Veneers Explained: What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment

Do you ever look in the mirror and wish you could fix a chipped, stained, or slightly crooked tooth? If you want to transform your smile, dental veneers offer a highly effective and durable solution. They are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their color, shape, and overall appearance. 

At Sabrina E. Mickel DDS, Inc. in Beachwood, Ohio, Dr. Sabrina Mickel can help you achieve your dream smile with custom veneers that match your natural teeth. Our team is committed to providing gentle, personalized care that makes your treatment comfortable and stress-free. 

Here, we break down how we manage the entire process: before, during, and after.

Before treatment: Preparing your smile

Prior to veneer placement, we must ensure your teeth and gums are healthy by resolving underlying oral issues, such as active tooth decay or gum disease. This step prevents existing dental problems from worsening under your new restorations.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Mickel examines your mouth and discusses your cosmetic goals. Our team takes detailed digital impressions to plan the exact size, shape, and shade of your future teeth. This careful planning ensures your final results look natural and feel incredibly comfortable.

During treatment: The placement process

Once your teeth are ready, we gently prepare them by removing a small amount of enamel. This step ensures the custom shells sit flush with your surrounding teeth and don’t look bulky. It also creates a strong surface for the bonding material to hold onto. 

After preparation, we place temporary covers while a specialized lab crafts your permanent glass-ceramic shells. At your next visit, we carefully bond the final veneers to your teeth, instantly revealing your bright new smile. We also make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels perfect.

Keep in mind: The veneers themselves do not harm your natural teeth. Your teeth remain strong and healthy underneath the protective shells.

After treatment: Caring for your new smile

Veneers are designed to be incredibly strong and long-lasting. In fact, research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2024) shows that minimally prepared glass-ceramic dental veneers have an estimated overall survival rate of 94% over nine years. This means you can enjoy your beautiful new smile with confidence for a long time.

To keep your smile looking its best, you simply need to practice good daily oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings will protect the natural tooth structure underneath the shells from decay. You should also avoid biting down on hard objects, like ice or hard candy.

Investing in your smile can boost your confidence and improve your quality of life. If you're ready to explore how veneers can transform your appearance, we're here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact our office in Beachwood today to schedule your cosmetic consultation.