Cosmetic Dentistry · 8 min read
The Veneers Procedure: What Actually Happens at Each Appointment
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Image: David Kemp · BY-SA 2.0 · Source
Getting veneers typically involves two to three distinct visits, each with a specific purpose. Here's exactly what happens at each one.
How Many Appointments Does the Veneer Process Typically Take?
This commonly involves two to three visits: an initial consultation and planning appointment, a preparation and impression appointment, and a final placement appointment, though some practices combine or streamline certain steps depending on their specific approach and technology.
What Happens During the Consultation Appointment?
Your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your specific goals, may take photographs, and in some practices, uses digital smile design technology discussed elsewhere to preview your potential results, developing a treatment plan together with you.
What Happens During the Preparation Appointment?
Your dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of each tooth being treated, an important, generally irreversible step allowing the veneer material to fit properly without appearing bulky, then takes an impression or digital scan of your prepared teeth.
Is Preparation Painful?
Local anesthesia is typically used during this appointment, meaning the process itself shouldn't be painful, and it's a well-tolerated part of the overall treatment.
What Happens Between the Preparation and Final Appointments?
Your specific impression or scan is sent to a dental lab, where your custom veneers are fabricated, a process typically taking a couple of weeks, during which you wear temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your appearance.
What Happens During the Final Placement Appointment?
Your dentist removes the temporary veneers, tries in the final, permanent veneers to check fit, shape, and color, makes any needed minor adjustments, and then permanently bonds them into place using a specific dental cement.
Does the Final Placement Involve Any Discomfort?
This is generally a comfortable, well-tolerated appointment, sometimes not even requiring anesthesia, since it primarily involves careful placement and bonding rather than significant tooth preparation.
Can You See What Your Veneers Will Look Like Before the Final Placement?
Yes, the try-in step during your final appointment allows you to see and provide feedback on the actual veneers before they're permanently bonded, giving you a genuine opportunity to request adjustments if something doesn't look quite right.
How Long Does Each Individual Appointment Typically Take?
The consultation is often a shorter visit, the preparation appointment can take a couple of hours given the number of teeth involved, and the final placement appointment is generally similar in length, though this varies by how many teeth are being treated.
Do You Need Any Special Care Between the Preparation and Final Appointments?
Yes, being mindful of your temporary veneers, avoiding very hard or sticky foods that could dislodge them, and following any specific care instructions your dentist provides during this interim period helps protect your prepared teeth.
Is the Veneer Procedure Different for a Single Tooth Versus a Full Smile Makeover?
The general process and appointment structure is similar, though a full smile makeover involving many teeth naturally takes more time at each appointment and requires more extensive planning and shade coordination across all the treated teeth.