The Veneers Process, Explained: From Consultation to Your New Smile

Your smile is one of the first things that others notice about you, so it’s no wonder many people feel self-conscious about their teeth. The rise of social media and video streaming has exacerbated the issue, with a recent study finding that up to 34% of Americans go out of their way to hide their smile when taking pictures.

Although teeth whitening can help in certain situations, many people opt for dental veneers to address cosmetic issues, such as tooth discoloration, chips, and gaps between teeth. 

At his practice in Butte, Montana, cosmetic dentist Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, specializes in veneers. Discover what the process entails, from the initial consultation to the placement procedure.

Your step-by-step guide to getting veneers

Getting veneers typically takes between two and four weeks. Here’s what to expect along the way:

Step 1: The initial consultation

Before recommending veneers, Dr. Wilcox reviews your dental records, inquires about your goals, and conducts a comprehensive oral examination. During the exam, he takes X-rays and a series of photos, which are used to help preview your results.

If he identifies any dental issues, like cavities or gum disease, during the exam, he develops a custom treatment plan to address them first. That’s because your teeth and gums need to be fully healthy to move forward with treatment.

Step 2: Preparing your teeth

It’s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth before you receive veneers. This process ensures the bond is strong and that your veneers look natural. 

Dr. Wilcox administers a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and then uses special tools to remove a thin layer of enamel, about a millimeter thick (roughly the width of a fingernail), from each tooth receiving a veneer. Then, he takes a series of impressions or digital scans that are sent to a dental lab. These impressions or scans serve as a blueprint for your veneers.

Once that’s finished, he applies temporary veneers to protect your teeth while the lab finishes your custom ones.

Step 3: Crafting your custom veneers

Technicians at the dental lab use your impressions or scans to craft veneers that match your teeth’s shape, size, and color. The veneers are made from porcelain, ceramic, or resin, depending on your goals and budget. Regardless of the material you choose, veneers are made to look natural and blend in with your smile.

Step 4: Bonding veneers to your teeth

Once the lab finishes your veneers, you return to Dr. Wilcox’s office for the second time. He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, applies dental cement to your teeth, and then carefully places veneers on each of the treated teeth. Lastly, he uses a curing light to harden the cement, securing the veneers in position.

Dr. Wilcox then polishes your teeth and provides care instructions. With proper maintenance, dental veneers can last 10 to 15 years and sometimes even longer.

Request your veneers consultation today

If you have cosmetic concerns, such as discolored, chipped, or cracked front teeth, veneers can cover them and transform your smile. To see if you’re a candidate, contact us. Call the office of Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, PC, today and request an appointment.