The smile is one of our most recognizable signs of identity. Did you know that dental veneers have gained popularity in recent years? Many patients visit their dentist to improve the appearance of their teeth. These thin veneers, made of porcelain or composite, are bonded to the front surface of teeth to correct cosmetic flaws and create a more radiant smile. But how are dental veneers applied? Don't lose detail because we explain it all in this article.

Requirements for dental veneers

The decision to have dental veneers depends mainly on each person's individual needs and desires in terms of dental esthetics. Here are some common cases:

Tooth discoloration

Persistent stains: If teeth have intrinsic stains that do not respond well to traditional teeth whitening, veneers may be an option to improve the color and overall appearance of the smile.

Splinters or fractures

Chipped or fractured teeth: Veneers can cover and restore teeth that have small chips or fractures, improving their appearance and protecting them from further damage.

Spaces between teeth

DiastemasTo close spaces between teeth, especially those that are too wide and cannot be corrected with orthodontics or in cases where the patient prefers a quicker solution.

Misaligned or slightly crooked teeth

Aesthetic alignment: Veneers can improve the appearance of slightly crooked or misaligned teeth without the need for full orthodontics.

Changes in the shape or size of teeth

Modify the tooth shape: To correct teeth that are too small or irregularly shaped, veneers can provide a more harmonious appearance.

Improved overall aesthetics

Improvement of the smile: Some people opt for dental veneers for an overall improvement in the appearance of their smile, which may include changing the shape, color and alignment of teeth to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

What does dental veneers treatment consist of?

Now that you know the prerequisites, it is time to learn how dental veneers are applied. Pay attention:

Step 1: Treatment planning

The process begins with a consultation with an esthetic dentist. During this initial stage, the patient's expectations are discussed, teeth are examined and x-rays or impressions are taken to assess dental health and determine if veneers are the right choice.

Step 2: Preparation of the teeth

Once the decision is made to proceed with veneers, the tooth preparation process begins. At this stage, a small amount of tooth enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth where the veneers will be placed. This step is crucial to ensure that the veneers fit properly and to create space for their placement without making the teeth appear bulky.

Step 3: Taking impressions and color selection

After the initial preparation, impressions of the teeth are taken to create the custom veneers. In addition, the shade that best matches the natural shade of the remaining teeth and the shade desired by the patient is chosen to achieve a natural and harmonious smile.

Step 4: Fabrication of veneers

The impressions taken are sent to the dental laboratory, where the custom veneers are fabricated. Depending on the material chosen (porcelain or composite), this process can take a few days. Porcelain veneers, known for their durability and natural appearance, require slightly longer fabrication time compared to composite veneers.

Step 5: Placement of veneers

Once the veneers are ready, they are placed. Before they are permanently attached, tests are performed to ensure that they fit perfectly and meet the patient's expectations in terms of appearance and comfort. They are carefully adjusted to achieve the desired shape and size.

Step 6: Bonding of veneers

Once approved, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a special dental cement and, in some cases, light is activated to harden the cement quickly. This step ensures a solid bond between the veneers and the teeth, providing long-term stability and strength.

Step 7: Final adjustments and aftercare

After placement, final adjustments are made if necessary to ensure a comfortable bite and natural appearance. The dentist will also provide instructions on aftercare, which includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding foods or habits that may damage the veneers, and regular visits to the dentist for evaluations.

Step 8: Results and benefits

Once the process is complete, the end result is a transformed and aesthetically enhanced smile. Dental veneers can correct a variety of imperfections, such as discoloration, chips, gaps between teeth or misaligned teeth, resulting in a refreshed appearance and increased self-confidence.

Conclusion

Dental veneers are a versatile and effective solution for improving the appearance of the smile. Through a carefully planned process that includes evaluation, preparation, fabrication and placement, patients can achieve a brighter, more attractive smile. It is also essential to follow the dentist's instructions to ensure the long-term durability of dental veneers. We hope that with all the information we have provided you with in this article, you have answered all your questions about how dental veneers are placed.

Make an appointment now for your treatment of dental veneers in Granada in our clinics in La Herradura and Las Gabias..