Want a camera-ready smile? At LPS Dental in Chicago we create beautiful, natural-looking smiles through advanced cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers are one of the most popular and transformative treatments we offer. Whether you have discoloration, minor misalignments, chips or gaps, veneers can get you the look you want with minimal discomfort and long lasting results.
If you’re considering veneers, you’re probably wondering what the process entails. Here’s a step by step look at what happens before, during and after a veneer procedure so you can feel comfortable every step of the way.
Before the Procedure: Consultation and Customization
The journey to a stunning smile starts long before the veneers are placed. The first steps are all about planning, evaluating and designing a treatment that’s right for you.
Consultation and Dental Evaluation
Your first step will be a consultation at our Chicago dental office. During this appointment our experienced Chicago cosmetic dentists will take the time to understand what you’re looking to achieve. Are you closing a gap? Brightening your smile? Fixing a chip or misalignment? Whatever your aesthetic goals this visit sets the foundation for your treatment plan.
The dentist will perform a full oral examination which may include X-rays, digital imaging and intraoral photos. These tools help us assess the condition of your teeth and gums and make sure you’re a good candidate for veneers. Conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease or insufficient enamel may need to be addressed first before we can proceed.
Smile Design and Treatment Planning
Once we determine you’re a good candidate for veneers we move into the design phase. Smile design is a collaborative process that combines your input with our clinical expertise. We consider multiple factors like the shape of your face, natural tooth structure, skin tone and even personality when determining the ideal shape, size and shade of your veneers.
Digital imaging or mock-ups are often used to show you your future smile. This allows you to see what to expect and make any changes before the veneers are made. The goal is to make sure the final result looks and feels like a natural part of you – not something artificial or overdone.
Tooth Preparation and Temporaries
Before permanent veneers can be placed your natural teeth need to be prepared. This involves removing a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the teeth—about 0.3 to 0.7 millimeters. This step is necessary to allow the veneer to sit flush with your natural tooth and not look bulky.
Once the teeth are prepped impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers will be made. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime temporaries may be placed to protect your teeth and give you an idea of the final result. These temporaries are functional but more delicate so you’ll need to avoid hard or sticky foods during this period.
During the Procedure: Veneer Placement
When your permanent veneers are ready you’ll return to LPS Dental for the final placement. This is the fun part—your smile makeover is about to be complete.
Trial Fitting and Adjustments
Before permanently bonding the veneers your dentist will place them temporarily using a removable adhesive to check fit, color and shape. This is your chance to evaluate how the veneers look and feel in your mouth. If any minor adjustments are needed they can often be made right then and there. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priority and we won’t move forward unless you’re thrilled with the result.
Bonding the Veneers
Once you approve the fit and appearance the veneers are ready to be bonded to your teeth. Your dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning and polishing the tooth surfaces. Then the teeth are etched—a process that roughens the surface slightly to create a stronger bond.
A special dental cement is applied to the inside of the veneer and it’s carefully placed onto your tooth. Once in place a high-intensity curing light is used to harden the cement quickly and securely. This light activates a chemical process that ensures a strong and lasting hold.
Any excess bonding material is removed, your bite is checked for comfort and final touches are made to ensure everything looks natural and feels perfect.
After the Procedure: Recovery, Care and Maintenance
After your veneers are in place you’ll leave our office with a brand new smile. While the procedure itself is minimally invasive there are still a few things to keep in mind as you transition into post-treatment care.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
You may experience some mild tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days especially if enamel was removed. This is normal and usually subsides quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief can help with any initial discomfort but most patients find the recovery is quite easy.
We recommend sticking to soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoiding hard, crunchy or sticky foods that could dislodge the veneers before the cement is fully set.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
One of the many advantages of porcelain veneers is their durability. With proper care veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more. However, maintaining your investment requires good oral hygiene and smart habits.
Here’s how to keep your veneers looking and functioning their best:
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to maintain healthy gums and prevent decay around the veneers
- Avoid biting into hard objects such as ice, fingernails or pens
- Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
- Visit LPS Dental regularly for cleanings and check-ups
While veneers are stain-resistant it’s still a good idea to limit exposure to foods and drinks that can cause discoloration over time like coffee, red wine and dark berries. Smoking should also be avoided as it can stain the edges of the veneers and negatively affect your oral health.
Veneer FAQs
Are veneers reversible?
Since a small amount of enamel is removed veneers are considered an irreversible procedure. However, they are long lasting and can be replaced when needed.
Can I get veneers on just one tooth?
Yes, veneers can be applied to a single tooth or multiple teeth depending on your goals and dental health.
Do veneers feel like natural teeth?
Once in place veneers feel just like natural teeth. After a brief adjustment period most patients don’t notice any difference.
Is the veneer procedure painful?
The procedure is generally not painful. Local anesthetic is used during tooth preparation and most patients report little to no discomfort afterwards.
Schedule Your Veneer Consultation Today
A brighter more confident smile could be just a few appointments away. At LPS Dental we are proud to provide expert cosmetic dentistry services to patients throughout Chicago and surrounding communities. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering stunning results with a personal touch. Schedule now
