S&L Dental's Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Veneers

Your Dream Smile Starts With Veneer Prep at S&L Dental

When it comes to achieving that perfect smile, many people turn to dental veneers as a solution. Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option that can transform teeth and enhance overall appearance. If you’re considering getting veneers at S&L Dental in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, AZ, it’s essential to understand the process of prepping your teeth for veneers, what your teeth will look like, and what to expect. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about veneer prep, how veneers work, the difference between veneers and crowns, the option of composite veneers, and what your teeth look like during the preparation phase.

How Do Veneers Work?

Our family dentistry offers cosmetic dental veneers, including traditional porcelain and composite veneers. Dental Veneers are thin shells custom-designed to fit over the front surface of your teeth. The choice between them often depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the specific dental issues you wish to address. These versatile cosmetic dentistry solutions are renowned for their ability to address various dental flaws and enhance the appearance of your smile. Both types of veneers are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth by concealing imperfections, including:

Discoloration – Veneers can cover up teeth stains resistant to teeth whitening treatments, giving you a brighter, whiter smile.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth – Veneers can effectively mask chips and cracks, restoring the appearance of damaged teeth.
Gaps and Uneven Spacing – Veneers can close small gaps and correct minor misalignments, creating a more uniform smile.
Misshapen Teeth – Veneers can reshape irregularly shaped teeth, providing a harmonious look to your smile.
Worn Teeth – Veneers can cover teeth worn down over time, helping restore their length and shape.

How Are My Teeth Prepped for Veneers?

Tooth preparation is a fundamental aspect of the veneer placement process. It involves removing a minimal amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth that will receive veneers. After removing a small amount of enamel, your teeth will feel smooth on the surface. This smoothness ensures a secure bond when the permanent veneers are placed. This step is essential to create space for the veneers and ensure a snug fit. The amount of enamel removed can vary, but it is typically in the 0.3 to 1.5 millimeters range. The extent of tooth preparation depends on several factors, including:

Position of Your Teeth – Teeth in different positions may require varying levels of preparation to achieve a uniform appearance.
Cosmetic Issues You Want to Address – The severity of the cosmetic imperfections you want to conceal can influence the amount of enamel needing to be removed.
Veneer Material – Whether you choose porcelain or composite veneers can also impact the extent of tooth preparation.

What Does the Process Look Like?

The process of obtaining dental veneers involves several essential steps, each carefully executed by your dentist. From the initial consultation to the final adjustments, each phase plays a crucial role in ensuring that your veneers are custom-tailored, well-fitted, and seamlessly integrated into your oral health. For your peace of mind, check out our testimonials to discover what our previous customers have to say. Understanding each phase will help you feel more confident and informed as you undergo this transformation. Let’s delve into these steps to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect:

Consultation – The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist at S&L Dental. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are the right option for you.
Treatment Planning – If veneers are deemed suitable, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes selecting the appropriate shade and shape for your veneers, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Tooth Preparation – This is where your teeth undergo significant changes in appearance. To accommodate the thickness of the veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of your teeth. This enamel removal is necessary to ensure the veneers fit snugly and do not appear bulky. Your teeth will look different at this stage as the surface enamel is altered. The removal of enamel is typically minimal and varies based on the individual case. Your dentist will ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong during this process.
Impressions – Impressions of your prepared teeth are taken, and these impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are crafted.
Bonding – Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary ones and bond the permanent veneers to your teeth using a strong adhesive. This process involves carefully placing and shaping each veneer to achieve the desired results.
Final Adjustments – Your dentist will make any necessary final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and your new smile looks natural.

Veneer vs. Crown: Which Is Right for You?

While veneers and dental crowns serve similar purposes in improving the appearance of your teeth, they are used in different situations and involve varying degrees of tooth preparation. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the differences:

Veneers –
- Ideal for cosmetic enhancements.
- Used for correcting minor imperfections.
- Minimal tooth enamel removal.
- Enhances the appearance of healthy teeth.
- Resistant to stains.
- Bonds to the front surface of the tooth.
- Typically made of materials like porcelain or composite resin.
Crowns –
- Used for restoring damaged or weakened teeth.
- Significant tooth reduction is required.
- Provides structural support and protection.
- Suitable for teeth with extensive decay or fractures.
- Customarily covers the entire tooth.
- Typically made of materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination.

Composite Veneers: An Alternative Option

In addition to traditional porcelain veneers, there is another option known as composite veneers. These veneers are made from a tooth-colored composite resin material and offer several advantages:

Quick Application – Composite veneers can often be applied in a single dental appointment, making them a time-efficient option.
Reversible – Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be removed without significant damage to the underlying tooth structure.
Cost-Effective – Composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain veneers, making them a budget-friendly choice for smile enhancement.
Repairable – In case of damage or staining, composite veneers can be easily repaired or replaced.
Conservative – Minimal tooth enamel removal is required when getting composite veneers.

Can I Go Back to My Natural Teeth After Veneers?

You have options after veneer removal. When veneers are removed, there are several things to expect, and whether you can go back to having just your natural teeth or if you need new veneers depends on various factors. While it is possible to go back to having just your natural teeth, cosmetic treatments may be available to enhance the appearance of your natural teeth if needed. After veneer removal, it’s crucial to consult your dentist to assess the condition of your natural teeth and discuss your options. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and guide you on whether you can maintain your natural teeth or if further cosmetic dental procedures are recommended. Here’s what to consider:

Teeth Whitening – If the color of your natural teeth differs significantly from your veneered teeth after removal, your dentist may suggest teeth whitening to achieve a more uniform shade. Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of your natural teeth and blend them with the rest of your smile.
Dental Bonding – In cases where your natural teeth have minor imperfections or require slight reshaping, dental bonding may be an option. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to your teeth to correct minor issues and improve their appearance.
Replacement Veneers – If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your natural teeth after removal, you can choose to have new veneers placed. Your dentist will discuss the options and help you decide the best course of action based on your goals and dental health.

Will My Teeth Look Odd After Removing Veneers?

When veneers are removed, it’s natural to have concerns about the appearance of your natural teeth, especially if they were shaved down during preparation. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Tooth Sensitivity – You may experience some sensitivity in your teeth after veneer removal. This is because a small amount of enamel is usually shaved off during preparation, which can temporarily make your teeth more sensitive. This sensitivity should subside over time, but following your dentist’s post-removal care instructions is important.
Appearance Changes – While your teeth should be healthy underneath the veneers, there may be some minor changes in appearance. This can include differences in color or contour. The extent of these changes can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the veneers and the amount of enamel removed during preparation.
Temporary Appearance – Immediately after veneer removal, your teeth may appear smaller or differently shaped than before you had veneers. This is because veneers add a layer to your teeth’s surface, and removing that layer can alter their appearance temporarily. However, this change is typically not drastic, and your teeth will likely go through an adjustment period as they return to their natural state. The appearance of your teeth may improve over time due to factors such as remineralization and settling your natural teeth into their post-veneer removal state.

Revive Your Confidence With S&L Dental

At S&L Dental in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, AZ, our experienced dental professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams. Prepping your teeth for veneers is a transformative process that can rejuvenate your smile and boost your self-confidence. Whether you opt for traditional porcelain veneers or the alternative of composite veneers, the result is a stunning, natural-looking smile. Your veneers can last for over 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards your smile makeover and discover the possibilities of a brighter, more confident you. For a faster experience, complete our new patient forms before your visit!