Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are not recommended to patients that present: 

• Gum disease; 

• Tooth Decay; 

• Root canal infection. 

However, patients can still have this cosmetic enhancement if they successfully fix these issues with the help of a dentist. 

Before undergoing for porcelain veneers procedure patients need to maintain good oral health by being committed to proper oral care. They should have clear cosmetic goals which they should discuss with the dentist and clarify if their expectations can be achieved. Also, it is recommended to schedule a first informative appointment with a dentist who will be able to determine if a person is a good candidate for porcelain veneers based on the patient’s medical history and the state of the enamel. Additional tests like x-rays or dental impressions may be necessary. Patients should take into consideration the fact that this is a permanent cosmetic procedure.

There is no recovery time needed after a porcelain veneers procedure and the patients can return to their usual activities. A week after the procedure, it is recommended to avoid hot or cold, chewy, hard or crunchy aliments. After the first week, patients should be able to return to their normal diet.

According to a study by Layton D. and Walton T., the risks associated with the dental veneers process are rare but they can include: 

• Tooth sensitivity 

• Dental damage 

• Future replacements 

• Restoration procedures. 

In order to minimize the risks of tooth sensitivity, the patients can opt for no-prep veneers. 

A survey based on 84 patients shows a survival and satisfaction rate of 93.5% after 10 years and 82.93% after 20 years.

It is recommended to use desensitizing toothpaste for 6 months after the porcelain veneers procedure. To ensure the longevity of the veneers it is highly encouraged to keep good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. Normally, porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years, but in some cases, restoration procedures and future replacements may be needed. Before opting for this treatment, you should consult your dentist about your options.

Types of Traditional Veneers

Porcelain veneers, regardless of their type or material used, are not created by the dentist itself but by a highly trained dental technician in an off-site laboratory. That is why once an impression of your teeth is made by the dentist, it gets sent to the technician’s laboratory. Once the impression arrives, the technician will start fabricating the veneers so they will fit and look like your natural teeth. The veneers are then sent to the dentist for placement. In order to make room for placing the new veneers, the dentist will remove a small portion of the enamel from each tooth. Below are a few types of porcelain veneers: 

Pressed Ceramic Veneers

Pressed ceramic veneers are some of the more affordable veneers available to patients since they are easier to produce. These veneers are also somewhat thicker than other types of veneers or materials, which means that more of the tooth’s enamel needs to be removed before placement. That being said, their durability and strength makes them a great choice for many patients.

Stacked Ceramic Veneers

Stacked ceramic veneers are made from many different layers of porcelain stacked on top of each other by a technician until the restoration closely resembles the translucency, colour and shape of the patient’s teeth. These veneers are more aesthetically pleasing than pressed ceramic veneers but they are not as durable in the long term.

Lithium Disilicate Veneers

Lithium Disilicate veneers are recommended for patients suffering from bruxism or teeth grinding. They are very strong and able to sustain a high amount of pressure for many years. Lithium Disilicate veneers are created with a complex process, often involving different types of technology such as computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design. Recently, lithium disilicate veneers became one of the most popular choices for patients and doctors alike due to their durability and aesthetics.

Zirconia Based Veneers

Zirconia Based Veneers are similar to lithium disilicate veneers, making them very strong and capable of withstanding sustained pressure. These types of veneers are also used to strengthen teeth weakened by cavities. Zirconia is also the same material used to create dental crowns, making the possibility of fractures minimal. Zirconia is a bit different than other materials in the sense that it’s opaque, meaning that it can be used to hide any cavities or stains already existing in the patient’s teeth.

Minimal Preparation Veneers

Minimal preparation veneers or no preparation veneers use materials that are similar to the types above, the only difference being the amount of enamel being removed from the tooth in the preparation phase of the procedure. A big difference between minimal preparation veneers and traditional veneers is the fact that no-prep veneers are reversible, whereas the placement of traditional veneers is not. That being said, no-preparation veneers do not offer the same strength and coverage as other types of veneers.