All-ceramic veneers (shields) are a direct or laboratory-made cover that coats the outer surface of a tooth. By contrast to a crown, much less tooth substance has to be removed for this procedure. The aesthetic result achieved this way usually significantly exceeds that of a crown restoration.
What is a veneer?
What are the reasons and requirements for applying veneers?
The reasons and requirements vary accordingly in the case of veneers. The focus is on the desire or the need to provide one or more teeth with a new, flawless surface. Changes in tooth position, tooth size and tooth color are possible.
What does the procedure involve?
First, the current situation is documented by photographs and impressions, as well as a resulting plaster model. The functional and aesthetic requirements are worked out in collaboration with the patient, the dentist and possibly the dental technician. Based on these discussions, a precise case plan is drawn up and the possible result is simulated on the above-mentioned wax plaster model.
The simulation is then used as a guideline for trimming away the teeth as needed, after decay and/or old restorations have been removed. Subsequently, the patient is provided with a provisional restoration, based on the previous dental appearance. The patient has the opportunity to get a first impression of the end result and to propose change requests. After another extremely precise impression is taken, the ceramic veneers are manufactured in the dental laboratory. The finished veneers are then tried on and, if the patient is pleased with the result, they are permanently cemented onto the teeth.
What are the risks?
There is the risk of a possible irreversible tooth nerve irritation, in the case of significant position correction, for example. If para-functional habits are extremely prevalent (tooth clenching, grinding) the veneers may be damaged. However, one can opt for a removable plastic splint that is designed to offer protection against alterations.
Generally, no restoration can guarantee a complete restoration of tooth substance. All-ceramic veneers can be the best replacement, provided the diagnosis is correct and the procedure perfectly performed. Veneer restoration amounts to a 90% stable tooth stump resistance against shear forces, whilst a crown restoration goes up to only 10%!
What results can one expect?
The result usually ensures the desired tooth substance restoration with a minimally invasive procedure, in conjunction with optimal aesthetics.
What alternatives are there?
Depending on the request, either a supply of plastic veneers that are less durable and aesthetically pleasing in the long term and more susceptible to discoloration or a conventional crown, in the case of which an essentially larger substance reduction is necessary, can represent possible alternatives.
We would be happy to advise you.
We invite you to schedule dental check-up.
A dental examination is the first step before considering any treatment.
We would be happy to take care of your oral health.