What is a veneer wax-up or mock-up?
A wax-up is a lab-made preview of the planned veneer shapes; a mock-up transfers that preview onto your real teeth so you can see it before any drilling.
Before any tooth is touched, the lab sculpts the proposed veneer shapes in wax or designs them digitally. That preview can then be copied onto your teeth with temporary resin as a mock-up.
Why a preview step matters
The mock-up lets you check length, shape, and lip support in a mirror and in photos, and speak up before anything is irreversible. It also guides the dentist on how much enamel actually needs adjusting, which often keeps preparation conservative.
How closely the final result matches the mock-up varies by case and material. Review the preview carefully and consult your dentist about anything you want changed at this stage, when edits are still simple.
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.