If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile, dental veneers are a great option to consider. Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, is a highly experienced dentist who specializes in veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin shell that is placed on the front surface of a tooth to enhance the appearance of your smile. It is a great option for patients with various dental issues such as chipped, misaligned, worn down, uneven, gapped, stained, or abnormally-shaped teeth. Unlike full-coverage dental crowns, dental veneers only require a minimal removal of healthy enamel. 24th Street Dental Biltmore dentist, Dr. Donnelly, only needs to remove a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to apply the veneer.
Preparation for Veneer Procedure
Dr. Donnelly specializes in several different types of veneers, each one with its own unique procedure. However, each procedure usually follows the same basic steps. The most popular procedure involves the placement of porcelain veneers.
During the planning of your treatment, we will begin by taking an initial impression of your teeth and gums. This impression is then used to create a model of your teeth, which is used to design your desired smile. This process, known as waxing, involves creating a replica of your teeth that allows you to preview and propose any potential changes before proceeding with the procedure.
The Veneer Procedure
After devising a suitable treatment plan, we can proceed with scheduling your procedure. With the expertise of Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, your surgery will be conducted safely, efficiently, and yield effective results.
In your initial appointment, Dr. Donnelly will gently polish the front surfaces of your teeth. In most cases, except for Lumineers®, a small amount of enamel will be reshaped to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Approximately ½ a millimeter of your teeth will be removed. Before starting, we may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area, especially if you have sensitivity. Afterward, we will create an impression of your newly contoured teeth.
In the weeks after your procedure, we may request that you schedule a follow-up appointment. This is to ensure that your new veneers fit properly and that your gums are responding well to your new teeth.
Once we receive the impression, it will be sent to our dental laboratory, where a 3D model of your teeth will be created. This model will serve as a blueprint for fabricating your final veneers. The entire process typically takes about two to four weeks, depending on the materials used.
After your final veneers are prepared, we can schedule the next step of the procedure. During this appointment, Dr. Donnelly will remove any temporary veneers and check the fit of your new ones. If necessary, minor adjustments will be made to ensure a perfect fit. Once we are satisfied with the fit, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and treated to create a stronger bonding surface.
Then, 24th Street Dental Biltmore dentist, Dr. Donnelly, will apply a special dental cement to each veneer and carefully place them over your teeth. An ultraviolet curing light will be used to activate the cement and speed up the bonding process.
Book Appointment
Making your initial appointment with 24th Street Dental Biltmore in Phoenix is your first step towards a healthier smile.
