Our cosmetic dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI, may recommend porcelain veneers if you wish to improve the appearance of your front teeth. Unlike crowns, dental veneers are perfect for restoring teeth in the “smile zone” that have small chips, cracks, gaps, or other imperfections. Porcelain veneers can also help you feel more confident so you’re ready to show off your smile to the world.
Here’s what you can expect during the veneers procedure.
Initial Consultation
First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI. During your appointment, Dr. Elias will examine your teeth, gums, and any recent X-rays. With this information, he’ll be able to create a custom treatment plan that’s tailored to your oral health needs.
For minor cosmetic damage, the veneers procedure can be the ideal choice. For damage that threatens the structural integrity of the tooth, a dental crown may be more appropriate. Ultimately, you won’t know if you’re a until you schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist to explore your options.
Related: An Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry →
Teeth Preparation
Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that cover the fronts of your teeth. As such, Dr. Elias will need to remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure there’s adequate space for the veneers.
Depending on your level of tooth sensitivity, you may require local anesthetic before we prepare the teeth to receive the veneers. Dr. Elias and his staff will do everything in their power to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the .
Next, we’ll take dental impressions to send to the lab that will be making your veneers. We’ll also place temporary veneers over your teeth to protect them until your permanent veneers arrive from the lab.
Final Veneers Placement
When you return to our office for your second appointment, your permanent dental veneers will be ready for placement. Dr. Elias will remove your temporary veneers and position the permanent ones over your teeth to ensure they’re the proper size, shape, and shade. He may also make slight alterations to the fit of your veneers to ensure they look and feel natural.
Once your permanent veneers are perfect, Dr. Elias will remove them and start to prepare the fronts of your teeth for bonding. This step involves cleaning, polishing, and etching the fronts of your teeth so they’ll create a strong connection with your porcelain dental veneers. Next, Dr. Elias will bond your veneers in place, remove any excess dental cement, and check your bite.
After getting porcelain veneers, you’ll be able to smile with confidence again. In general, dental veneers can last up to 10 years as long as you continue to practice good oral hygiene and see our dentist for your routine teeth cleanings.
Request an Appointment with Us
Dr. Richard Elias III is an experienced cosmetic dentist in East Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to determine if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (616) 458-2048. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
