What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain prostheses ranging in thickness from 0.8mm to 1.5mm, which are glued to the anterior surface of the teeth. In most cases they are used to correct stains, fractures or wear. Thanks to this quick, simple and painless procedure, the aesthetics of the smile can be improved drastically.
- Color changes in teeth resistant to whitening.
- Corrects small alterations in the position of the teeth.
- Restores the anatomy of the tooth in fractures or malformations.
- Cover cracks in teeth that are aged or affected by bruxism.
- We carry out veneers of minimal or no carving.
Types of porcelain veneers
Feldspathic veneers
They are handmade veneers, allowing a high characterization of the tooth and can be ultra-thin up to 0.4 mm thick.
Disilicate veneers
They are digitally made veneers, which allows the initial smile project to be reproduced more precisely. It also allows characterizations for more natural looking.
Minimal Preparation
They are veneers made of cerinate porcelain with minimal or no dental preparation. Perfectly aligned teeth are necessary for this type of veneer.
Fast-Fitted
They are veneers for full arch restorations, offering the advantage that they can be placed on the day of the carving. The dentist will assess whether your case is suitable for this type of procedure.
Phases of veneers treatment
1. Diagnosis and digital planning of the smile
We start with digital planning that consists of a digital scan, photos and x-rays of the teeth. Between 7 and 10 days later, you will have the digital smile design ready, this design can be tried in the patient’s mouth to see if it meets their expectations, you can even take it home to discuss the result with your friends or family. In this way we make sure if we like it or not before even starting the treatment.
If necessary, changes are made to the design and once it is approved by the patient, we will meet for the day of dental preparation and take final records.
2. Execution of the treatment
In this phase of the treatment, the definitive records are taken, the teeth are prepared and finally, provisional veneers are placed.
It is a painless procedure in which the appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes, after which the patient goes home with temporary veneers with which he will enjoy a new smile effortlessly. These provisional veneers will not have the strength of the definitive ones, but they are useful for the patient to see and get used to them.
3. Your final smile
Fifteen days after the procedure, the definitive veneers are placed. After 7-10 days from the placement of the definitive veneers, a check-up will be made to verify the occlusion, the patient’s comfort and a cleaning will be made to ensure that no cementing remains. At the end of the revision, a protective splint or unloading splint will be given to the patient, thus concluding the treatment.
Composite veneers
When a cavity or fracture is present in an anterior tooth in Crooke & Laguna we look for maximum aesthetics when restoring it.
There are different composites when restoring a tooth.
In molars or posterior teeth we prioritize resistance, on the other hand, in incisors and canines, esthetics. With these esthetic composites we can also make composite veneers.
This treatment is faster than porcelain veneers and requires less grinding, but it stains more with food and has limitations. It is a cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers, but we cannot expect the same results since it is a less noble material and suffers more alterations over time.
Frequently asked questions about esthetic veneers
What is the difference between composite and porcelain?
Composite veneers are fabricated directly on the natural tooth, applying a resin in several layers, while porcelain veneers are fabricated in the laboratory, once the necessary measurements have been taken. On the other hand, composite veneers usually last between 2 and 5 years, since they deteriorate with use, while porcelain veneers last between 8 and 10 years without deteriorating.
Is the treatment invasive or painful?
Not at all, since the grinding of the tooth is minimal, thanks to the fact that porcelain veneers are becoming thinner and thinner. Therefore, it is a very simple, quick and, of course, painless treatment.
What maintenance do porcelain veneers require?
Porcelain veneers require maintenance similar to that of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are much better maintained because of their material, which is not affected by tooth decay. It should never be forgotten that there is still a large part of the tooth that is vulnerable to decay, so good hygiene based on brushing 3 times a day and flossing is always recommended.
What do we do if a veneer breaks?
When it has been dislodged by an impact, but is still in one piece, it can be re-cemented, otherwise, the process would have to be repeated from the beginning. The patient is temporarily replaced by a composite veneer while a porcelain veneer is being made.
Are porcelain veneers vulnerable?
As with natural teeth, strong impacts as a result of aggressive biting or blows with objects must be avoided. Just as cracks are created in the natural tooth as a result of breaking hard food, biting the nails or clenching the teeth, cracks can develop in the ceramic in veneers. If they deepen up to the junction with the tooth, they lead to fracture. The special feature of porcelain veneers, unlike composite veneers, is that they cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
With teeth whitening, how does it affect veneers?
In case we wish to whiten teeth, we must do it before the veneers treatment, so we will choose for the ceramic the same tone that we have achieved in the teeth adjacent to the area to be treated.
In Crooke & Laguna Dental Clinic we choose to rehabilitate with veneers and onlays to be more conservative with the teeth. For example in bruxist patients, teeth stained by tetracyclines or major changes in color or dental anatomy (change the shape if we do not like or close spaces between teeth after periodontal disease).
Contact us for a free consultation
Visit any of our clinics without obligation. We will call you to schedule a visit at the clinic nearest you and at the time of your preference, to help you choose the best solution for your case.