Porcelain Veneers Procedure: What to Expect
Cosmetic blemishes compromise the appearance of the teeth and can leave many people feeling reluctant to share their smile. There are numerous cosmetic dentistry treatments that address isolated aesthetic concerns, but porcelain veneers transform the entire smile by concealing a wide range of flaws.
Individuals in the Edmonton, AB, area who are considering porcelain veneers to enhance their smile are likely to have questions about treatment. Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky provides patients with an overview of the porcelain veneers procedure, so that they know what to expect from the start to the end of treatment.
Porcelain Veneers Consultation
Prior to beginning porcelain veneers treatment, Dr. Podilsky must determine if the patient is an ideal candidate for the procedure. To begin, Dr. Podilisky performs a thorough dental examination that includes taking photographs, scans, and x-rays of the teeth. We discuss the patient’s dental history and ask questions about their primary cosmetic concerns. It is important to understand the patient’s dental needs and goals, so that we can ascertain if porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment option.
If the patient is an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, we create a plan for what the veneers will look like. We customize veneers by their size, shape, and color so that they will complement the patient’s facial features and blend in seamlessly with any untreated teeth. The design specifications are sent to a dental lab for fabrication.
Dental Preparation
Before porcelain veneers can be placed, the teeth must be prepared for treatment. To accommodate the veneers, Dr. Podilsky removes a thin layer of enamel from the facial surface of the teeth. Although the amount of enamel that is removed is minimal, it compromises the strength of the teeth, so they will always need to be protected by veneers or another dental restoration. Once the teeth have been prepped, impressions are taken and temporary veneers are placed.
Check-up Appointment
After our Edmonton patients have worn their temporary veneers for a couple of days, they return for a checkup. At this appointment we ask the patient how the veneers fit and whether they have any concerns about the appearance of the veneers. Based on patient feedback, we make necessary adjustments to plans for the patient’s permanent restorations.
Veneers Placement
The patient’s permanent veneers should be ready for placement about a week after their check-up. Veneers placement is a short and pain-free procedure. First, the patient’s temporary veneers are removed. Next, Dr. Podilsky lightly etches the surface of the teeth. This will help the bonding process so that the veneers fit securely. Finally, a dental cement is applied to the teeth and the veneers are put in place. A special dental light is used to harden the cement and complete the bonding process. After the veneers are bonded in place, our Edmonton patients leave our office with a renewed smile.
Contact Our Dental Practice
Porcelain veneers conceal a comprehensive range of cosmetic flaws to give patients a brighter and more attractive smile. If you are interested in finding out if porcelain veneers are right for you, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky. To get started, send us a message online, or call our dental practice at (780) 428-6846.
