3 Steps in a Dental Veneer Procedure

No matter what your smile looks like, it's likely that you've at least thought about ways you could improve it. One option becoming mor e popular is getting dental veneers in San Antonio. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells used to completely or partially conceal existing teeth and fix slightly crooked smiles that don't shine like they used to. The great thing about veneers is that they're designed to look and feel like natural teeth. 

For many people, the only time they think about veneers is when they're getting their teeth cleaned. With a name like "veneers," you might think they're some mysterious cosmetic procedure. But veneers are just a type of dental restoration bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance and function. 

But you may ask, "What happens during the procedure? What does the dentist do to put them in place?". To clear your uncertainties about dental veneers, this article will discuss the process of getting dental veneers.

What Happens During the Procedure? 

Step #1: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 

This process begins with a detailed examination, where your dentist takes measurements and photos. The dentist will then use a 3D imaging tool to create a virtual picture of your teeth. Your dentist will use these images to determine which veneers will work best for you. 

The dentist will also examine your bite and gums to ensure they're healthy and strong enough to support the veneers. If any of these are weak, your dentist may need to make other adjustments to your smile before the veneers are applied. 

If it's determined that veneers are a good option for you, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to be created into temporary veneers.

Step #2: Preparation 

If a temporary veneer is necessary, the dentist will begin the preparation process by removing surface enamel from the veneer area of your teeth. This way, it's not obvious to the naked eye. The dentist will then clean the teeth to remove any stains or debris. This step also eliminates any decay on the tooth's surface, which is more susceptible to damage from the procedure. 

Your dentist will then take special care to ensure the enamel is a good thickness for the veneer to stick to it. At the end of the process, the dentist will polish your teeth to ensure they have a nice shine. It is also important so the veneers will look and feel like natural teeth.

Step #3: Bonding 

Once the preparation is complete, the dentist will add a bonding agent to your teeth to ensure the dental veneer sticks perfectly to your enamel surface. This bonding agent is a strong, clear, sticky substance that will help your veneers stay in place. The dentist will then use a special tool that will heat the bonding agent to the right temperature to ensure it is thoroughly bonded to the surface of the teeth. 

Once this is done, the dentist will take another impression of your teeth and send it to the lab to create the permanent veneers. The dentist will carefully apply the veneers to your teeth once they are created. 

To make sure your veneers are fully bonded to your teeth, the dentist will make small, careful cuts in the area where the veneer will be placed. It allows them and lab technicians to be extra careful when applying and positioning the veneers. The dentist will then polish your teeth to make sure they look great.

Do You Need Dental Veneers in San Antonio?

If you are thinking about getting dental veneers, it is good to talk to the experts about this. They will take measurements, ask about your goals, and determine if you are a good candidate for this. Contact us at Leon Springs Dental Care to book your appointment.