What are dental veneers, and what are they used for?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They are used to correct a variety of problems, including discolored, chipped, crooked or worn-down teeth. In some cases, the veneers can be used on the back surface of a tooth to address damage caused by acids or bruxism (teeth grinding).
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Materials used for dental veneers: Advantages, disadvantages, and durability
Composite veneers
Also known as dental bondings, composite veneers are made of a material that is similar to that which is used in dental fillings. They can be applied directly to teeth in just one appointment.
Advantages:
- Quick Application: The procedure is quick and less invasive.
- Affordability: Less expensive than porcelain veneers.
- Repair: Chips or wear and tear are easily repaired.
Disadvantages:
- Less resistant and less durable than porcelain veneers.
- More susceptible to discoloration over time due to exposure to coffee, red wine or tobacco.
Durability:
Composite veneers have a lifespan of approximately 3 to 5 years, depending on the patient’s care and eating habits.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory. In some cases, the prosthodontics specialist will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth and use a digital scanner to create a model, which is then sent to a dental technician who uses a process known as CAD/CAM (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing) to create a digital design. Then, a milling machine custom-cuts each veneer from a porcelain block. During the second appointment, the veneers are bonded to the tooth’s surface using a ‘glue’ that is used specifically for porcelain.
Advantages:
- Superior aesthetics: The porcelain’s inherent translucence mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
- Longevity: Porcelain has a life span of 15 to 20 years, depending on the oral hygiene and habits of the patient.
- Stain-resistant: They are less prone to staining from wine, coffee, and tobacco.
- Resistance to wear and tear: Due to the hardness of the material, wear and tear are lessened.
Disadvantages:
- The process is more expensive compared to composite veneers.
- If broken, the veneers must be replaced. They cannot be repaired.
- In most cases, a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed.
Durability:
The integrity of veneers depends mainly on:
– Oral habits such as bruxism and biting objects such as ice, pencils, and nails.
– Maintenance: regular visits to the dentist for checkups and dental cleanings allow for early detection of complications such as cavities and gum disease caused by plaque buildup.
– Diet: another factor that influences the integrity of veneers. Food and drinks with high acid content can affect the adhesion of the veneers.
When are dental veneers recommended?
Veneers are an excellent option for people who want to improve their smile without undergoing long or invasive treatments.
Veneers are recommended when the following conditions are present:
- Discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening.
- Changes in the size and shape of the teeth.
- Moderate misalignment.
- Small gaps between teeth.
When are veneers not recommended?
Veneers are not the best option for all patients. They are unsuitable for individuals with specific issues or conditions, including:
- Extensive decay or structural damage.
- Individuals with severe bruxism (teeth grinding) who have not received treatment.
- Mayor orthodontic issues.
Veneers are an excellent alternative to achieving a more beautiful and harmonious smile. The choice between composite veneers and porcelain veneers will depend on your needs, expectations, and budget. If you want to find out which is the best option for you, schedule an appointment with our team of specialists at Gil Dental Group. We are here to help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of!
Sources:
- Vanlıoğlu BA, Kulak-Özkan Y. Minimally invasive veneers: current state of the art. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2014;6:101-107. Published 2014 Nov 28. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S53209 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25506248
- Beier US, Kapferer I, Burtscher D, Dumfahrt H. Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers for up to 20 years. Int J Prosthodont. 2012;25(1):79-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22259802/
- Gurel G, Morimoto S, Calamita MA, Coachman C, Sesma N. Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers: outcomes of the aesthetic pre-evaluative temporary (APT) technique. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2012;32(6):625-635. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23057051
- Lim TW, Tan SK, Li KY, Burrow MF. Survival and complication rates of resin composite laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2023;23(4):101911. doi:10.1016/j.jebdp.2023.101911 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38035903
- Guan X, Beh YH, Tew IM. Computer-Assisted Porcelain Laminate Veneer Preparation: A Scoping Review of Stereolithographic Template Design and Fabrication Workflows. Dent J (Basel). 2024;12(10):302. Published 2024 Sep 25. doi:10.3390/dj12100302 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39452430