Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Veneers
By Stephen Forrest, DDS, Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center
You want a confident smile. You also want clear steps, simple choices, and a plan that respects your time. Stephen Forrest, DDS, at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, walks you through the process of veneers in our office from start to finish. You will see each stage, what you feel, and how long it takes. You will know what to expect before you book.
“People do their best when they know what will happen next,” says Dr. Forrest. “My job is to explain every step in plain language, so you feel calm and informed.”
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom shells that cover the front of a tooth. They can improve color, shape, and alignment in your smile. We place them on teeth that show when you speak and laugh. We offer porcelain and composite options. Porcelain offers strong stain resistance and lifelike shine. Composite can be a faster, single-visit option for select needs.
Who makes a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you want to fix one or more of these issues:
- Stains that whitening cannot lift
- Chips or worn edges
- Small gaps
- Mild rotation or uneven length
- Teeth that look short or misshapen
Your gums need to be healthy. Your teeth need to have enough enamel for a secure bond. If you grind your teeth, we plan extra protection with a night guard.
The step-by-step veneer process
Consultation and smile goals
We start with a talk and a tour of your smile. You tell us what you want to change. We take photos and, if needed, low-radiation X-rays. We check your bite and gum health. We review cost, timing, and payment options. You leave with a straightforward plan and a clear estimate.
Your role: Bring example photos you like. Point out the teeth that bother you most. Share any time limits, like a wedding date or job interview.
Smile design and shade selection
We design your new shape and length with you. We discuss tooth brightness and how it will match your skin tone and lip line. For multi-tooth cases, we often create a 3D preview or a digital mockup. You can see the proposed length and width before we touch a tooth.
Your role: Approve the shade and shape. Ask questions. This is your smile, so your input drives every choice.
Conservative tooth preparation
We reshape only the front and edge of each treated tooth. We remove a very small amount of enamel so the veneer sits flush and looks natural. We keep removal minimal and use numbing so you stay comfortable. You may feel vibration, but you should not feel pain. If a “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” plan is safe for you, we will discuss it.
What you feel: A numb, pressure-only visit that lasts about one to two hours, depending on how many teeth we prepare.
Impressions or digital scans
We capture an exact model of your prepared teeth. We may use a digital scanner or precise impression material. We send this model, your shade choice, and our design notes to a skilled dental lab. The lab crafts each veneer to match your plan and your bite.
What you feel: A quick, simple scan or a few minutes of impression time.
Temporary veneers
We place temporary veneers to protect your teeth and preview length and shape in real life. You go back to normal life the same day. Temporaries look nice and help you test your new look as you talk and eat.
How long you wear them: Typically, one to two weeks while the lab makes your final set.
Care tips: Brush gently with a soft brush. Avoid very sticky foods. Call us if a temporary loosens.
Try-in and fine adjustments
Your final veneers arrive from the lab. We place them with a removable gel so you can see color and shape under real lighting. We check speech sounds, lip support, and bite. We make micro-adjustments to edges for smooth, natural flow.
Your role: Say a few words that use S and F sounds. Smile in a hand mirror. Look from different angles. Tell us what you see. We will make tiny changes until you love the look.
Bonding and placement
We clean and prepare each tooth. We prepare the inside of each veneer. We place a thin layer of resin cement, position the veneer, and set it with a curing light. We remove any extra cement, then polish edges and floss between teeth.
What you feel: Pressure as each veneer seats, then brief light curing. Numbness fades within a few hours.
Bite check, polish, and photos
We check your bite in a light and firm closure. We adjust any high spots so chewing feels even. We polish surfaces for a glassy finish and take photos for your chart.
What you feel: Light tapping to mark your bite. Smooth, clean teeth.
Follow-up and home care
We’ll see you in about two weeks. We check your gums, edges, and bite again. We answer new questions and review care.
