If you are thinking about veneers in a bid to boost your smile, then timing must be something you are also thinking about. How long does it take to do veneers? The process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks from the onset of procedures through completion. Grasping each and every step can better prepare you for the process at hand and yield the very best possible outcome with the new smile.
First Consultation and Plan of Treatment
Your veneer procedure begins with a complete consultation with Reflections Dental Care, whereby your dentist evaluates you and discusses any cosmetic issues with you. During the initial visit, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, we evaluate your teeth, take X-rays if necessary, and create a personalized plan for your procedure.
During the initial visit, we can also discuss the number of veneers that you require and determine any issues that you may have with the procedure. Many people in search of porcelain veneers in OKC rely on this detailed consultation to set the stage for the rest of the process.
Teeth Contours: Shaping Prior to Your Veneers
The second visit focuses on the teeth conditioning for the veneers. Our skilled dentists gently grind off some of the enamel (about 0.5-0.7 millimeter thick) from the front portion of each tooth that will receive a veneer. This occurs so that the veneers sit naturally, and your teeth don’t feel bulky. The local anesthetic numbs the area so you can feel relaxed, and the process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This crucial step is part of the full teeth veneers process that ensures comfort and a natural appearance.
Impression Taking: Casting the Model
Once your teeth are prepared, then specific impressions are then taken of your teeth after they are prepared. The impressions are then used in making your custom veneers. Nowadays, in a dental practice, the process can utilize the dental scan technology, which can be more accurate than the older dental impression material. The process extends the visit generally by another 15 to 30 minutes.
So, how long does the veneers process take at this stage? The impression phase is brief compared to other steps, but it’s vital for achieving a great fit.
Veneer Creation in the Lab: The Art of Crafting
Once we have your impressions at the dental lab, skilled technicians begin crafting your custom veneers. It can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of the work the lab performs and how unique your case ends up being. In the meantime, the technicians are painstaking in matching shape, shade, and translucency with your own teeth so they can provide veneers that are fully integrated with your smile.
Temporary Veneers: What You Can Expect
While preparing your permanent veneers, we will put temporaries over the prepared teeth to keep everything looking fine. The temporaries may feel a little awkward in contrast with your own teeth, and you should try and avoid hard or sticky food while you are wearing them. Most people get used to the temporaries after a day or so. This is a normal phase in the process for getting veneers and helps protect the teeth.
Bonding: Step Number Five
Your latest visit comprises having the temporary veneers taken off, and the permanent veneers bonded onto the teeth. We first preview the fit, color, and shape of each veneer and then cement the veneers onto the teeth in a permanent position. On average, the procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, and it depends on the number of veneers being added. Once bonded in place, your veneers should feel and perform like your own teeth.
Your New Smile Awaits
The process does require waiting, but the end result is well worth the wait. Generally, the patient finishes the veneer process in 3 to 4 weeks with a completely new smile that can range in staying power from 10 to 15 years with minimal maintenance. To find out if and how veneers can transform your smile, talk to Reflections Dental Care and arrange for a consultation so procedures and needs can be discussed in reference specifically with you!