Porcelain Veneers - Chesapeake, VA

Before veneers can be ordered and installed, the patient needs to schedule an appointment with their dentist. In most cases, it takes three appointments when a patient is getting veneers; one for the consultation; a second for the making of the veneers, and a third for the actual application.

During the visits, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth to make sure veneers is an appropriate option for what the patient is trying to achieve. X-rays may also be ordered.

Before the veneers are ordered, the dentist will have to remove 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. This is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer that is going to be added to the tooth surface. Once this is done, an impression of the patient’s teeth will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory where the veneers are produced. In one to two weeks, the finished veneers will be sent back to the dentist.

During the application, the dentist will temporarily install the veneers to ensure proper fit. If the veneers fit, then the dentist will prepare the teeth for bonding. This process involves cleaning, polishing, and etching the teeth. Dental cement is then applied to the veneer and the veneer is placed on the tooth. Once all of the veneers are in place, a special light is used to activate the hardening chemicals in the cement. A follow up visit is usually required a few weeks later.