Chicago Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to cover stained, chipped, or gapped teeth. The procedure is one of the cheapest forms of cosmetic dental treatment, and it is much easier and less time-consuming than getting a crown. If you are considering getting a porcelain veneer, you are probably curious about what exactly the process will be like. The basic steps you and your dentist will follow are:

Initial Appointment

 You will be able to discuss different sizes and shapes of veneer.

• Trim tooth enamel. At your initial appointment, your dentist will also need to make room for the porcelain veneer.  He or she will have to “trim back” some of the enamel that already covers your tooth. This may sound painful, but remember that porcelain veneers are extremely thin. Your dentist will only remove about .5 ml of enamel; the procedure shouldn’t hurt at all.
• Place temporary veneer. This will protect your tooth while your permanent veneer is being prepared in a laboratory. This may take up to a week or two.
• Second Appointment
• First, your dentist will test your new porcelain veneer to make sure it fits into your mouth correctly. He or she may trim it a few times to get it just right.
• Bond veneer. Once you and your dentist are satisfied that your veneer is the correct size, shape and color, your dentist will bond it onto your tooth. This is usually preceded by a thorough tooth cleaning. The process of bonding uses a sort of tooth cement and should not hurt.

After your veneer is placed, you will probably have follow-up appointments to make sure it is staying in place and in good shape. You may need to get your veneer replaced or repaired periodically.
If you have damaged teeth and would like to learn more about repairing them, contact Chicago cosmetic dentist Dr. Bagai at (773) 767-1554.