Porcelain Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a conservative treatment in which, rather than cutting down every surface of the tooth, only the front surface is reduced by 0.3–0.7 mm, so that as little healthy tooth structure as possible is lost. Thin porcelain veneers are then bonded onto this prepared area.
When are porcelain veneers recommended?
- Severely discoloured teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening,
- Teeth with poor structure or shape,
- Closing gaps between teeth (diastema closure),
- Restoring chipped, fractured or worn teeth,
- Correcting old fillings that have become discoloured or deteriorated,
- Crowded or crooked teeth, where veneers can offer a cosmetic alternative (as an alternative to orthodontic treatment).
Frequently Asked Questions
Porcelain veneers are suitable for almost everyone.
- The desired look is achieved with minimal preparation of just 0.3–0.7 mm. Treatment takes 7–10 days on average.
- They are made from strong, durable materials that do not discolour.
- Porcelain veneers let you achieve the aesthetic features you want (colour, shape, etc.) without compromising the natural structure of your teeth. Either no change is made to the tooth at all, or only a minimal adjustment is carried out; the amount removed is limited to 0.3–0.7 mm.
- A replica of the teeth you are unhappy with is made and a new smile is designed on it. This means that, before any work is done on your teeth, the planned changes can be shown to you as a preview at the start of treatment. This preview is called a mock-up.
- Porcelain has a smooth surface, which keeps staining from smoking and similar causes to a minimum.
- They do not change colour due to external factors such as coffee, tea or smoking.
- They are highly resistant to wear.
Porcelain veneers are not recommended in the following cases:
- Jaw disorders
- Harmful habits such as nail biting or chewing on pens
- Porcelain veneers are not placed where there is advanced gum recession.
If no gum treatment or additional aesthetic procedure is needed, treatment is usually completed in 2–3 appointments within one week.
At the first appointment, impressions are taken before your teeth are prepared, and the design is worked out on the resulting model. Your teeth are then gently prepared and a second impression is taken with a high-precision impression material. At your next appointment, the veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Modern bonding systems provide very high bond strength. As long as your dentist follows the technique precisely, you can use your veneers just like your own natural teeth.
With good, proper oral hygiene, veneers can be used trouble-free for many years. This is because they are made from porcelain, which has superior properties compared with other bonded restorations. They are resistant to staining and wear. Careful oral hygiene is essential to extend their lifespan.
