan is made, the dentist will need to prepare your tooth for a veneer. In order to do so, a small amount of your tooth enamel needs to be removed. The enamel is the outer coating on the tooth’s surface, and the amount removed will be equal in size to the veneer that will ultimately replace it. During the enamel trimming, your dentist may use local anesthetic if deemed necessary.
Next, your dentist will need to make a model of your teeth so that a dental veneer can be made. The model will be sent to a laboratory that will then begin constructing your new veneer. In general, it will take the laboratory somewhere between two and four weeks to complete the veneer and to send it to your dentist.
Step 3: Bonding the Veneer
Once the newly fashioned veneer is sent to the dentist, it is time to bond the veneer. Prior to bonding, the dentist will make sure the veneer properly fits your tooth. If needed, the veneer may be slightly trimmed or modified to better suit your teeth. Once the fit is verified, the dentist will clean and polished the tooth to prepare it for the veneer. Then a special cement is applied to the veneer, and the veneer is carefully placed on to your tooth. Once placed, the dentist will activate the chemicals in the cement by shining it with a special light. This will cause the cement to quickly harden and strengthen the bonding. Finally, any excess cement is cleaned off of the tooth and veneer, and the veneer will be examined to ensure it is properly placed. Some dentists may request a follow-up appointment a few weeks later, but regardless you now have a perfect and shining new tooth!
San Diego Dental Veneer Experts at University Dental
Now that you know all of the necessary steps to place a veneer, it is time to schedule a dental veneer consultation to get started. University Dental has a reputation as the best cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, providing satisfied patients with beautiful new dental veneers each and every day. If you are interested in fixing the appearance of your teeth, dental veneers may be the best treatment option. If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule a dental veneer consultation, contact us today by calling (619) 582-4224.