The Veneer Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Dream Smile

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin which your dentist applies to the front surface of your tooth to improve its appearance. At Northtowne Dental, veneers are custom-made for each patient and are made to match the color of your natural teeth.

Porcelain is a durable, stain-resistant material, but some patients choose composite resin for their more natural-looking tooth color. Composite resin is also more affordable, though it will not last as long and requires replacement more frequently than porcelain veneers.

Why Might I Need Dental Veneers?

While tooth enamel is challenging, it can still wear down over time from chewing and biting. Our dentist may recommend dental veneers to restore your teeth when this happens. A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth to improve its appearance or shape. Typically, veneers are used to change the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. They can also close gaps between teeth and make small teeth appear more prominent. In addition to providing an aesthetic benefit, dental veneers are also a protective treatment to strengthen teeth and resist future damage.

Veneers can be an effective solution for patients who want to address cosmetic imperfections in their smile. They are customized for each patient’s smile and bonded to the teeth' surface for a natural look and feel. Porcelain is a popular veneer material due to its strength and natural-looking appearance.

The Procedure for Dental Veneers

Before placing veneers, a small amount of tooth enamel is typically removed from the front surface of the teeth receiving the veneers. This is done to ensure a proper fit and to create space for the veneer. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area during this step. After tooth preparation, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will create custom-made veneers that perfectly fit your teeth and match the desired aesthetics. The impressions or digital scans of your teeth are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will craft your veneers. This process typically takes a couple of weeks. In the meantime, temporary veneers will be removed.

Once the permanent veneers are ready, you will return to the dentist for bonding. The dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to check their fit and appearance. Adjustments may be made to ensure a proper fit and aesthetic result. Before permanently bonding the veneers to your teeth, the dentist will clean, polish, and etch the tooth surface to create a strong bond. Dental adhesive is applied to the veneers, which are then carefully placed on your teeth. The dentist will use a special curing light to activate and harden the adhesive, securing the veneers in place. The dentist will assess your bite and make necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite. They will also evaluate the appearance of the veneers, checking for correct alignment, color match, and overall aesthetics.

If you’ve considered getting dental veneers to improve your smile, schedule a consultation with our dentists today to learn more about this treatment option. To learn more about our dental procedures, call dentist in Albuquerque, NM at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.