Start Your Smile Transformation with a Veneer Consultation

Here’s what you can expect from your veneer consultation:

Appointment Scheduling

Setting up an appointment for a veneer consultation is the first step for anyone considering this cosmetic dental procedure. To reach your dentist’s office, you can call or use their convenient online booking system. Whichever way you choose to set your appointment, you should be able to easily find a time that suits both you and your dentist.

Pre-Appointment Instructions

Before arriving at the dental clinic, take time to read any instructions provided by the dental office and follow them closely.

This may involve filling out paperwork or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. Gather any necessary dental records if needed, though it’s better to check if this is required before your appointment.

Introductions

During your veneer consultation, you will likely begin with a warm welcome and introduction to the dental team. The dentist or dental care provider may take a few moments to get to know you on a personal level. Your dentist will also ask about your dental concern and gather details about it. 

Medical and Dental History

Your dentist will thoroughly assess your medical and dental history, see if the procedure is safe for you, and understand how your dental issues can be properly addressed. You’ll likely be asked questions regarding the following:

• Oral care routines, including how often you brush and floss
• Medications (prescription and non-prescription) that you take
• Recent illnesses, surgeries, or injuries
• Diet
• Allergies and reactions to certain foods

Oral Exam

During this step, your dentist will examine the condition of your teeth and gums. Various tools may be used to assess your oral health. They may also take X-rays and photos to help in their evaluation. These are necessary to get a clear and accurate assessment of the concerned teeth. These will enable dental professionals to design a treatment plan that will address the patient’s concerns and needs. 

Discussion of Cosmetic Goals

You and your dentist will have a dialogue about the goals you want to meet with your treatment. You will discuss crucial components, including:

• What do you want your teeth to look like after treatment?
• Do you want to change the size of your teeth?
• Are you satisfied with the colour of your teeth?

Your dentist will work closely with you so that your goals can be achieved accordingly. They will also recommend additional treatments or services if they’re necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

Veneer Options

At this point, your dentist will explain the different types of veneers, such as:

• Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers, also known as ceramic veneers, are thin, tooth-coloured shells of porcelain designed to match your teeth’ natural colour and shape, making them virtually undetectable. Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than other types, so your smile will stay bright and beautiful for much longer.
• Composite Resin Veneers – Composite resin veneers are made from a composite resin material that can be moulded and shaped directly on your teeth. This type of veneer is usually less expensive than others but can become stained or change its colour over time if not cared for properly. The composite veneer procedure can be completed in a single appointment.

Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each material and discuss which option will be suitable for you. 

Preparation Process

Dental veneer treatment is a minimally invasive procedure. Your dentist will start by administering local anesthesia. Once numb, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the teeth. Then, they’ll take an impression (or mould) of the teeth to be sent to the laboratory for veneer fabrication. 

Timeline

If you’re considering veneers, your dentist will provide you with an estimated timeline for their delivery and fitting. This may vary depending on the complexity of your treatment, but it usually involves multiple visits and can take a few weeks from start to finish.

It’s important to prepare for each appointment, follow the instructions and advice of your dentist and show up promptly so that your schedule remains on track.

Cost

During your smile makeover consultation, you will also learn about the cost of veneers, dental veneer packages, and payment plans available. Factors that may affect the cost of porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers include the following:

• Type of veneer used: Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. 
• The number of veneers needed: If you’re getting veneers on several teeth, the cost will be higher than if you are just covering one or two.
• Location of the practice: The cost of veneers may vary depending on where you live, as labour and materials costs can differ from one place to another.
• Your dental insurance coverage, if applicable: It’s important to check with your health insurance provider to see if veneers are covered under their plan.
• Your dental professional’s knowledge and experience: Accomplished dentists may charge more for cosmetic dental work due to their experience and the quality of their work.

Risks and Side Effects

Before getting veneers, it’s important to understand any potential risks or side effects of this cosmetic dentistry procedure. During your consultation, your dental professional will explain any concerning issues in detail.

The risks and side effects of cosmetic veneer procedures include the following:

• Tooth sensitivity: After the veneers are fitted, you may feel sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages. This symptom is usually transient. 
• Tooth enamel removal: To fit veneers, a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed to create space for the veneer. If too much tooth structure is removed, it can cause long-term damage and require a more extensive treatment than dental veneers.
• Discolouration: Veneers may discolour over time due to staining from coffee, tea, or other foods and drinks. Regular cleaning should help reduce the risk of discolouration, but it’s important to limit the consumption of dark-coloured food and beverages as well.
• Increased risk of tooth decay and cavities: If the veneers are not fitted well, and there is a gap between the veneer and the tooth, the space could be a plaque-retentive area that is difficult to clean. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities. 
• Gum irritation: Veneers that extend too deep into the gums can cause pain and inflammation. This may cause gum disease, which can lead to gum recession and bone loss. 
• Damage to the veneers due to physical trauma or clenching/grinding your teeth: Veneers may be damaged if you experience physical trauma or grind your teeth, so it is important to protect veneers with a night guard.

Your dentist will discuss all of these potential risks in detail so that you can make an informed decision about whether veneers are right for you. Additionally, they will discuss other treatment options if you’re not amenable to dental veneers.

Questions and Concerns

Dental professionals will strive to make your visit as educational and informative as possible. They will discuss the veneer process in detail and respond to any questions or concerns you have. Additionally, they will encourage you to be vocal with your thoughts and your smile goals and discuss these with you throughout the cosmetic dental consultation.

Next Steps

After the important details about your treatment have been discussed and outlined for you, scheduling follow-up appointments and procedures should be addressed, as well as a timeline for when treatment can start.

From there, all that’s left is deciding if the veneer treatment is right for you. With all your inquiries attended to, you should now have no problem reaching the final decision.