The Stages of Porcelain Veneers Placement By Bruce Wilderman on August 07, 2015

An illustration of a porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth If chipped, crooked, discolored, or misshaped teeth have you feeling too self conscious about your smile, porcelain veneers may be right for you. Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped restorations used to mask flaws and transform smiles. To find out if porcelain veneers are the right treatment option for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia dentist Bruce Wilderman. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the process of placing porcelain veneers.   

The Porcelain Veneer Placement Process

The porcelain veneer placement process begins with an initial consultation to discuss the patient's desired results and examine the teeth to ensure porcelain veneers are suitable for the patient's needs. Once the teeth are thoroughly examined and the desired results are determined, a treatment plan will be developed and the porcelain veneer placement process can truly begin.

The First Stage of Porcelain Veneers Placement

Placing porcelain veneers is done in two stages, requiring two dental appointments. During the first stage, the teeth are prepared for veneer placement. During this appointment, local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort. Tooth preparation involves the removal of a small layer of enamel from the front facing surface of the teeth in order to make room for the veneer and provide a porous surface for bonding the veneers to the teeth.

After the teeth are prepared, impressions are made. These impressions are sent to a dental lab and used as a mold to custom-craft each porcelain veneer to the unique shape of the patient's teeth. Temporary veneers will be placed until the customized veneers are ready.

The Second Stage of Porcelain Veneer Placement

Once the custom-crafted veneers are completed, a second dental appointment is required to place the finished veneers. The temporary veneers will be removed, and the permanent veneers will be checked for fit. Next, they are bonded to the teeth with dental cement to complete treatment. 

Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can correct many cosmetic dental flaws, however, they are not suitable for all patients. Candidates for porcelain veneers should have healthy teeth with a sufficient amount of dental enamel and healthy gums. You may be a candidate for porcelain veneers if you have:

  • Dental discoloration: Porcelain veneers can be crafted in a beautiful bright white to mask yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth.
  • Mildly crooked teeth: The appearance of mildly crooked teeth can be corrected with porcelain veneers.
  • Gaps between teeth: Porcelain veneers can be used to close gaps between teeth.
  • Irregularly shaped teeth: Misshaped, pointed, or jagged looking teeth can be masked with porcelain veneers.
  • Undersized or oversized teeth: Porcelain veneers can be crafted to correct the size of small teeth or overly large teeth, creating a more proportionate looking smile.
  • Minor chips or fractures: Minor chips or fractures can be repaired with porcelain veneers.

Schedule a Consultation

Find out how Dr. Wilderman can improve your smile. Schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.

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Artistic Expressions Dentistry

Dr. Bruce Wilderman has been providing comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services since 1986. By combining a true sense of artistry with state-of-the-art technology, he can provide stunning results. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, we are proud to be affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

For more information about our services, contact our practice online or call (215) 340-1199 today.

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