Porcelain veneers can completely transform your smile, but before the stunning final results, your teeth must go through a preparation phase. If you’re considering veneers or have already scheduled your treatment, you may be wondering: What exactly happens during veneer preparation?
Why Do Teeth Need to Be Prepped for Veneers?
To ensure that veneers look natural and fit comfortably, a thin layer of your enamel needs to be gently removed. This makes room for the porcelain shells and helps them adhere properly.
Without preparation, veneers can look bulky or may not bond securely to the teeth.
Step-by-Step: The Teeth Preparation Process
1. Initial Consultation & Smile Design
Our dentist will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are the right option. X-rays or digital scans may be taken to create a treatment plan tailored to your smile.
2.Enamel Reduction
In most cases, about 0.3 to 0.7 millimeters of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth receiving a veneer, roughly the thickness of a contact lens.
This is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free.
3. Impressions or Digital Scans
After prepping the teeth, our dentist will take impressions or use a digital scanner. These molds are sent to a dental lab, where your custom veneers are crafted to match your desired color, shape, and size.
Temporary Veneers (Optional)
Depending on your case, your dentist may place temporary veneers to protect your prepped teeth and give you a preview of your new smile while you wait for the permanent ones.
Does Teeth Preparation Hurt?
Most patients report that the veneer prep process is painless. Because only a small amount of enamel is removed, discomfort is minimal. Local anesthesia is used when necessary, and aftercare instructions are provided to keep you comfortable post-procedure.
Are My Teeth Permanently Changed?
Yes, the enamel removal is permanent, which means you’ll always need to wear veneers or another form of dental restoration in the future. However, when done correctly by an experienced cosmetic dentist, veneer prep is minimal and conservative.
What Happens After Preparation?
Once your permanent veneers are ready (usually within 1–2 weeks), our dentist will:
- Remove the temporary veneers (if placed)
- Test-fit the porcelain veneers for color and shape
- Bond them to your teeth using dental cement and a curing light
