Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are ultra-thin laminates, precisely shaped, that adhere to the front surface of the tooth to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of the smile.
They are used to correct issues such as stained, worn, misaligned, fissured, or chipped teeth.
Veneers provide a cosmetic solution that can improve tooth color, shape, and position.
A professional evaluation is required to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.

Types of dental veneers and their differences
Porcelain veneers
Made in the laboratory with high-quality porcelain that mimics natural enamel.
They offer increased resistance to stains and long-term durability.
Porcelain reflects light similarly to natural teeth.
Placement requires tooth preparation and is irreversible.
Ideal for significant aesthetic corrections.

Composite veneers
Created with composite resins applied directly to the tooth.
A reversible process with minimal tooth preparation.
More affordable than porcelain, but less durable.
Can be applied in a single dental visit.
More susceptible to staining and fractures.

Materials and specific features
Porcelain: Maximum aesthetics, excellent resistance to stains and wear, simulates enamel.
Composite: Easy to repair, fast treatment, lower cost, but less durable.
Lithium disilicate: Combines strength and superb esthetics, allows ultrathin veneers, minimal wear, high aesthetics.
Zirconia: Maximum structural strength, recommended for severe wear or bruxism. Lower translucency than porcelain but highly adaptable.

Advantages and disadvantages by type
Main benefits
Significantly improve dental aesthetics.
Correct multiple imperfections in a single treatment.
Benefits of veneers include immediate and lasting results.
Require minimal alteration of natural tooth structure.

Important considerations
Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired if fractured.
Composite may discolor over time.
Both types require good oral hygiene to maintain results.
Temporary dental sensitivity is common after the procedure.

Placement and preparation process
Initial diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
Minimal enamel preparation as required by chosen type.
Impressions or digital scanning for precise fabrication.
Placement of provisional veneers if needed.
Definitive cementation and final adjustments.

Procedural differences
Porcelain veneers require 2–3 dental visits.
Composite can be applied in a single session.
CAD/CAM technology enables same-day fabrication.
The type of veneer determines treatment time.

Durability and maintenance
Expected lifespan
Porcelain veneers: 10–15 years with proper care.
Composite veneers: 5–7 years before replacement needed.
Durability depends on patient habits and quality of material.
Regular maintenance greatly extends their lifespan.

Essential care
Maintain excellent oral hygiene with gentle brushing.
Avoid biting hard objects or very sticky foods.
Use a night guard if bruxism exists.
Regular dental visits for evaluation and professional cleaning.

Costs and pricing factors
Estimated price ranges
Composite veneers: €100–250 per tooth approximately.
Porcelain veneers: €260–500 per tooth depending on complexity.
Prices vary with geographical location and professional experience.
Full treatments may include volume discounts.

Cost factors
Chosen material type and quality.
Number of teeth treated in the procedure.
Case complexity and required preparation.
Technology used (traditional vs. CAD/CAM).

When to choose dental veneers?
Ideal indications
Severely stained teeth that do not respond to whitening.
Small gaps between teeth (diastemas).
Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth.
Restoration of worn or slightly fractured teeth.

Alternatives to consider
Teeth whitening for superficial stains.
Orthodontics for severe alignment problems.
Dental crowns for severely damaged teeth.
A professional assessment determines the best option for each case.