Even before teeth are prepped for veneer placement, the first decision is whether the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. This is determined by a thorough dental exam and evaluation of the patient's medical history. Once it's determined to move forward, a thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. Patients tend to get nervous when told about this step but the material removed is less than the width of a fingernail. It is entirely painless. No anesthesia is needed.
Because veneers cover the entire face of the tooth, any damage or decay on the surface of the tooth needs to be taken care of first. This includes having cavities filled or dental implants placed to support bridges or dentures.
Tooth Impressions
In order to ensure a proper fit for veneers, an impression is made of each tooth to be used as a model. Although this is time consuming, it is a vital part of the tooth preparation. Without it, the veneers cannot be made for a proper fit. This model of the teeth is used as the basis for the veneers which are custom designed to fit to the exact specifications of the patient's teeth so they appear as natural as possible.
Veneer Customization
This is the final step when the veneers are trimmed and placed on the patient's teeth. They can be tinted to match the color of the remaining natural teeth and trimmed to fit perfectly, matching the shape and alignment of the patient's teeth.
If you are interested in having veneers placed, or have questions concerning the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our professional team. We can detail the process and determine if you are a good candidate for veneer placement. If we find that you are not a good candidate, we also have other alternatives to offer.