Daily care: Brush twice a day with non-abrasive paste. Floss daily. Wear a night guard if you clench or grind. Limit very hard bites on ice, pens, or fingernails. Keep six-month cleanings.
“Great veneers should look like they grew there,” says Dr. Forrest. “We match shape, color, and bite so your new smile with veneers looks natural in photos and in person.”
Timeline at a glance
- Consultation: same day plan
- Prep, scans, and temporaries: one visit
- Lab time: about one to two weeks
- Try-in and bonding: one visit
- Follow-up: two weeks later
Rush options may be available. Tell us your deadline, and we will schedule with the lab accordingly.
Porcelain vs. composite veneers
Porcelain: Strong, lifelike shine, high stain resistance, multi-visit process with temporaries.
Composite: Shaped directly on the tooth in one visit for select cases. Good color and shape, easier to repair, may pick up stains faster than porcelain.
We will guide you based on your goals, your bite, and your timeline.
Comfort and safety
We use local anesthetic for prep. We offer gentle comfort options. Most patients return to normal activity the same day. Mild edge sensitivity can occur for a short time. We give clear instructions to protect your new smile.
Cost factors
Your fee depends on the number of teeth, material choice, case complexity, and any pre-care you need. You get a written estimate before we start. We offer payment options and can help you use HSA or FSA funds where allowed.
Results you can expect
You should expect a brighter, more even smile that fits your face. You should expect clean edges, a smooth feel, and a bite that feels natural. Friends may notice a fresher look without knowing why. That is our goal.
How to make your veneers last
- Keep regular cleanings and exams
- Wear a night guard if you grind
- Use a soft brush and gentle paste
- Avoid biting hard objects
- Limit deep-colored drinks sitting on teeth
- Rinse with water after coffee or wine
With good care, porcelain veneers can serve you well for many years. Composite can also serve well with maintenance and, if needed, quick polish visits.
Common add-on steps
Some cases need small steps before veneers to get the best result:
- Whitening of teeth not getting veneers so shades match
- Minor gum shaping to even the gum line
- Orthodontic alignment for crowded teeth that need space
If we suggest any add-on, we explain why and how it improves the final look.
Your next move
Bring your questions and your goals. We will map a clear path from today’s smile to your ideal smile. You will know your timeline, visits, and cost before you commit.
FAQ
How many visits will I need?
Most veneer cases take two to three visits. You have a consultation, a prep visit with scans and temporaries, then a placement visit. We add a short follow-up for polish and checks.
Do veneers hurt?
We numb the area during prep and placement, so you should not feel pain. You may feel mild soreness or temperature sensitivity for a short time. Most patients return to normal activity the same day.
Will my teeth be shaved down a lot?
No. We remove a small amount from the front and edge to create space. The goal is a natural look with minimal change to the tooth.
What if I only want one veneer?
A single veneer can match well when we plan shade and shape with care. We often whiten the rest of the smile first, so matching is easier.
How long do veneers last?
With good care and regular visits, porcelain veneers can last for many years. Composite veneers can also last well with maintenance and, if needed, small repairs.
Can veneers stain?
Porcelain resists stains well. Composite can stain faster. Rinse after coffee, tea, or wine. Keep cleanings on schedule.
What if I grind my teeth?
We check for wear marks during your exam. If you grind, we make a custom night guard to protect your new edges.
Are veneers reversible?
Veneers are a long-term choice. We remove a small amount of enamel to fit them, so you will need veneers or another cover in the future if you ever replace them. We plan carefully so you feel confident before we start.
What do I do if a veneer chips?
Call us. Small chips can often be polished or repaired. Larger chips may need a lab repair or a new veneer. We help you choose the best path.
How do I get started with veneers?
Schedule a consultation. Bring your goals, your timeline, and any photos you like. We will build a simple, step-by-step plan for you.
Ready to see what your new smile could look like? Call Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center at 515-516-6769 or stop by 2375 Berkshire Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325. We are here to help you make a clear, confident choice.
