Dental veneers are an increasingly popular aesthetic option for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
They are made of various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, emax, empress, zirconia, zirconia or composite, which are applied on the visible part of the teeth, providing a natural and pleasant appearance, and have different properties and indications for use.
In the global market, dental veneers are divided into two main categories: prep veneers (with preparation, which account for about 60% of the market) and no-prep veneers (without preparation, accounting for about 40% of the market).
In this article, we will focus on prep veneers, which require pre-preparation of the teeth, as compared to an ideal case seen from the patient’s perspective.
The process of applying dental veneers involves a series of meticulous and cautious steps that the dentist must follow in order to achieve a perfect result.

The first step in the veneer application process is an initial consultation with your dentist.
During this appointment, the patient discusses in detail his or her wishes and expectations regarding the final appearance of the teeth.
The dentist will evaluate the patient’s overall oral health to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for veneers.
This evaluation may include taking x-rays, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, and other examinations necessary to analyze tooth structure and gum health.
Based on this information, the dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may involve one or more veneers.

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is an innovative technology that allows the dentist to digitally create a detailed plan of the patient’s smile before the actual veneers are applied.
By using digital images, X-rays and scans of the teeth, the dentist can build a digital simulation of the final smile, giving the patient a preview of what the dental veneers will look like.
This technology helps patients make informed decisions about the shape, color and position of the veneers.
Also to improve accuracy and personalization of treatment, dentists can use advanced technologies such as the Ray Face scanner, a high-resolution device that captures a patient’s facial features, including the smile, lips and jawline.
This integration of the dental and facial images allows for detailed analysis and realistic simulation of the final results, so that the facets perfectly match the patient’s physiognomy and create a harmonious and natural look.

In some cases, before the actual preparation of the teeth for veneers, gingival reshaping may be necessary to achieve an aesthetic and balanced gingival contour.
This procedure, known as gingivoplasty or gingivectomy, involves the removal of excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface or to correct any asymmetries of the gums.
To perform gum reshaping, dentists can use WaterLase technology, an advanced laser that combines laser energy with water to precisely and minimally invasively remove gum tissue.
The use of WaterLase significantly reduces patient discomfort, minimizes bleeding and accelerates the healing process compared to traditional scalpel techniques.
This technology provides superior control over the procedure and allows for high-quality aesthetic results.

After the treatment plan has been established and, if necessary, after gum reshaping has been completed, the dentist will begin grinding the teeth for veneers.
This step involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth to make room for veneers.
This step is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the veneers and to avoid a bulky appearance.
Enamel removal is usually minimal and is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Prior to enamel removal, the dentist will take a pre-facial mold to have a clear reference of the patient’s initial tooth structure, which will aid in the creation of the final veneers.

After tooth preparation, the dentist will take a detailed impression of your teeth.
This can be done either by using traditional (analog) impression material or by digital scanning.
The impression or scan is sent to the dental laboratory, where the veneers are created to the precise specifications of the patient’s teeth.
While the final veneers are being fabricated, the patient will be fitted with temporary teeth made of acrylate or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).
If the final veneers are cemented within a maximum of 10 days, acrylate temporary teeth are an economical solution, given the short duration of use.
If the time needed to cement the veneers is longer than 10 days, it is recommended to use PMMA temporary teeth, which are stronger and offer greater medium-term stability.
These temporary teeth protect the prepared teeth and mimic the appearance of the initial smile in the case of acrylate or the final veneers in the case of PMMA, giving the patient a clear idea of what their smile will look like after the treatment is completed.

Before the final veneers are applied, the patient will have a process called “Try On”, where temporary veneers are used to mimic the appearance of the final ones.
This stage allows the patient to see how the final veneers will look and make any adjustments if necessary.
It is an essential step to ensure the patient is completely satisfied with the shape, size and color of the veneers, as well as to confirm that they fit perfectly with the rest of the dentition.

Once the permanent veneers are ready, the patient will return to the dentist’s office to have them applied.
The dentist will remove the temporary veneers and temporary teeth, carefully checking the fit and color of the permanent veneers.
At this point, minor adjustments may be made to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly and look natural.
Once the dentist and patient are satisfied with the appearance and fit of the veneers, they will be permanently fixed to the teeth using a special dental cement.
The teeth will also be exposed to a light-curing process, which hardens the cement and ensures that the veneers are fixed in the desired position.

After the veneers are applied, the dentist will make final adjustments to ensure proper occlusion (bite alignment) and maximum patient comfort.
These adjustments include smoothing and polishing the edges of the veneers to ensure that they are uniform and that there is no discomfort.
The patient is usually invited to return the next day for an occlusal check, as the bite may be affected by the effects of the initial anesthesia.
This additional check ensures maximum functionality and long-term comfort.