How can I get porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers what procedure do I need to go through to get them?

• How do I get them? Do I need to contact my dentist? I had an appointment with my dentist about 4 months ago and he said come back in a year but am not happy with my teeth I want to get porcelain veneers. Do I need to contact them?

• Answer:

  Yes you book an appointment, You are suppose to visit your dentist at least every 6 months btw. 1. The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination so that the dentist can get a feel for what you want and understand your needs and concerns. The dentist should explain the treatment procedure to you including an accurate guide to the likely costs of your treatment. 2. Before your veneers are designed your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accomadate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anaesthic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure. 3. Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file) a tiny amount of the front surface of your teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth. 4. Next an impression or mould (copy) of your teeth is taken. A special dental "putty" is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth, similar to how you would leave a footprint in sand. 5. This "impression" or mould of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory use the impression to cast an accurate model of your teeth which is used as a guide to fabricate your new veneers, this process can tae between one to three weeks. 6. whilst you are waiting for your veneers to be fabricated your dentist you may be fitted with some temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. Not all dentists will offer temporary veneers. 7. On your second appointment your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First the dentst may just sit the teeth over your teeth to see how they look with your smile and he or she may need to trim or adjust the veneer. 8. Next your teeth will be throughly cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to. 9. The veneers are then cemented into place and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanenetly bonds the veneer to the front surface of your prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement it is usually trimmed away and polished to leave a beautiful and natural looking restoration.