What happens when impressions are taken for veneers?
After preparation, the teeth are copied either with a tray of silicone material or a digital scanner, giving the lab an exact model to build the veneers on.
The impression is the bridge between your mouth and the lab bench. Whether analog or digital, its job is to record the prepared teeth, the gum margins, and the bite in fine detail.
Tray material or scanner
With the tray method, a retraction cord may be tucked along the gum to expose the margin, then a soft silicone sets around the teeth for a few minutes before removal. With a scanner, the same margins are captured optically; either way a bite record and often a shade record travel to the lab with the case.
Gag reflex, saliva flow, and gum depth differ by individual, which is why the method is chosen case by case. If trays are hard for you, tell the dentist — many offices can switch to scanning, so consult on the option before the visit.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.