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Treatment Process: What it involves?

What to expect when getting veneers

Dental finance made simple by the Perfect Smile Studios

Step 1 – Comprehensive Assessment

At your first appointment, your dentist will take a look at the general health of your teeth and gums, your bite and understand your goals for your smile; and than see if any fundamental issues need addressing before cosmetic veneer work can begin. We will also discuss the type of veneers that may be suitable and also the how-many-veneers that should be considered in achieving your desired smile. On some patients it may be possible to get some veneers placed at an initial phase and than to have the possibility of additional veneers in the future.

We will first carry out a full comprehensive evaluation. This involves a dental and periodontal (gum) assessment. Also radiographs, photographs and a soft tissue evaluation will be done. We will also take a “face bow record” to mount study models so that an occlusion (bite) assessment can be done. Finally we will carry out a complete cosmetic Smile Analysis. Various other diagnostic records may be required depending each individual case.

Our digital smile design software will show you a preview of your smile makeover so you can see what the finished result will look like.

Depending on the veneers you choose, the whole process from consultation to application can often be completed in two visits over the course of a few weeks. Immediate veneers can be applied in only one visit.

Step 2- “The Trial Smile”

If necessary, the cosmetic dentist may decide to remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel prior to veneers being fitted. Some teeth may not need any preparation of the tooth, such as Lumineers or Ultrathin veneers which are bonded directly to the tooth with no drilling required.

Taking the impression. Your cosmetic dentist will use putty to take an impression of your teeth and gums. This will ensure that your veneers will fit perfectly. The veneers are hand crafted using a vast range of colours, textures, translucencies and strengths in the laboratory by a professional ceramist.

We then construct temporary restorations and spend a great deal of time and effort to create nicely shaped teeth in the desired colour. This allows you to assess the changes we want to bring about in the final veneer restorations.

Step 3 -Review & Shade Selection

This is normally 1-3 days later.

On this visit, we need your views on the:
• Colour
• Shape
• Comfort
• Accuracy of the bite
• Speech

Choosing the colour and shape.
You and your dentist will determine how many veneers you need to achieve your dream smile. The exact specifications of your veneers will be decided including shape and colour.

Any minor changes to the shape (e.g. length of teeth and the “pointedness” of your canine teeth) can be easily carried out. Once our dentists and the patient are happy, an impression of the approved temporaries and further photographs are taken. This provides excellent information for our Master Ceramist Technician to create the individual handmade porcelain restorations.

It will take about one to three weeks for the final porcelain restoration to be constructed by the ceramist. All Porcelain restorations currently are individually hand-made and consequently will always show subtle variations in shapes and sizes.

Step 4-The fit visit

Final checks. Before veneers are bonded to the teeth, final checks of fit, shape, colour etc are made and adjusted as required.

The trial smile is carefully removed, and the new restorations tried in for accuracy of fit and colour.You will able to preview how the veneers look inside your mouth on this visit.

Bonding the veneer. The veneer is bonded to the tooth and the client is ready to enjoy their new perfect smile.

Step 5-The final review visit

This is normally 1-7 days after the fitting appointment. We want to carefully check your bite and appearance, and ensure you are comfortable and happy with your new smile. Final photographs of your new smile are taken at this visit.

We sometimes advise the patient to have a bite guard made in order to protect the teeth for the long term. This should be worn at night time. The bite guard can be made from soft or hard plastic material, and you will be guided what is the most appropriate for you.