I am considering porcelain veneers. It is their permanency that is making me nervous, though. They are bonded to my teeth and I won’t be able to just take them off. What if I don’t like them? I visited one dentist who showed me digital before and after pictures of myself, but what if the real thing looks bad? What options will I have? – Jules
Jules – Before a true cosmetic dentist bonds your porcelain veneers to your teeth, you will be given plenty of opportunities to say what you do or don’t like about your smile makeover.
Choosing a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneer
Much of the success of your smile makeover is dependent on the artistic ability and experience of the dentist. We cannot stress enough the importance of finding a skilled cosmetic dentist—preferably an accredited cosmetic dentist—for a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
The results will be long-lasting and amazing. Otherwise, you can end up with veneers that you don’t like. After veneers are bonded to your teeth, the only way to improve your smile is to have the current veneers removed and replaced with new ones.
What Do Cosmetic Dentists Do Differently?
Experienced cosmetic dentists don’t take shortcuts. They closely adhere to a series of steps that ensure you’ll love your smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
- Communication – When you schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist—and we suggest that you schedule with two different dentists—you and the dentist will discuss your smile goals. The dentist will quickly look at your teeth and let you know if porcelain veneers might be an option. Of course, an examination will be needed to make the final determination.
- Smile gallery – An experienced cosmetic dentist will be able to show you many photos of his or her own patients for whom porcelain veneers were used to provide a smile makeover. The photos will help you make decisions about your own smile design.
- Digital model – You’ll be shown a virtual model of your smile. You will be invited to say what you do or don’t like about the virtual model, and changes will be made accordingly.
- Wax model – A wax model of your porcelain veneers will be made for you to examine and try on for the look and feel of your porcelain veneers.
- Temporary veneers – Provisional, or temporary, porcelain veneers will be made for you to wear. Provisional veneers provide a precise model of the finished product.
- Try-in – When your porcelain veneers are ready, they will be secured to your teeth with a temporary try-in paste. It’s likely that you will love the way they look and feel, but if you don’t your cosmetic dentist will send them back to the laboratory. The veneers will be adjusted or completely remade. Unless you love the results, they won’t be bonded to your teeth.
Throughout the smile design process, Dr. Hadgis encourages his patients to let him know if they have any hesitation about the look and feel of their veneers. All of these steps ensure that when you receive your porcelain veneers, they will be exactly what you wanted. You should expect the same care from the cosmetic dentist you choose.
If you take time to find a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, it is likely that your fears about getting porcelain veneers will be erased.
This post is sponsored by Grosse Pointe Woods, IL accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Ted Hadgis.