When you start the process of getting veneers, you may be excited about your results. You’ll have an aesthetic set of teeth you love, but it’ll take a couple of weeks to get there. Before you get your final shells, you will need to wear temporary ones first. You may feel a bit frustrated about this, but they serve an important purpose. Keep reading to learn more about why they are necessary during your treatment.
What Exactly Are Temporary Veneers?
In order to get veneers, it’s broken up into two appointments. The first is preparing your teeth for the shells. Your dentist will do this by removing a thin amount of your enamel, so that your results look flush and seamless. Once this is done, you’ll get impressions taken, and they will be sent to a dental lab.
A technician will then craft your veneers out of a high-quality material, typically porcelain. This process takes a couple of weeks because each one is being sculpted to fit your smile and colored to the right shade. While this happens, you’ll need to wear temporary veneers.
Unlike your results, these are made from resin or acrylic and are often pre-selected shapes and sizes. When they are placed, it’s expected that they feel bulky, but they let you see how your new smile will look.
So, Why Do I Need Temporary Veneers?
One big benefit of temporary veneers is that they protect your smile in the meantime. Since your teeth were prepared, the sensitive dentin underneath your enamel may be exposed. Bacteria can more easily erode this layer and cause cavities. These short-lived shells act like a barrier to acid-producing plaque.
Additionally, temporary veneers help make your smile look aesthetic. They look similar to your permanent set, so you get to do a trial run. You can talk to your dentist about any concerns you have, and they can make any adjustments to the appearance if needed. Not only that, but prepared teeth can look strange. Covering them with these short-lived shells can help ensure you don’t leave with them looking odd.
Although you may not be the most excited about needing a step before your final veneers, these temporary shells are an essential part of your treatment. Remember the benefits above and look toward getting the smile that you love; that way, you can enjoy the process to a more confident grin.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Garrad earned her dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She is proud to give the Greenville community the highest-quality care that they deserve. While a less-than-perfect set of teeth may bother you, Dr. Garrad is here to help enhance them with a wide range of cosmetic treatments, like veneers. By sticking with you every step of the way, you can trust that you love your customized results. If you want to transform your smile, schedule an appointment or call her office at (903) 455-6075.