Veneers

Veneers are thin coatings, custom-made shells made of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of visible teeth to improve their appearance.

Veneers make front teeth uniform, change their colour, shape, length, size, and overall improve the smile. They help in many cases, such as:

– discoloured teeth
– cavities
– damaged (cracked or broken) teeth
– chipped cutting edge
– worn teeth
– need for reduction or closure of gaps between teeth
– developmental disorders
– need for framing uneven teeth
– need for correction of alterations to the tooth axis without orthodontics

Fitting veneers is not recommended in the following cases:
– inappropriate oral hygiene.
– seriously damaged or decayed (front) teeth (here a crown is indicated)
– for certain bite abnormalities
– if the patient grinds his or her teeth at night

Based on their fabrication, veneers can be divided into two groups:

– Direct veneers (fabricated in the office by the dentist, they are composite veneers)
– Indirect veneers (fabricated in a dental lab, they are ceramic or are also called porcelain veneers)

First the tooth has to be prepared. About 0,5 mm of enamel is removed from the lip surface of the tooth.
In case of a direct veneer placement the composite resin (special filling material) is layered on the tooth and hardened using a lamp of a certain wavelength. After reaching the desired shape and colour, the veneer is polished.
In case of an indirect veneer an imprint is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to the dental lab. If needed, a temporary veneer can be placed until the permanent one gets ready. At a second appointment the permanent veneer is cemented inti place.
Both procedures require little or no anaesthesia.