The process of getting porcelain veneers can take up to three weeks, depending on the number of veneers and the complexity of the procedure. It typically involves two office visits of two to three hours each, with a manufacturing process taking one to two weeks between the first and second visit. During the first visit, your dentist will take preliminary records and create temporary veneers in a cosmetic laboratory. The second visit is when your teeth are prepared and the temporary veneers are placed.
The third visit is for final cementation of your personalized veneers. Unlike more invasive procedures such as porcelain crowns or tooth plugs, dental veneers do not require an extensive reshaping of existing gums or teeth for installation. This makes them a more conservative and relatively low-risk option, as they can be removed, altered, or replaced at a later date with minimal damage. Dental or porcelain veneers are custom, thin surfaces made from advanced medical grade ceramic, porcelain, or resin composites.
Your dentist will create a mockup of your smile to ensure that your porcelain veneers fit your ambitions and maintain the individuality of your smile. You may experience some discomfort during the adjustment period, which usually lasts two weeks. Porcelain veneers are considered the best option for resisting stains and mimicking the light-reflecting shine of natural healthy teeth. Composite resin veneers are less expensive but don't last as long as porcelain veneers.
Properly installed porcelain veneers can last up to a decade or longer if you take good care of them. If you're interested in improving your smile with porcelain veneers, contact an experienced restorative and cosmetic dentist today to learn more about this procedure.
