615-355-5822
If you’ve been considering veneers, you probably have a lot of questions. What exactly happens during the procedure? Will it hurt? How long does the whole process take? At Smith Dental in Smyrna, TN, Dr. Robert L. Smith walks every patient through the complete veneer journey — from enamel shaping to final bond. Understanding each phase helps you feel confident before you ever sit in the chair. This guide breaks down every step so you know exactly what to expect.
What Happens During Your Veneer Consultation in Smyrna
Your veneer journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Smith will examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and determine whether veneers are the right fit for you. Not every patient is an ideal candidate, and that honest conversation matters.
During this visit, you’ll talk about shade selection. Choosing the right color is one of the most important parts of the process. Dr. Smith uses shade guides and considers your skin tone, eye color, and natural tooth color to find a shade that looks beautiful and natural.
You’ll also discuss the shape and size of your veneers. Digital imaging tools may be used to give you a preview of your potential results. This is your chance to ask questions and make sure your expectations align with what veneers can realistically deliver.
- Review your dental and medical history
- Examine tooth structure and gum health
- Discuss shade, shape, and size preferences
- Take X-rays or digital scans if needed
- Set a clear treatment timeline
Enamel Shaping: What It Means and Why It Matters
Enamel shaping is a critical step — and one that many patients have questions about. To place a veneer properly, Dr. Smith removes a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of each tooth. This creates space so the veneer sits flush and looks natural.
The amount of enamel removed is very small — typically between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters. That said, this step is permanent. Once enamel is removed, the tooth will always need a veneer or similar restoration. Dr. Smith takes this seriously and only removes what is absolutely necessary.
Local anesthesia is often used during this phase to keep you comfortable. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience feels. The preparation is precise and carefully done to protect the underlying tooth structure.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re exploring other cosmetic or restorative options alongside veneers — such as Implant Dentistry for missing teeth — Dr. Smith will coordinate your care so every treatment complements the next.
The Temporary Phase: Protecting Your Teeth Between Visits
After enamel preparation, your teeth need protection while your custom veneers are being crafted. This is where temporary veneers come in. Dr. Smith places temporary restorations over your prepared teeth so they’re not left exposed.
Temporaries don’t look or feel exactly like your final veneers. They’re made from a different material and are bonded with a lighter adhesive for easy removal. Still, they give you a preview of your new smile and help you get used to the feel of veneers.
You’ll wear temporaries for about one to two weeks. During this time, a dental lab crafts your permanent veneers using the impressions or digital scans taken during your preparation visit. Every veneer is custom-made to match your chosen shade and shape.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods while wearing temporaries
- Brush gently around the temporary restorations
- Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens
- Contact Dr. Smith’s office if a temporary comes loose
- Attend your follow-up appointment as scheduled
Shade Selection: Getting the Color Just Right
Shade selection deserves its own spotlight because it has such a huge impact on your final result. Many patients assume they want the brightest white possible. But Dr. Smith often advises a more natural approach — one that complements your overall appearance.
The shade guide used in our Smyrna office contains dozens of options. During your consultation and temporary phase, you have opportunities to refine your choice. Viewing your temporary veneers in different lighting — natural light, office light, evening light — helps you make a fully informed decision.
Communication is key here. Tell Dr. Smith if you want subtle brightness or a more dramatic transformation. Both are achievable. The goal is a result that looks like your best natural smile, not an obviously artificial one.
If you’re also considering Orthodontics to address alignment before or alongside veneers, Dr. Smith will factor that into your overall treatment plan for the most harmonious outcome.
The Final Bonding Appointment: Your New Smile Takes Shape
When your permanent veneers arrive from the lab, you’ll return to Smith Dental for your final bonding appointment. This is the step that transforms your smile. Dr. Smith will first place the veneers without adhesive so you can preview how they look and feel.
Adjustments can still be made at this stage. If something feels off — the shape, the fit, the color — speak up now. Once bonding is complete, changes are much more difficult to make. Dr. Smith encourages every patient to take their time during this preview step.
When you’re satisfied, Dr. Smith cleans and etches the surface of each prepared tooth. A special bonding cement is then applied, and the veneer is carefully positioned. A curing light hardens the adhesive in seconds. Any excess cement is removed, and the bite is checked for comfort and alignment.
After bonding, your veneers are complete. You’ll leave the office with a noticeably improved smile that can last ten to fifteen years with proper care. Most patients describe the results as life-changing.
Caring for Your Veneers After Treatment
Veneers are durable, but they do require consistent care. Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste helps maintain their surface. Flossing every day keeps the margins of your veneers clean and healthy.
Avoid habits that put excessive force on your veneers. Biting ice, fingernails, or hard objects can chip the porcelain. If you grind your teeth at night, Dr. Smith may recommend a nightguard to protect your investment.
Regular dental checkups at Smith Dental in Smyrna are essential. Dr. Smith will monitor your veneers at each visit to catch any early issues. With the right habits, your veneers can stay beautiful for well over a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does enamel removal hurt during the veneer process?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during enamel preparation. Dr. Smith uses local anesthesia to keep the area numb throughout the procedure. Any sensitivity afterward is typically mild and short-lived.
How long does the entire veneer process take at Smith Dental?
The complete veneer journey — from consultation to final bonding — usually spans two to three weeks. Most patients need at least two appointments: one for preparation and one for bonding. Dr. Smith will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Can I choose any shade I want for my veneers?
Yes, shade selection is highly personalized. Dr. Smith uses a professional shade guide and considers your natural coloring to help you choose a shade that looks both beautiful and natural. You can opt for subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation.
Are veneers reversible?
Veneers are considered a permanent treatment because enamel is removed during preparation. Once that enamel is gone, the tooth will always need some form of restoration. Dr. Smith discusses this thoroughly during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
How do I maintain my veneers long-term?
Brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss daily, and attend regular checkups at Smith Dental. Avoid habits like biting ice or hard objects. If you grind your teeth, ask Dr. Smith about a nightguard. With proper care, veneers can last ten to fifteen years or longer.
If you’re ready to explore what veneers can do for your smile in Smyrna, TN, Dr. Robert L. Smith and the team at Smith Dental are here to guide you every step of the way. Book Now to schedule your appointment with our team.
