The Dental Veneer Process in San Diego, CA

Achieving Your Dream Smile in Just Two Appointments

Are you wondering whether or not porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic dental treatment for you? Understanding the porcelain veneer process can help you make an informed decision about whether this cosmetic dentistry option is right for you. 

Explore our comprehensive guide with our San Diego, CA cosmetic dentist, Dr. Purps, to get a better understanding of how porcelain veneers are applied and what it entails. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call our office today at (858) 732-3155.

The Steps to Getting Dental Veneers

Initial Consultation

The first step in receiving traditional porcelain veneers over natural teeth is an initial consultation with our San Diego, CA dentist. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals for your smile and determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you. Dr. Purps will examine your teeth and take digital dental X-rays to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough for the procedure.

Preparation

Once you and our San Diego, CA dentist have decided that veneers are the best option for you, the next step is preparation. They’ll remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth to make room for the custom porcelain veneers. This is typically done using a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth to create veneers that fit perfectly.

Impressions and Temporary Dental Veneers

After the preparation, they’ll take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab where your veneers will be fabricated. In the meantime, your San Diego, CA dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them and to give you an idea of what your final result will look like. Temporary veneers aren’t as durable as permanent veneers, so make sure to be careful with them.

With no prep veneers, this step is unnecessary.

Bonding and Veneer Placement

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return to our San Diego office for the bonding process. Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and clean your teeth. They’ll place the composite resin veneers, or the veneer of your choice, on your teeth using dental cement, and check the fit and color, ensuring they look exactly how you envisioned. Adjustments can be made at this stage if necessary. 

Once the permanent veneers are in place, your dentist will use a special light to harden the bonding material, which secures the final veneers in place. You’ll leave the office with a brand-new, beautiful smile.

Follow-up Appointments

After the bonding process, our dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your veneers and ensure they’re properly bonded and functioning. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure the longevity of your porcelain veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the porcelain veneer process take? 

The timeline for the porcelain dental veneer procedure process can vary depending on the individual case. Generally, it involves two or three dental visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take impressions, and prepare your teeth for veneer placement. The second visit involves bonding your custom porcelain veneers to your teeth.

Are porcelain veneers permanent? 

Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic dentistry treatment. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth to ensure a proper fit and bonding of the veneers. As a result, the process is irreversible. However, dental veneers can last for many years with care, but they may eventually need replacement due to normal wear and tear.

Are porcelain veneers glued on?

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the natural tooth using a composite bonding material (you can think of it as a strong, 100% non-toxic glue). It sets in just a few seconds and is incredibly strong and long-lasting. 

Can you go back to normal teeth after getting veneers?

You can’t go back to your normal teeth after receiving veneers. However, veneers can be removed and replaced with new veneers to improve your smile appearance. 

Achieve the Perfect Smile!

Porcelain veneers are a great option for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last many years and provide you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile. 

Call our San Diego, CA, dental practice at (858) 732-3155 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients in Chula Vista, Mission Heights, and Lincoln Hills. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile for years to come.