Five steps to a renewed smile and confidence with veneers

When in the right hands, veneers support natural-looking improvements to the teeth. However, the process of getting veneers is also efficient, comfortable, and hassle-free. Below, Abel, Phan & Associates is pleased to walk you through five steps to a better smile with veneers.

Step No. 1: The consultation

All treatments at our office in the Sterling, Virginia area start with a consultation. During this visit, our dentists, Drs. Anna Abel and Chuong Phan, examine your teeth and gums. They’ll also discuss any concerns you may have, such as what you don’t like about your smile. Be prepared to also discuss or show our dentists different smiles that you admire. All of this information will be used to develop your one-of-a-kind treatment plan. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you may be a good candidate for veneers. These thin layers of porcelain may be applied to cover up many cosmetic imperfections – stubborn and severe stains, chips, some cracks, signs of wear and tear, gaps, minor spacing issues, and poorly shaped or irregularly sized teeth.

Step No. 2: Preparing your teeth

If veneers are right for you, a small amount of enamel is removed from each tooth that will be treated. This is an essential step because each veneer must have sufficient room to fit on top of the tooth properly. Otherwise, the veneer would stick out too much and not fit adequately. While most patients tolerate this process well, we can minimize any sensitivity by applying local anesthetic.

Step No. 3: Preparing your veneers

Once the teeth have been “prepared,” we will gather the necessary information to fabricate each veneer. Impressions are taken of the slightly reduced teeth, which are then used by our lab as a guide when making your permanent veneers. We provide as much accurate information to our lab as possible. That way, we can ensure that the shape, size, and other features of each veneer are made to your one-of-a-kind specifications and align well with your personal preferences and goals. While our lab makes your veneers, you will wear a set of temporary veneers. Temporaries help protect the teeth and support the cosmetic appearance of your smile as the permanent veneers are being made.

Step No. 4: “Installing” the permanent veneers

During a second visit, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are applied. We can check that they fit properly and look natural. As needed, slight adjustments will be made before applying a conditioning liquid and cementing them securely to the teeth.

Step No. 5: Enjoy your new smile!

The veneers designed and placed at Abel, Phan & Associates are made from high-quality, durable, and aesthetic porcelain. With good care, they can last for many years. Caring for your veneers generally involves avoiding any habits that could chip or otherwise damage them, such as biting your fingernails or chewing ice.

Take the first step to a renewed smile and confidence today! Schedule your consultation at our office in the Sterling, VA, area by calling us at (571) 450-9848.

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