Types of porcelain veneers
Types of porcelain veneers - which type to choose?
Choosing the right porcelain veneers is not just about deciding on their shape or colour. The material from which they will be made is also crucial, as is the their preparation technique.
In this article, we explain what types of porcelain veneers there are, how they differ and which option will work best for your particular case.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, precisely designed ceramic trays that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They are used to improve the shape, colour, length or alignment of teeth. They are an excellent solution in cosmetic dentistry for patients who want a natural, durable and spectacular effect.
Types of porcelain veneers - breakdown by material
1. Feldspathic veneers (porcelain feldspathic)
- Made in 100% from feldspathic porcelain, modelled by hand by a technician in layers.
- They provide the most natural effect - translucency, photosensitivity and aesthetics indistinguishable from natural teeth.
- Often used for thin veneers (ultra-thin veneers) and with full artistic control over the project.
- They are more delicate than other types and therefore require precise work and good protection.
For whom?
For patients who want the maximum natural effect and have moderate functional needs.
2. veneers E.max (porcelain lithium-silicate)
- Made from highly aesthetic pressed glass porcelain.
- Often used in CAD/CAM technology - milled from blocks.
- Durable, flexible, thin, ideal for most patients.
- They can be characterised by hand for an even better aesthetic effect.
For whom?
For patients looking for a compromise between aesthetics and durability.
3. zirconia veneers (based on zirconium oxide)
- The least commonly used material in veneers.
- High mechanical resistance, but lower translucency.
- Used when a very dark tooth needs to be strongly masked.
For whom?
For patients with extreme discolouration that other materials cannot cover.
Types of veneers by fabrication technique
1.Monolithic veneers
- Made from a single block of material (e.g. E.max) - without additional modelling
- Faster to produce, more resistant to damage.
- Less visually striking - more aesthetically 'flat'.
Advantages: durability, speed.
Disadvantages: less depth and naturalness.
2.Veneers with cutback technique
- Stamped core and top layer modelled by hand from feldspar porcelain.
- Combined technique - combines aesthetics with mechanical resistance.
- Very popular in modern aesthetic prosthetics.
Advantages: high aesthetics and durability.
Disadvantages: more time-consuming.
3 Fully layered veneers
- Completely hand-modelled by a technician with layers of porcelain.
- Each veneer is a small work of art.
- Best aesthetic effect - depth of colour, translucence, individual details.
Advantages: superior aesthetics.
Disadvantages: time-consuming, higher cost, more delicate.
Temporary veneers - an important part of treatment
Each patient receives so-called temporary veneers (temporaries) before cementing the porcelain veneers. They are made of composite material based on a wax-up and mock-up design.
- Protect teeth after preparation.
- They allow you to get used to your new bite and shape.
- These can be corrected before the final version is made.
- They are aesthetically pleasing and safe.
Which type of veneers to choose?
Choosing the right type of porcelain veneers depends on:
- occlusal conditions,
- the patient's aesthetic expectations,
- glaze thickness,
- tooth colour,
- Patient's habits (grinding, diet, lifestyle),
- Budget.
All decisions should be made after a thorough aesthetic and functional analysis, preferably using a mock-up i wax-upuwhich allows a visual assessment of the future effect even before preparation.
There are different types of porcelain veneers on the market - from monolithic and pressed to fully hand layered. Each of these types has its own application and group of ideal patients.
The key to success is the individual approach, the experience of the doctor and the quality of the prosthetic laboratory.
Are you looking for veneers that will look natural yet stand the test of time?
Find out more and make an appointment at consultation - because a perfect smile starts with a good choice.
