New teeth?! Yes honey.
Well, almost! We are halfway there.
I recently started veneers with Dr. Browner of Mesa Dental in Las Vegas. She has been my dentist for the past few years, and even though we moved to the Carolinas, she is so incredible that I have always flown back to her.
Check out a reel HERE I made with Dr. Browner regarding dental health & Sjögren’s syndrome (autoimmune).
There are a few steps to getting veneers: first consult, then temporary veneers applied, and then on your final visit, your permanent veneers are placed.
I’m currently in the temporary phase, and so far it’s been great!
I’ve been getting tons of questions about my veneers on FB & IG since I posted about them, and since I’m currently in the middle of the veneers process, I thought it would be a great time to share ALL the details I know so far with you.
💜 Be sure to check out my YouTube video with the full breakdown HERE!
But, why veneers?
I feel like majority of people get veneers because they don’t like the looks of their teeth at all, but that wasn’t the case for me.
In fact, I loved the shape of my teeth, and I loved how they looked (other than a few issues). Aesthetically I was happy with my teeth! I actually had no idea I’d even be a candidate for veneers nor did I even think I wanted them, initially.
The thing that was really annoying about my natural teeth was that I struggled with sensitivity and had some erosion spots at the gum line that had formed over the years. The sensitivity made me feel anxious at the dentist, although Dr. Browner made my appointments as comfortable as possible, and my teeth simply were not as comfortable on a daily basis anymore like they used to be.
And although I aesthetically loved my teeth, it would have been nice to be able to do a whitening treatment (since I hadn’t done one in over 20 years!), but that was no longer an option due to all the sensitivity. Not the biggest deal, but the sensitivity paired the fact that it wasn’t going to get any better was why I started talking with Dr. Browner very seriously about the veneers option.
My decision to get veneers was about more than just aesthetics – it was about comfort and longevity first, and secondly, aesthetics… because while we’re at it, why not make them a whiter too?!
The VIP Experience in Vegas
I flew to Vegas for a VIP veneers experience with Dr. Browner of Mesa Dental. This is a special experience Mesa Dental provides for out of town veneers clients. Luxury service meets luxury treatment. It’s definitely next level service!
If you watch my Instagram Story Highlights under “Veneers” you can see the whole ‘behind the scenes’ VIP veneers experience of getting my temporaries applied!
And yes, no matter where you live in the world, YOU can consult & book with Dr. Browner for veneers as well. The process is seamless and worth it – plus, an excuse for a few trips to Las Vegas doesn’t hurt either. 😉
Getting Started: What to Expect
If you’re considering veneers, the first step is a consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate. Veneers are a long-term commitment, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Veneers typically last between 15 to 20 years, so you’ll potentially need to budget for future replacements.
Consult with Dr. Browner HERE.
Temporary Veneers: What to Expect
I’m two weeks into wearing my temporary veneers, which are a halfway step before getting the permanent ones. Here’s a rundown of my experience so far:
- The Process: During the consultation, Dr. Browner and I discussed the shape and look I wanted. My mold was sent to the lab to create my temporaries. In this second appointment, after prepping my teeth, the temporaries were applied. This temporary set is a single mold that fits over your prepped teeth, made from a type of acrylic. I wear this for a few weeks until the lab is finished with the permanent veneers and then I’ll go back for the final appointment.
- Initial Impressions: I was nervous, especially since my natural teeth are incredibly sensitive, but Dr. Browner made the whole process so comfortable. The morning of the surgery I was not nervous; I knew I was in the best hands. And thankfully, she prescribed a wonderful sedative 🧘♀️ that took the edge off along with numbing my mouth. Even though I was awake the entire time, I felt no pain during the 5 hour procedure.
- Daily Life with Temporaries: Surprisingly, I could eat almost immediately after the procedure – I had pasta for dinner with that night just a couple hours after! The key is to stick to softer foods initially. After about a week, I felt brave enough to eat more normally, including salads with crunchy toppings. I’ve taken a couple ibuprofen since having the temps in, but that’s only been after eating an enormous raw veggie dish where I did an immense amount of chewing. Since the temporaries are one single piece, you can feel it shift (a little) when you’re chewing on one side or the other, but on the regular, my temporaries have been very comfortable. Plus, I’m super happy with how they look!
Daily Care Routine
Taking care of temporary veneers is a bit different from natural teeth:
- Flossing: You use a special flossing gadget to thread your floss between each veneer. It’s a bit more time consuming than regular flossing, but you get the hang of it after a couple days.
- Peroxide Rinse: Apply hydrogen peroxide (with a syringe if you have one / Dr. Browner provided them for me) to keep your gums healthy.
- Gentle Brushing: Continue to brush as usual but be gentle around the gum line. Dr Browner recommended these brushes and this brand of toothpaste to me years ago and both are absolutely my favorite.
The #1 question I’m asked
The main question I get asked is about pain.
It was painless!! Seriously! I was shocked too.
There was no pain during the procedure, and I’ve had little to no discomfort since. Occasionally, after eating a big meal, my teeth feel a bit tender, but an ibuprofen takes care of that. If you want to be extra gentle, stick to extra soft foods while wearing your temporaries.
I’m THRILLED with my temporary veneers and can’t wait to get the permanent ones. They’ve already made a huge difference in my comfort and confidence. The final veneers will be custom-made to perfect the shape and color, ensuring they look natural and elevate my smile just the right amount.
If you have questions about my veneers, drop them in the comments below or send me a DM on instagram @missasheydiana. Stay tuned for the big reveal of my permanent veneers soon!
Xo, Ashley
Don’t miss my YouTube video HERE breaking down the veneers process so far!