Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers - what is it, what is the procedure like and who are they for?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most frequently chosen solutions in modern cosmetic dentistry. They provide a long-lasting, yet extremely natural look. Smile metamorphosis without aggressive interference with the teeth.
If you're wondering what veneers are, who porcelain veneers are for, how the whole process works, what types of veneers there are and how to take care of them - you'll find all the most important information in this article.
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin, custom-designed overlay made of high-quality ceramic that covers the outer (labial) surface of a tooth.
The thickness of a porcelain veneer is usually between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm - therefore, a minimal preparation of the enamel, limited to 0.3-0.5 mm, is sufficient in most cases.
The purpose of veneers is:
- improving the shape, colour and length of teeth,
- Correction of tooth alignment without orthodontics,
- closing of gaps between teeth (diastemas),
- restoration of worn incisal edges,
- Masking of discolouration and enamel defects.
Who are porcelain veneers for?
Porcelain veneers are recommended for patients who:
- They want to improve the aesthetics of their smile without aggressive intervention,
- have healthy teeth but unsatisfactory colour, shape or alignment,
- want to achieve the effect of a "new smile" quickly and effectively,
- have diastemas, microfractures or a worn bite,
- do not wish to whiten their teeth or have stains that are resistant to whitening.
They are not recommended for active periodontal disease, untreated bruxism or neglected oral hygiene.
What are porcelain veneers made of?
The most commonly used materials are:
1. Feldspar porcelain (feldspathic)
- The most aesthetically pleasing and translucent ceramic.
- Allows manual modelling in layers - closest to nature.
- Ideal for thin, ultranatural porcelain veneers.
2. glass porcelain (E.max - lithium-silicate)
- More robust, embossed or milled.
- It can be hand-characterised and layered for finishing.
- Enables thin, highly durable porcelain veneers.
3. oxide ceramics (zirconia)
- Most rarely used in veneers - only used for very demanding masking.
What types of porcelain veneers are there?
1. Monolithic veneers (full contour)
- Made from a single block of ceramic.
- More resilient, but less visually 'vibrant'.
2. veneers with cut-back (cutback technique)
- A combination of an embossed ceramic core and hand-modelled finishing layers.
- An excellent balance between aesthetics and durability.
3. hand-laid (feldspathic) veneers
- Each layer of porcelain applied by hand by a technician.
- The most aesthetic, giving a three-dimensional effect of a natural tooth.
What is the process of placing porcelain veneers - step by step?
1. Consultation and treatment plan
- Diagnostics, photographs, aesthetic analysis of the face and smile.
- Choice of material and style of veneers.
2. digital scans and wax-up (veneer design)
- Downloading scans intraoral (no classic impressions).
- In the laboratory, a so-called wax-up - wax design of future teeth.
3. Mock-up - visualising a smile in your mouth
- Wax-up transferred to the patient's mouth as a temporary model (mock-up).
- It allows aesthetics, proportions, length and width of teeth to be assessed.
- 2-3 versions can be prepared so that the patient has a choice.
4 Preparation of teeth for veneers
- Very sparing enamel preparation - typically 0.3-0.5 mm.
- Preserving as much of your own tooth as possible.
- Preparation only on the labial side and incisal margins.
5. final scan and fabrication of veneers
- After preparation, a scan is taken for final porcelain veneers.
- Design sent digitally to the laboratory (including overseas).
6. temporary veneers
- After preparation, the teeth are immediately protected with temporary composite veneers.
- They provide comfort and aesthetics until the final veneers are cemented.
7. Cementation of porcelain veneers
- Fitting and evaluation of colour, shape, aesthetics.
- Cementation onto permanent adhesive cement, with field isolation (cofferdam).
- Final Smile check and bite adjustment.
How do I care for porcelain veneers?
In order for porcelain veneers to last for many years, you should:
- Brush teeth 2x a day and floss regularly.
- Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Report for follow-up appointments every 6 months.
- Do not bite your nails or open objects with your teeth.
- Wear a night-time relaxation splint if necessary (e.g. when grinding teeth).
- It is a good idea to whiten your other teeth before placing veneers - veneers do not discolour, but natural teeth do.
Porcelain veneers are a durable, aesthetic and safe solution. They allow you to achieve a natural, radiant smile without the effect of artificiality. Thanks to modern materials, digital technology and precise working techniques, it is possible to make veneers with minimal invasiveness, with maximum visual effect.
Are you looking for more information? Would you like to find out what it's like to have veneers fitted in Wrocław or how to choose the right type of veneers for your smile?
Contact a proven clinic and make an appointment for a consultation.
