Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of composite or porcelain that are placed at the front surface of the teeth and can conceal discolorations, change the positions and the inclinations of the teeth, selectively modify the shape, size and color of individual teeth or correct tooth fractures resulting from chewing, an accident or tooth grinding (bruxism). They also repair tooth fractures or close gaps in cases of spaced teeth. Veneers are thick layers, between 0.3-0.8 mm, that are attached at the front surface of the teeth, either on individual teeth or on the anterior teeth that are visible while smiling. They are usually attached on the 6 anterior teeth of the upper and lower jaw, but even with just a very small intervention, the overall anterior aesthetic image can be modified completely.

Veneers are the most conservative dental treatment for a perfect smile, while color, shape and size are completely customizable to fit your wishes and needs. Digital design allows you to witness your new smile before the treatment even begins, while mock-up technique allows in most cases to witness veneer copings that have been designed for your teeth only so you can be certain for the outcome. In order to ensure the minimum possible thickness of the veneers and simultaneously the minimal possible removal of dental tissue, veneer-designing is completed in diagnostic models. Meanwhile, silicone keys are used for drilling, ensuring the absolute protection of the teeth by removing only the precise amount of dentin in order to create the right space that will be needed for the attachment of the veneers. Three to four appointments are required in order to complete the treatment while the aesthetic appearance is not disturbed at all because provisional veneers are used at the end of each appointment.

Veneers are either made of composite or porcelain. Composite veneers are a conservative dental treatment that require a little time because they are done intraorally and they are completed usually in a single visit, depending on the number of the teeth that are included in the treatment. The procedure is painless and it usually doesn’t involve any drilling. The technique of the installation can be either monochromatic (single-layer) or multicolor (multi-layer). Monochromatic technique achieves an exaggerated and perfect Hollywood Smile while multicolor technique gives a more natural look, mimicking the color peculiarities of the teeth. Composite veneers are a value for money choice, costing just 1/3 of the price of porcelain veneers. Some disadvantages of composite veneers may be marginal deterioration, loss of glossy surface and stain gathering, but all repairable with a special maintenance technique.

Porcelain veneers are considered to be impervious in time, offering the same color stability and glossy surface like when they were firstly attached. The treatment requires minimal and superficial drilling of the teeth, performed without any anesthesia. Then an impression is taken for the fabrication of the veneers which takes place in a specialized dental laboratory, while provisional veneers are placed until the next appointment. After 4-5 days, the veneers are ready for testing and attachment. The lifetime of porcelain veneers exceeds 15 years.