The process of fitting porcelain veneers

Step 1: Aesthetic consultation and smile analysis 
 
Treatment with porcelain veneers always begins with a detailed dental consultation, during which the dentist: 

• analyses facial features, facial expressions and the symmetry of the smile, 
  
• produces photographic documentation and digital scans, 
  
• assesses the condition of the teeth, gums and occlusion, 
  
• discusses the patient's expectations - colour, length, smile style. 
   
  

This is also the point at which a decision is made about the type of porcelain veneers (monolithic, layered, E.max, feldspathic) and the number of teeth to be treated. 
 
Step 2: Digital scans and wax-up design 
 
Once the decision to treat has been made, a 3D scan of the mouth is taken - no need for classic, uncomfortable impressions. 
 
On the basis of the scans, the prosthetic technician prepares a wax-up - i.e. a wax model of a new smile. Wax-up shows: 

• new tooth shape, 
  
• length, proportions and symmetry, 
  
• direction of change from baseline. 
   
  

This project is the basis for further stages of treatment - both mock-upas well as final porcelain veneers. 
 
Step 3: Mock-up - the fitting of a new smile 
 
Mock-up is a temporary, visual simulation of the future smile, transferred directly into the patient's mouth. 
 
It is based on wax-upu and allows: 

• see the effect even before tooth preparation, 
  
• assess the length and width of the teeth in movement and while speaking, 
  
• make any adjustments to final project. 
   
  

Mock-up is an extremely important stage - it ensures that the patient is not surprised by the final result. It is also an advantage over computer visualisation, which does not reflect the true proportions. 
 
Step 4: Preparation of teeth for porcelain veneers 
 
After approval of the project mock-up, a minimal preparation of the teeth is undertaken - usually within 0.3-0.5 mm of enamel. The preparation is: 

• sparingly and exclusively within the enamel, 
  
• without disturbing the pulp and tooth structure, 
  
• performed under magnification, with maximum precision, 
  
• completely painless - under local anaesthesia. 
   
  

Some cases qualify for veneers without grinding (non-prep) - this is decided by the doctor after an analysis of the occlusal conditions. 
 
Step 5: Taking the final scan and making the veneers 
 
Once the preparation is complete, a digital scan of the teeth is again taken. 
The design goes to a prosthetics laboratory - either locally or to renowned studios around the world (e.g. Brazil, Dubai, Switzerland). 
 
At this stage: 

• the exact colour of the teeth is selected, 
  
• transparencies, textures and light lines are taken into account, 
  
• The technician begins by hand modelling or milling veneers from the material of choice (e.g. E.max). 
   

Step 6: Temporary veneers (temporaries) 
 
After preparation of the teeth, the patient receives temporary veneers - made of composite material, reproducing the final shape. 
 
Temporary veneers: 

• protect teeth from sensitivity, 
  
• provide comfort and aesthetics, 
  
• allow function and aesthetics to be assessed during use, 
  
• are safe and stable - the patient can eat and speak normally. 
   

Step 7: Fitting and cementing of porcelain veneers 
 
When the finished veneers arrive at the practice, a fitting takes place. At this stage: 

• The shape, colour and fit to the gums are checked, 
  
• The patient can still enter suggestions, 
  if everything is in order - the permanent cementation of the veneers begins. 

Cementing takes place: 

• in a cofferdam sheath (full insulation), 
  
• using high-quality adhesive cement, 
  
• with control of bite contacts and aesthetics. 

This is the final moment - the smile takes on final shape and brilliance.