Veneers are one of the methods in aesthetic dentistry used for quick tooth restoration. These thin overlays made of high-quality materials allow you to change the shape and color of teeth, as well as hide defects without complex orthodontic treatment.
However, not all tooth problems can be corrected with veneers. Let’s figure out who exactly they are suitable for, and who should consider other options.
What are veneers used for
Veneers are thin but strong overlays that are fixed on the outer surface of the tooth. They are usually made of ceramics (porcelain) or composite materials. Ceramic veneers are created in a dental laboratory from strong ceramics (for example, E-max material) and maximally imitate the natural shine of enamel. Direct composite veneers are formed directly on the tooth from photopolymer material and require only one visit to the dentist. Composite veneers can also be made in the laboratory from impressions and installed in the same way as ceramic ones.
The installation technology involves minimal preparation of enamel – removal of a thin layer of tissue from the tooth surface. After this, a veneer is attached to the tooth with the help of special cement. Thanks to modern adhesive materials, the veneer holds firmly on the tooth.
The degree of grinding depends on the condition of the teeth and the veneer material: for ultra-thin ceramic veneers (for example, lumineers) preparation can be minimal. It is worth noting that veneers cover only the frontal part of the tooth and do not cover it completely, like crowns – therefore, a significant part of the healthy tooth remains untouched.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 600 thousand Americans install veneers every year, the popularity of this procedure is growing around the world. Shining white teeth are now available not only to Hollywood stars and celebrities, but to anyone who wants to improve their smile.
Who are veneers suitable for?
Veneers are suitable for people who seek to improve the aesthetics of teeth, provided that their dental problems do not require serious orthodontic or surgical intervention. This is an optimal solution for patients with relatively healthy teeth who have minor cosmetic defects.
Usually veneers are recommended to be installed in the following cases:
- change in tooth color: persistent stains or darkening of enamel that do not respond to whitening (for example, due to fluorosis or old fillings);
- small cracks, chips and irregularities: slightly broken or chipped edges of teeth, worn enamel, diastemas (gaps) between front teeth or slight curvature of teeth;
- incorrect shape or size of teeth: when teeth are too small, short, conical or have a non-standard shape;
- aesthetic wishes of the patient: desire to get a “Hollywood smile” – snow-white, even teeth of correct shape.
We note that before installing veneers, there should be no caries on the teeth, and the gums should be healthy. Veneers do not improve dental health, but only change their appearance, so basic treatment must be performed in advance.
Main contraindications to veneer installation:
- Serious bite problems (deep or crossbite) or severe crowding or curvature of teeth. In such cases, veneers are powerless. First, comprehensive orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners is necessary. For example, with severely curved teeth or incorrect jaw closure, the bite is first corrected, and only then veneers are considered.
- Absence of a tooth or its significant part: if the crown part of the tooth is destroyed by more than half, the veneer will not be able to attach reliably. In this case, it is more advisable to install a crown. Similarly, veneers cannot be placed in place of missing teeth, first you need to restore the tooth itself, install an implant or bridge.
- Diseases of teeth and gums: active caries, pulpitis, periodontitis (gum inflammation) are contraindications to veneer installation until complete recovery. Veneers are installed only on healthy teeth, otherwise the hidden infection will progress under the overlay.
- Bruxism and increased wear: with nocturnal teeth grinding or with the habit of strongly clenching jaws, veneers can be quickly damaged. Without eliminating the root cause (protective cap, solving the bite problem), constant reflex pressure during sleep can cause chips and detachment of veneers. Patients with bruxism are necessarily recommended to wear a night cap before aesthetic restoration.
- Insufficient amount of enamel: if the enamel is heavily worn or there is hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of enamel, it will be difficult to attach a veneer. Adhesion of composite with dentin is much worse, so with a thin layer of enamel, alternative methods may be needed (for example, crowns).
- Significant fillings on front teeth: a large filling or restoration that occupies most of the tooth weakens its structure. Gluing a veneer on such a tooth is risky, it is possible to break off its part together with the veneer. In such cases, the dentist will advise other prosthetic options.
- Poor oral hygiene: patients who do not follow regular hygiene, namely do not brush their teeth and do not visit the dentist, have a high risk of complications under veneers (caries under the overlay, gum inflammation). Careful care of teeth is the main and important step to a beautiful smile. And you need to start with it.
Important: if there are any contraindications, you must first eliminate the cause. For example, with pronounced incorrect bite, undergo orthodontic treatment. Patients with bruxism should make an individual protective cap and wear it every night. Only after correcting the bite, treating gum diseases or eliminating other problems can you safely proceed to aesthetic restorations. A professional dentist will necessarily assess the condition of the oral cavity and recommend an optimal action plan so that veneers serve for a long time and without complications.
Where to install quality veneers in Kyiv, and how much does it cost?
The success of installation and long service of veneers largely depends on the experience of the doctor and the quality of materials. It is recommended to choose proven dental clinics with modern equipment. For example, at Yarema Dental clinic (Kyiv) high-quality ceramic veneers are installed with the use of a microscope. This approach allows for minimally invasive enamel preparation with jewelry precision. Advanced E-max ceramics (lithium disilicate) is used for the manufacture of overlays, which provides natural color, strength and durability of restoration. The service life of such veneers is on average 15+ years (with proper care can reach 20-25 years).
Patients note that veneers installed at Yarema Dental look as natural as possible and do not differ from “native” teeth either visually or by sensations.
At Yarema Dental, experienced orthopedic dentists work, who individually select the type and shade of veneers. The procedure takes place in comfortable conditions of a premium class clinic, using modern anesthesia methods. That is, veneer installation is completely painless. After fixing the overlays, the doctor will provide detailed recommendations on how to care for veneers to maintain the longevity of the new smile.
Separately, it should be taken into account that prices can vary significantly depending on the chosen clinic, material and complexity of the doctor’s work. In Kyiv, the cost of ceramic veneers ranges within several hundred dollars per tooth. Composite restoration will cost cheaper.