This is an excellent question that speaks to professional standards and patient-centered care. I’m Dr. Emily Nguyen, Principal Dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic, and I have strong opinions about this based on ethical practice and what I’ve learned serving patients from around the world. The try-in phase is not optional; it’s an essential part of responsible veneer treatment.
Why Try-In Is Essential
The try-in appointment is your safety net. Once veneers are permanently cemented with strong bonding agents, removing them risks damaging the porcelain or your underlying tooth structure. Making changes after permanent cementation is difficult, expensive, and sometimes impossible without creating new veneers.
At our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics, I’ve had patients request shade adjustments during try-in that made the difference between a smile they liked and a smile they loved. One patient from Singapore initially approved a shade, but when she saw it in natural sunlight during try-in, she realized it was slightly too white for her complexion. We sent the veneers back to the lab for a subtle adjustment, and she was thrilled with the final result.
Color is particularly tricky because it looks different under various lighting conditions. What appears perfect under dental operatory lights might look too bright or too opaque in natural daylight. The try-in period lets you see your veneers in multiple settings before making a permanent decision.
What Happens During Try-In
When your veneers return from the lab, I place them on your teeth using a water-soluble gel or temporary cement. This allows you to see exactly how they’ll look without permanent bonding. You can evaluate them in the mirror, take photos, and even leave the clinic to see them in natural light or show family members.
We assess several factors during try-in. Color is obviously important, but we also check shape, length, and how the veneers relate to your lips, gums, and facial features. Sometimes minor adjustments to the edges or contours make a significant difference in the final appearance.
I also evaluate functional aspects during try-in. The veneers must fit properly, maintain correct bite alignment, and feel comfortable. If something feels off to you or to me, we address it before permanent cementation. At Picasso Dental Clinic, we’ve refined this process since 2013, and it’s become one of the most valuable appointments in the veneer journey.
Your Rights as a Patient
You have the absolute right to approve your veneers before they’re permanently placed. Any dentist who pressures you to accept veneers without adequate evaluation time is not practicing patient-centered care. This is especially important for international patients at our Da Nang and Da Lat locations who’ve traveled specifically for treatment.
If you’re uncomfortable with the color, shape, or any aspect of the veneers during try-in, speak up. A good dentist welcomes feedback and wants you to be completely satisfied. I’d rather send veneers back to the lab three times than have a patient live with results they’re unhappy with for the next 10 to 15 years.
Some patients worry about seeming difficult or picky. Don’t. This is your smile, your investment, and your confidence. The try-in appointment exists precisely so you can be “picky” before the results become permanent.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a dentist wants to permanently cement veneers immediately without giving you time to evaluate them. This might indicate they’re rushing the process, lack confidence in their work, or don’t prioritize patient satisfaction.
Similarly, be wary if the dentist dismisses your concerns during try-in or pressures you to accept veneers you’re uncertain about. Phrases like “they’ll look better once they’re cemented” or “you’ll get used to them” are red flags. While it’s true that final cementation can slightly enhance appearance, the fundamental color and shape should satisfy you during try-in.
At our clinics serving patients from 65 different nationalities, I’ve learned that cultural differences sometimes make patients hesitant to express dissatisfaction. Some patients from cultures that emphasize deference to authority figures find it difficult to tell me they want changes. I always explicitly encourage feedback and explain that adjustments are normal and expected.
What Adjustments Are Possible
During try-in, certain modifications are straightforward while others require sending veneers back to the lab. Minor contouring and length adjustments can often be done chairside. If you want the edges slightly shorter or smoother, I can make those changes during the appointment.
Color changes require lab work. The porcelain is already fired and glazed, so we can’t alter the shade after fabrication. If the color isn’t right, the lab must create new veneers. This adds time and potentially cost, but reputable clinics like Picasso Dental Clinic build revision opportunities into our process.
Shape modifications also typically require lab work, especially if you want veneers more rounded, squared, or differently proportioned. Surface texture adjustments might be possible chairside, depending on the extent of change needed.
Best Practices for Try-In
I recommend taking photos of your veneers during try-in and reviewing them carefully. Sometimes what looks good in person appears different in photos, and since most people see your smile in photos these days, that perspective matters.
If possible, look at your veneers in different lighting: the dental operatory, natural sunlight, indoor lighting, and even outdoor shade. Color shifts between these environments, and you want a shade that looks good everywhere.
Take your time during the try-in appointment. Don’t let anyone rush you. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I typically schedule 45 minutes to an hour for try-in appointments specifically so patients can thoroughly evaluate their veneers and we can discuss any concerns.
If you’re traveling for treatment and feeling time pressure, remember that it’s better to extend your stay a few days for lab adjustments than to return home with veneers you dislike. Most patients who’ve done this tell me the extra time was absolutely worth it.
If you have questions about the veneer process or want to ensure your dentist follows best practices, I’m happy to discuss your situation at any of our clinics in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat. Patient satisfaction through proper protocols is something I’m passionate about.
