You’ve seen them on TV. Maybe a friend or coworker has them. Porcelain veneers are often called “instant smile makeovers” for a reason. But what actually happens if you decide to get them? Is it painful? How long does it take? And will they look fake?
Let’s walk through the entire process together. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect from start to finish here in our Owings Mills office.
Step 1: The Complimentary Conversation
Every smile makeover at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry starts the same way: with a no-cost, no-pressure consultation with Dr. Lazer. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a conversation about what bothers you about your smile and what you’d love to change.
Maybe your teeth are chipped, stained deeper than any whitening can fix, slightly uneven, or have small gaps. Dr. Lazer will listen, examine your teeth, and show you what’s possible. You’ll leave with a clear plan and zero obligation.
Step 2: Designing Your Smile (The Art Part)
This is where Dr. Lazer’s skill really shines. He’s been featured in Baltimore Magazine for a reason. He doesn’t just slap on identical, fake-looking shells. He studies your face shape, your skin tone, your natural tooth proportions, and even your personality.
Do you want a bright, Hollywood smile? Or something more natural that simply looks like your teeth but better? He’ll show you shapes, shades, and even use digital imaging to give you a preview. You are in the driver’s seat the whole time.
Step 3: Preparing Your Teeth
Here’s what many people worry about: “Do they shave down my teeth?” The answer is yes, but only a tiny amount, about the thickness of a contact lens. This best ensures your veneers look natural and don’t feel bulky in your mouth.
Dr. Lazer gently removes that thin layer of enamel, takes precise molds, and places temporary veneers so you leave with a complete smile. You won’t walk around with “nubby” teeth. The temporaries often look and feel pretty good while the permanent ones are being made.
Step 4: The Wait (About Two Weeks)
Your impressions go to a master ceramic lab where skilled technicians craft each veneer by hand. They match the color, shape, and translucency perfectly to Dr. Lazer’s prescription. This is why two weeks is standard; quality takes time.
Step 5: The Big Day: Bonding Your Veneers
Dr. Lazer will remove your temporaries and gently try on each permanent veneer. You’ll look in a mirror. You may tear up. (Seriously, watch our patient video testimonials. That really happens.)
Once you say “yes,” he bonds each veneer to your tooth with a special cement and a curing light. The bond is incredibly strong. You could walk out with a completely transformed smile.
What About Pain or Recovery?
Most patients describe very little to no pain. You might have mild sensitivity for a few days, but nothing like a root canal or extraction. You can eat normally (though we do recommend taking it easy the first day). By the next morning, most people forget they even had work done.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
With good home care and regular checkups, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. They resist staining better than natural teeth, so your coffee and tea habit shouldn’t ruin them.
Ready to See Your New Smile?
You don’t have to wonder anymore. Dr. Lazer offers a complimentary cosmetic consultation to show you exactly what veneers can do for your smile. Call us at (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online. Let’s create a smile you can’t wait to show off.