Phases of the Porcelain Veneers Procedure
When it comes to solutions for cosmetic or aesthetic dental problems, one of the most versatile and effective treatments to consider is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are able to address problems with stained teeth, slightly misaligned teeth, chipped teeth, and slightly cracked teeth. Our Harrisburg cosmetic dentist uses porcelain veneers in order to achieve solid and subtle results. Indeed, one of the best things about porcelain veneers is how subtle they can be. When in place, many people will not even realize it.
Of course, getting porcelain veneers is a process and they cannot just be snapped in place without some amount of preparation. Below we’d like to cover the basic phases of the porcelain veneers procedure, which may give you an idea of what to expect if you are considering porcelain dental veneers.
Phase One - The Consultation
The first step is to find out if porcelain veneers are the right option for you and your needs. While porcelain veneers are quite versatile, they are not right for all dental problems. Some stains can be addressed with teeth whitening rather than porcelain veneers, for instance. For very minor chips and cracks, perhaps tooth bonding will be better than dental veneers; for major cracks, dental crowns would be better. If there is more severe tooth misalignment, orthodontic treatment would be more appropriate than porcelain veneers.
Phase Two - Preparing the Tooth for Porcelain Veneer
If Harrisburg porcelain veneers are the right option for you, then comes the second phase of treatment. During this second visit to the office, your tooth will be prepared for the porcelain veneer. This means that the tooth will be cleaned and then a very thin layer of enamel will be removed from the tooth, approximately one-half of a millimeter. This is necessary since the porcelain veneer is a thin layer of dental ceramic and to look naturally, it should not protrude out further than a natural tooth would. A temporary veneer will be placed until the next visit while the permanent veneer is crafted.
Phase Three - Placing the Porcelain Veneers
In the final phase of the porcelain veneer procedure, the temporary porcelain veneer will be removed and then replaced with the permanent porcelain veneer. Color matching and the final adhesion will occur at this point, completing the porcelain veneers process.
To find out if porcelain veneers or another dental treatment option is right for you, contact our Harrisburg cosmetic dentistry office today.