Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Before beginning veneer treatment, many patients want to understand the process in detail. Each step, from the initial evaluation to the final bonding, plays a role in creating a precise, natural-looking result. This overview walks you through what to expect along the way.
Table of Contents
Step One: Consultation
The process begins with a consultation to review your oral health and discuss the goals you have for your smile. Digital scans, photographs, and X-rays are taken to understand the position, shape, and proportions of your teeth. These records guide the dental laboratory in designing veneers that fit accurately and look natural.
A wax-up or digital preview may be created to show the proposed shape and length of the veneers. This allows you to see the planned changes in advance and discuss any adjustments before any work is done on your teeth.
Step Two: Preparing the Teeth
The second appointment is where the teeth are prepared for the veneers. A small amount of enamel is removed and final impressions are taken and sent to the laboratory. Temporary veneers are then made to simulate the planned appearance and protect the teeth while the final veneers are being fabricated. The bite is checked carefully to ensure the temporaries feel comfortable and function properly.
Step Three: Trying On and Bonding
When the final veneers are ready, the temporaries are removed and each veneer is tried on. Fit, shade, contour, and bite are evaluated carefully. This step also allows you to see the veneers in place before they are bonded.
Once the final porcelain veneers are approved, according to our design and confirmed, the veneers are cleaned, the internal surfaces are prepared, and they are individually bonded permanently using dental adhesive and a curing light. The bite is checked again to ensure the veneers feel stable and comfortable.
Do Veneers Look Natural?
A common concern is that veneers will look overly white or uniform, sometimes compared to a “chiclet” (like Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace).
Modern veneers are designed very differently from what people picture when they think of outdated cosmetic dentistry.
Today’s veneers are crafted to mimic the subtle characteristics of natural enamel. This includes varied translucency, gentle contours, and shading that matches the surrounding teeth. When the design is planned carefully and the preparation is done correctly, veneers blend in rather than stand out.
The goal is to create a balanced, natural appearance that fits your facial features and bite. Most patients find that friends and coworkers notice a positive change but cannot pinpoint exactly what was done, which is often the best sign of a well-crafted result.
Schedule Your Veneer Consultation
Each stage of the veneers process is designed to create a natural result that fits comfortably and complements your smile. If you would like to learn whether veneers are a good option for you, schedule a consultation at our Mesa office.
If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ. Call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.
FAQs
What happens to your real teeth under veneers?
A small amount of enamel is removed so the veneers can fit properly, but the underlying tooth structure remains intact and is covered by the bonded veneer. The veneer acts as a protective outer surface. Because enamel does not grow back, the tooth will always need a veneer or another type of restoration in the future. You can still get decay/cavities on the natural tooth structure under the veneers, so good oral hygiene is essential with veneers.
Do dental veneers stain
Porcelain, zirconia, and E-Max veneers are highly resistant to staining. Their surfaces do not absorb pigments the way natural enamel can, or white fillings like composites. While the veneers themselves do not stain easily, the surrounding natural teeth can still pick up discoloration over time, so routine cleanings and good home care remain important.
Are veneers dental implants?
No, veneers and dental implants are completely different treatments. Veneers cover the front surface of existing natural teeth to improve shape and color. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and are placed in the jawbone. Veneers do not replace teeth; they refine the appearance of the teeth you already have.
Where can I get veneers near me?
Power Road Dental Care in Mesa, AZ, offers dental veneers to patients throughout the East valley–and really anywhere! To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438. We are always accepting new patients.