What is the Porcelain Veneer Procedure?
Many patients visit the dentist with the intent of improving their smile. Cosmetic dentistry is continuing to grow as more patients want to enhance the appearance of their smile.
Kingwood Porcelain veneers are often used to correct many issues, such as teeth that are misaligned, crooked, discolored, or chipped. Porcelain is an extremely thin material that can replicate the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable and can last up to 10-15 years with the proper care.
A bad smile with crooked and discolored teeth can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for improving your smile. The process for receiving porcelain veneers does not involve any pain or require numerous visits. The article below will review the procedure used for porcelain veneers.
Tooth Trimming
The first step of the process includes trimming the tooth down where the porcelain veneer will be placed. A good dentist will trim the decayed area of the tooth before working on other areas. The tooth must be trimmed to adjust the enamel layer for the correct placement of the veneer. Tooth trimming also involves the removal of old fillings. The amount of trimming required will vary for each patient; however, most trimming is around .5 to .7 millimeters.
Sedatives
A sedative isn’t always required but may be if the porcelain veneers extend below the gum line. The gum line is a sensitive area, and you may experience some pain if it isn’t first numbed.
Veneer Shade Selection
Your dentist will select the color of porcelain shade to use based on the color of your natural teeth.
Teeth Impression
Once the teeth are trimmed, and the surrounding area is clean, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and the gums and adjacent teeth. The impression creates a complete image of your jaw.
The process involves applying a thick paste onto the teeth and biting on a tray to secure the impression. Some dentists may also use a camera to obtain a picture of the teeth.
Temporary Veneer
Because it will take about a week or two in order to prepare the porcelain veneer, a temporary veneer may be applied during the waiting period.
Fit Evaluation
Once the new veneer is ready, the dentist will place it to determine the accuracy. This step is critical as the slightest miscalculation can cause big issues. As a result, the veneer may be placed in your mouth, removed and trimmed multiple times to achieve a perfect fit.
During the appointment, you will be asked to bite, close your mouth, and even move your mouth to ensure there is no discomfort once the veneer is placed. Be sure to communicate with your dentist if you experience any pain or discomfort so they can adjust the veneer right away.
Bonding the Veneer
Once the veneer is ready and in place, it is time to bond it to the tooth. The surface of the veneer and the original tooth is polished before the bonding.
An acid gel is etched onto the surface of the tooth for about 20 seconds. This process creates a textured surface that allows the veneer to form a strong bond to the original tooth. After washing the acid gel off, a bonding agent is applied to the veneer to secure the bond.
A blue light is then used on the porcelain veneer for about a minute to complete the bonding process. Once complete, the dentist will clean and floss between the teeth to make any final adjustments.
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