Veneers

What is a veneer?

Veneers are wafer-thin, translucent veneers that are usually made of ceramic or a plastic-ceramic mixture (composite). The dentist attaches them permanently to the tooth surface using a special adhesive (adhesive technique). Veneers provide very good aesthetic results, which is why they are usually used for damage to the front teeth. They can be used to correct unsatisfactory tooth colors, local discolorations, slight misalignments and gaps between teeth.

When are veneers used?

Veneers are particularly suitable for patients who want to whiten their incisors or correct slight misalignments and/or the shape and size of their teeth. Veneers can be used for discolored teeth, enamel defects, minor misalignments, gaps or chipping and irregular tooth surfaces to achieve optimal dental aesthetics according to individual preferences. An important prerequisite for the insertion of veneers is that the teeth and gums are healthy. It is therefore important that the teeth to be treated undergo a professional dental cleaning and, if necessary, periodontal treatment before being restored with veneers. Veneers are also often problematic for patients who grind their teeth, as the veneers can become detached or damaged due to grinding. If teeth grinding only occurs at night, any damage can be prevented with a plastic splint (occlusal splint or grinding splint). People who play martial arts or ball sports should wear a sports guard to protect their own teeth as well as the veneers. Allergies, for example to the components of the adhesive systems used (adhesive components), must also be clarified in advance.

What types of veneers are there?

Dentists distinguish between four different types of veneers. These differ in terms of thickness, application and material. Which procedure is selected depends on the type of tooth irregularity or the initial situation as well as the patient’s wishes.

• Conventional ceramic veneers consist of ceramic layers and are approx. 0.4 – 2 millimetres thick, depending on the situation. In this procedure, the veneers are adapted to the shape of the tooth in the laboratory. The dentist grinds down the outer surface of the tooth minimally under local anesthesia and inserts a plastic temporary for approx. 1 week. Once the ceramic veneers have been produced in the laboratory, they are adhesively bonded to the teeth.

1. As a rule, classic ceramic veneers provide the most long-lasting and brilliant esthetic results.
2. Depending on the initial situation of the tooth situation, there are also quite extensive veneers (so-called three-quarter crowns) if, for example, extensive deep old fillings already existed. In this case, there is a smooth transition to the all-ceramic crown.

 

• Non-prep veneers (e.g. Lumineers or laminates) are only around 0.3 -1 millimetres thick and are therefore usually significantly thinner than conventional veneers. No preparation, i.e. grinding of the teeth, is necessary (= “non-prep”), so the tooth substance is not affected and no local anesthetic is required. This method is therefore painless. The impression is taken without preparing the teeth and the shells are produced in the laboratory. The dentist then fixes the veneers permanently to the teeth using a special adhesive.

 

• Veneers-To-Go (instant veneers) consist of either all-ceramic or a plastic-ceramic mixture. In the immediate procedure, the veneers are adapted to the shape of the tooth and bonded directly at the dentist’s practice. They can be fitted with little or no removal of substance. This type of veneer is the most cost-effective, as only one treatment session is required and standardized veneer templates are used. There is no need for special production in the laboratory.

 

• Composite veneers are made of dental plastics and, like veneers-to-go, are applied directly to the tooth in a single session. These are artistic aesthetic layering procedures and individual modeling with composite materials of different shades which are modeled and finished directly in the patient’s mouth in a single session.

What is the procedure for treatment with veneers?

Several sessions at the dentist are usually necessary for the application of conventional veneers. Before the veneers are made, an impression is taken of your teeth. This can be used to determine the shape, size and position of the veneers.

A dental technician then fabricates the ceramic veneer based on the decisions made previously. The dentist checks whether the veneers fit perfectly into your teeth. If the patient is also satisfied, the veneers can be finally bonded to the teeth. To do this, the dentist cleans the teeth to be treated and grinds off some of the enamel under local anesthetic. Small plastic fillings must also be removed beforehand. The veneers are then bonded to the teeth. This process takes around 30-60 minutes per tooth and veneer. However, the entire treatment process can take several days to weeks. Immediately after the treatment, you should avoid hard food and treat your teeth gently.

What are the advantages of veneers?

A major advantage of veneers is their versatility. Slight misalignments and small gaps or gaps between teeth can be easily covered with veneers. Local discoloration and an unsightly tooth color can be permanently corrected and almost any desired shade can be achieved. Small teeth can also be visually enlarged with the help of veneers to create a closed row of teeth. Grooves and irregularities on the tooth surface can also be hidden.

Conventional veneers are particularly impressive due to their natural appearance. This is due to the materials used, as properties such as transparency ensure a very natural result. Veneers are also very biocompatible and, with good care, can last up to 20 years. Further advantages are

• Minimal/non-invasive procedure
• Long-term color stability (for ceramic veneers)
• Protection of the damaged tooth structure against further bacterial, chemical, mechanical and physical stimuli
• Some types of veneers, such as non-prep veneers, are reversible and can be removed from the tooth with almost no residue

What are the disadvantages of veneers?

The use of veneers is generally considered safe in aesthetic dentistry. With professional and precise work, the likelihood of complications is very low. The risk of rejection reactions is also very low due to the high level of tolerance. However, if the work has been carried out imprecisely, gaps and crevices can occur between the tooth and the veneer, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning in these areas is more difficult, which can lead to inflammation and caries formation. The correct fit of the veneers is extremely important. In a few cases, the removal of tooth substance can lead to chronic pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp). If you opt for a procedure in which the tooth structure is removed, you must be aware that these cannot be reversed. The treated teeth will always have to be crowned or fitted with veneers to ensure problem-free eating and an attractive smile.

Other disadvantages are:

• Loss of the veneer due to failure of the adhesive
• Damage to the thin veneer shells, e.g. due to heavy grinding or nail biting
• Caries (with insufficient oral hygiene)
• Color instability (e.g. with plastic veneers)
• very rare: Allergy (e.g. to the plastic adhesive)

Are there alternatives to veneers?

Depending on the purpose of the veneers, alternative treatment options are also available. If you would like to visually whiten your teeth, numerous bleaching procedures are available. In the case of tooth erosion, chipping or misalignment, a dental crown or dental bridges can be used as an alternative. If your teeth are slightly crooked, you can also correct them with braces (see aligner orthodontics).

How long do veneers last?

Veneers are generally very durable, but do not last forever. The durability depends on the type of veneer and the patient’s lifestyle. Ceramic veneers are the most durable, lasting up to twenty years before they need to be replaced due to their thickness. In comparison, Lumineers (non-prep veneers) typically last an average of five to ten years, as discoloration can show through more quickly due to the thin veneer. Veneers-to-go have a shelf life of approximately five to ten years.

How much do veneers cost?

Due to the applicable advertising guidelines in Austria, we are not allowed to give specific price details here.

Composite veneers are many times cheaper than ceramic veneers, but ceramic veneers offer longer durability and more brilliant esthetic results.