The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Are you considering getting veneers but worried that the process might take too long? In this article, we will outline the typical timeline from the initial consultation to the final placement of veneers.
Contents:
Timeframe for Crafting Veneers
At our clinic, we ensure a meticulous process for placement of dental veneers. Typically, this takes 10-14 business days. This period is necessary for the dental technician to create custom-made veneers. This guarantees a perfect match to your natural teeth and a seamless appearance.
While we craft your permanent veneers, we offer a temporary solution. Temporary veneers allow patients to continue their daily activities, protect the prepared teeth, and get accustomed to their future smile.
Our clinic provides a 1-year warranty on both the work and materials, provided you have a proper bite.
In cases of bruxism (teeth grinding) or an improper bite, we do not recommend placing veneers, or we will do so at your own risk.
Initial Consultation and Examination
This stage takes 1-2 hours. The dentist conducts a thorough examination of the oral cavity:
- Examines the teeth, gums, and bite to identify any urgent issues
- Uses X-rays or 3D scanning to get a detailed view of the oral structures, accurately assessing the condition of the teeth and jawbone
- Based on the examination results, the dentist creates a personalized treatment plan, which includes a list of dental procedures necessary for veneer placement (such as tooth treatment or cleaning), as well as the expected treatment timeline
If there are bite issues, it is important to undergo specialized orthodontic treatment with aligners or braces (minimum of 6 months). A proper bite ensures the correct fit and function of the veneers.
If the patient has a deep bite or bruxism, the dentist may recommend treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) before installing veneers. This prevents future damage to the veneers and promotes overall oral health.
Teeth Preparation
Dr. Lipovetskiy's Approach to Veneers Preparation
"When preparing for veneers, we always create templates and a wax-up model first. This allows the patient to see the proposed slope and size of their new teeth before any treatment begins. By visualizing the final result, patients can make informed decisions and adjustments if needed. Only after the patient approves the model do we schedule the actual treatment. This meticulous planning ensures satisfaction and optimal results."
Preparing for veneer placement typically takes up to 7 days. Preparation ensures the perfect fit and function of the new teeth. This stage includes several steps:
- Teeth cleaning
The dentist ensures that the patient does not have major issues such as cavities or gum disease.
- Treatment of cavities and other dental diseases
(gingivitis, periodontitis), removal of plaque and tartar. Failure to do so and placing veneers on affected teeth will lead to rapid infection spread.
- Tooth shaping
Under local anesthesia, the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel (usually about 0.5 mm) from the front surface of the teeth where the veneers will be placed. This is necessary for the veneer to fit correctly and match the natural teeth.
- Taking dental impressions
The dentist makes detailed molds of the prepared teeth using impression material or a digital 3D scanner. These molds or scans are then sent to a dental laboratory. Dental technicians create custom ceramic veneers so that they are imperceptible when the jaws are closed.
- Placement of temporary veneers
After tooth preparation, the dentist installs temporary veneers. This is necessary to protect the teeth and preserve aesthetics while the permanent veneers are being fabricated.
Why Do We Place Temporary Veneers?
The placement of temporary veneers is important for maintaining the aesthetics and function of the teeth. As a cosmetic dentist with over 30 years of experience, I believe that this stage is important not only for preparing for the installation of permanent veneers but also for ensuring comfort and confidence throughout the treatment.
In our practice, we make temporary veneers to order from composite material. We use a temporary bonding agent for secure attachment, but it is easily removable when it is time to install the permanent veneers. Our goal is to make the treatment as comfortable and safe as possible. Therefore, we closely monitor the condition of the teeth and veneers. Adjustments may be needed to minimize breakage or sensitivity.
Fabrication of Permanent Veneers
This stage takes from 10 to 14 days. The molds or scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create your custom veneers according to the shape, size, and color specified by your dentist.
Placement of Veneers
This occurs during the second visit to the dentist:
- Removal of temporary veneers: The dentist carefully removes them to avoid damaging the prepared teeth. This process is painless and takes up to 15-20 minutes.
- Cleaning and preparation of teeth: The dentist enhances the adhesive properties of the ceramic. They remove the temporary glue and rinse the tooth surface. This usually takes another 15-20 minutes.
- Placement: The dentist applies a special adhesive and carefully attaches each veneer to the prepared tooth. A polymerization lamp is used to cure the adhesive and securely fix the veneers in place.
Check out our "before" and "after" examples. In just two visits, you will achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
Factors Affecting the Timeline for Veneer Placement
Types of Veneers
- Porcelain veneers – require around 10 working days for crafting, because they are made in a dental laboratory.
- Composite veneers – can be placed in a single visit to the clinic. They are faster to place but less durable than porcelain.
- Lumineers – these are ultra-thin ceramic veneers that require minimal tooth preparation.
Learn more from our article about the types of dental veneers.
Individual Characteristics of Each Patient
- Oral health: If a patient has cavities, gum disease, significant enamel wear, an improper bite, or crowded teeth, these issues need to be addressed before treatment. Treating these problems can take additional time.
- Extent of preparation required: Patients with large chips or fillings may need additional restorative procedures.
- Number of veneers needed: The more veneers that need to be placed, the longer the preparation and fixation process. Preparing multiple teeth takes more time for shaping, taking impressions, and final adjustments. Each veneer must be carefully crafted to perfectly match adjacent veneers and your natural teeth.
- Adjustments after installation: Additional time may be needed for minor adjustments after the veneers are placed to ensure a perfect fit and comfort.
Doctor's Opinion
The time required for veneer placement depends on the initial condition of the patient's teeth.
In some cases, a full mouth reconstruction may be necessary because fixing veneers on diseased or damaged teeth is not advisable.
How Can You Prepare for Veneer Placement?
- Before getting veneers, it's recommended to undergo a comprehensive teeth cleaning with a dental hygienist. This will remove plaque and tartar, providing a clean surface for veneer placement.
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene, including regular brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. This will help prevent gum disease and cavities.
- Discuss your expectations regarding the appearance and functionality of the veneers with your dentist. This will help you better understand what results to expect and prepare for any potential changes.
- Discuss the cost of veneer placement, payment options, and available financial programs with your dentist.
