How Long Does It Take to Get Veneers Done?
If you’re considering veneers to enhance your smile, you’re probably wondering how long the whole process takes. The good news is that getting veneers typically takes only a few weeks from start to finish, with just a couple of dental appointments in most cases. Porcelain veneers usually require 2-3 visits over about 2-3 weeks. Some types of veneers or advanced techniques can even be done in a single day. Every patient is a little different, but we’ll break down the typical timeline, so you know what to expect.
“My patients love that veneers can transform their smiles in a surprisingly short time,” says Stephen Forrest, DDS, cosmetic dentist at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center. “In just a few appointments, often within two or three weeks, you can walk out with the smile you’ve always wanted.”
Factors That Affect the Veneers Timeline
Several factors can influence how long it takes to get veneers done. Here are some key considerations that can speed up or slow down the process:
Number of Veneers
Getting a single veneer is usually faster than doing a full set. The more teeth we treat, the more preparation and fitting time is needed, and the longer the lab will take to craft all the veneers.
Type of Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental lab and typically take a couple of weeks to fabricate. Composite veneers (made of resin) can often be done in one visit because the material is applied directly to your teeth. Same-day veneers (using in-office CAD/CAM technology) allow some offices to design and mill porcelain veneers on the spot.
Oral Health Condition
If you have any dental issues like cavities or gum disease, those should be treated before veneers. Addressing these problems (fillings, deep cleanings, etc.) can add extra appointments and a bit more time to your overall timeline, but it ensures your new veneers are placed on healthy teeth.
Customization and Dental Lab Work
For traditional porcelain veneers, the dental laboratory’s schedule plays a big role. It generally takes 1–2 weeks for a lab to craft the veneers after your dentist sends in your teeth impressions. If you choose a special shade or require additional customization, it might take slightly longer. On the other hand, an in-house lab or advanced milling machine can shorten this wait.
Patient Schedule and Dentist Schedule
Scheduling flexibility can affect the timeline. If you and your dentist can arrange the prep and placement appointments within a short span, you’ll finish faster. For example, scheduling your final placement as soon as the lab delivers your veneers (usually about two weeks after prep) keeps the process on track.
Understanding these factors will give you a sense of whether your veneer process will be on the shorter end (just a week or two) or closer to a month. Now, let’s look at the typical step-by-step process and how long each part takes.
The Veneer Process: Steps and Timeline
Getting veneers is usually a multi-step procedure spread over a few appointments. Here’s an overview of each stage and approximately how long it takes:
Initial Consultation – 30 to 60 Minutes: Your journey begins with a consultation and exam. The dentist will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and confirm if veneers are right for you. This visit often includes X-rays or digital scans of your teeth. If you decide to proceed, we’ll plan the treatment and answer any questions. (Sometimes, a patient can combine this consult with the prep work on the same day, but typically they are separate visits.)
Tooth Preparation & Impressions – 1 to 2 Hours: In the next appointment, the dentist prepares your teeth for veneers. This involves gently removing a very thin layer of enamel from each tooth getting a veneer. Don’t worry, it’s a conservative amount, but it’s necessary so the veneers will fit naturally and not feel bulky. We make sure you’re comfortable with local numbing so you won’t feel pain during this step. After shaping the teeth, the dentist takes dental impressions or scans. These impressions are sent to a lab where your custom veneers are crafted.
Before you leave, temporary veneers are placed on your prepared teeth. The temporaries protect your teeth and let you preview the look of your new smile. At this point, there is a waiting period while the lab creates the permanent veneers, usually about 10–14 days. You’ll be able to go about life normally with the temporary veneers in place during this time.
Veneer Placement (Final Visit) – 1 to 2 Hours: Once your custom porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return for the final fitting. The dentist will remove your temporary veneers and try in the new porcelain veneers to check their fit and appearance.
If everything looks and feels right, the veneers are then permanently bonded to your teeth one by one. A special dental cement is used, and a curing light hardens the bond quickly. The dentist will make any necessary minor adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable and your new smile looks natural.
This final appointment typically lasts under 2 hours. You’ll leave the office with your brand-new smile in place! There’s no significant downtime – you can eat and drink normally the same day (once any anesthesia wears off).
Most patients adapt to their veneers within a couple of weeks. You might schedule a brief follow-up a week or two later so the dentist can ensure everything is perfect.
“The longest part of the veneer process is waiting for the lab to craft the porcelain shells,” Dr. Forrest notes. “We know you’re excited to see your new smile, so we provide natural-looking temporaries and stay in close communication with our lab to keep the turnaround time short.”
Are There Faster Options for Veneers?
For those who need results sooner or want to skip the wait, there are a couple of faster veneer options to consider:
Same-Day Porcelain Veneers
Some cosmetic dentists offer technology that can design and mill porcelain veneers in the office on the same day. If your dentist has a system like CEREC®, it’s possible to prepare your teeth and create the veneers right then and there. You could walk out with permanent veneers in a single extended visit. Not every case is a candidate for same-day veneers, but it’s worth asking if speed is a priority for you.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers can often be completed in one visit because the dentist directly sculpts the resin material onto your teeth. There’s no lab wait. Composite veneers can be a quick fix, for example, if you have a chipped or small tooth, you want to improve it promptly. However, keep in mind that composite veneers typically do not last as long as porcelain veneers and might not have the exact translucency of porcelain.
“No-Prep” or Minimal Prep Veneers
These are a type of ultra-thin porcelain veneer that requires little to no enamel removal. In some cases, no-prep veneers might reduce the preparation time, and you might not need temporaries. They often still require an impression and lab work, but since the prep is minimal, the process can be slightly quicker and easier.
While faster options exist, most patients opt for traditional porcelain veneers because of their durability and lifelike appearance. Even though you wait a couple of weeks for lab fabrication, your permanent smile will be strong and beautiful for many years.
If you have a special event or timeline in mind, be sure to discuss it with Dr. Forrest. We’ll help you choose the best approach and possibly expedite steps when we can. Remember that rushing the process isn’t recommended at the expense of quality, a well-planned veneer treatment is worth the brief wait for a long-lasting result.
FAQ About Getting Veneers
How many appointments does it take to get veneers?
Usually, two to three appointments are needed for porcelain veneers: one for the consultation (and possibly initial records), one for the tooth preparation and impressions, and a final one for placing the veneers. Some dentists combine the consultation and prep into one visit if time allows. If you’re getting composite veneers, it may only take a single appointment.
Does it hurt to get veneers?
Getting veneers should not be painful. Your dentist will numb your teeth for the preparation, so you won’t feel the removal of the enamel. Afterward, you might have mild tooth sensitivity or soreness in the gums for a few days, but it’s usually very manageable. The procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible.
How long do veneers last once they’re on?
Porcelain veneers typically last 10 years or more with proper care, and many last well over a decade. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan (often around 5-7 years) because the material isn’t as strong. Taking good care of your veneered teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly will help maximize their lifespan.
Can I get veneers in one day?
If you choose composite veneers or a clinic that offers same-day porcelain veneers, it’s possible to get your veneers in a single day. With same-day systems, the dentist can prepare your tooth and mill a custom porcelain veneer on-site. These options are great for minor cases or quick fixes. However, a full set of porcelain veneers is usually done over multiple visits to ensure the best aesthetics and fit.
Ready To Get Started With Veneers?
Getting veneers is a relatively quick process that can fit into even a busy schedule. From your first consultation to your final dazzling smile, the process often takes just a few weeks. Our team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, led by Dr. Stephen Forrest, will guide you through every step, making it an easy and enjoyable journey to the smile of your dreams. You’ll be smiling with confidence before you know it!
