Getting Porcelain Veneers: The Process From Consultation to Final Fit

If you are thinking about veneers, there is probably one thing you keep noticing: a chipped front tooth you have learned to hide, a stain that whitening never touched, a gap that shows up in every photo. Porcelain veneers can fix all of those. They are also a decision you live with for years, so it is worth knowing what the process really involves before the first appointment.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are often used for teeth that are stained in ways whitening cannot fix, chipped or worn, slightly uneven, or have small gaps. They are custom-made for each tooth, and the shade and shape are planned with you.

Step 1: The Consultation and Exam

Everything starts with an exam of your teeth and gums. Veneers need healthy gums and enough sound tooth structure to bond to, so cavities and gum problems are treated first. We also look at your bite, because heavy grinding can chip porcelain. Bring photos of smiles you like; they help us understand what you want to change.

This is also when we discuss whether a smaller change would get you there. Sometimes whitening or bonding is enough, as our guide to whitening, bonding, or veneers explains.

Step 2: Planning Your Smile

Photos, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to plan the length, width, and shape of each veneer so the result fits your face and your bite. If you plan to whiten your other teeth, it is best to do that first, because porcelain does not change color and is matched to the shade around it.

Step 3: Preparing the Teeth

To make room for the porcelain, a thin layer of enamel is usually removed from the front of each tooth, with local anesthesia. Because enamel does not grow back, this step is permanent: the tooth will always need a veneer or another covering afterwards. Impressions or scans are then taken for the dental laboratory.

Step 4: Temporaries

While the laboratory makes your veneers, you may wear temporary veneers. They let you try the shape and length, and they protect the prepared teeth. They are not as strong as the final porcelain, so avoid biting hard foods with them.

Step 5: Bonding Day

At the final visit, each veneer is checked for fit and color before it is bonded. The teeth are cleaned and prepared, the veneers are bonded in place with a special resin, excess material is removed, and your bite is checked and adjusted.

Caring for Veneers

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily; the teeth under veneers can still get cavities at the edges.
• Keep your regular cleanings and check-ups.
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite very hard objects.
• If you grind at night, a night guard protects the porcelain.

Veneers often last many years, but they are not permanent. Read more in how long do veneers last.

Start With a Cosmetic Consultation

Because our practice is led by a periodontist, Dr. Bijan Afar, we look closely at the gums framing your front teeth; a beautiful veneer next to an uneven or receding gumline never looks quite right. At the first consultation we talk through what you would like to change and examine your teeth and gums; whether to go ahead is your decision afterwards. See how we approach porcelain veneers, then book a consultation or call (310) 731-6119.

Veneers are not right for every mouth; your exam decides.