Porcelain veneers: what they are, types and cost
Porcelain or ceramic dental veneers have revolutionised the world of cosmetic dental treatments, offering an effective and long-lasting solution for achieving radiant teeth.
In this article, we explain in detail what porcelain veneers are, what they are used for, the different types that exist on the market, how they are fitted step by step and how to look after them. We will also discuss how long porcelain veneers last and how much they cost. Get ready to discover how these thin ceramic layers can dramatically transform your teeth and make you feel more confident and proud of your smile.
Porcelain or ceramic veneers: what is it and what are they used for?
Ceramic dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are thin, customised layers of ceramic material that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their aesthetic appearance. Ceramic or porcelain veneers can modify the shape, size, position or colour of teeth and allow for a high degree of customisation to the patient’s needs.
Ceramic dental veneers are between 0.2 and 1.2 mm thick, which guarantees natural, even-looking results in the patient’s mouth. These veneers are the most common, not only due to their ability to correct dental imperfections, but also because of their durability, stain resistance and how natural the results look.
Are ceramic and porcelain veneers the same?
Ceramic and porcelain dental veneers are the same thing. In other words, we can use both terms interchangeably to refer to the same dental treatment, as we have done so throughout this article.
What are porcelain or ceramic veneers used for?
Porcelain veneers are a versatile tool in cosmetic dental treatments. Porcelain veneers can be used to straighten teeth and correct tooth positioning problems, such as crooked or slightly crowded teeth, and diastemas. Ceramic veneers can also conceal discolouration, stains or irregularities in the shape and size of teeth, as well as can be used for small or missing teeth.
In other words, in addition to concealing dental problems, porcelain veneers also provide an aesthetic solution for those who desire whiter, more even-looking teeth.
Different types of porcelain veneers
There are different types of porcelain or ceramic veneers: ultrathin, lithium disilicate, zirconia and feldspathic porcelain veneers. Below we will look at each of them in detail, along with their different characteristics:
Ultrathin veneers
Ultrathin veneers are a particularly thin type of porcelain veneer, ideal for minimal corrections to the appearance of teeth. Ultrathin veneers are porcelain-filled, which is why they offer greater durability than other veneers, and are very thin, so it is generally not necessary to file or alter the original shape of the tooth in order to fit them.
Zirconia veneers
Zirconia veneers are highly resistant, malleable and offer very good aesthetic results. This type of porcelain dental veneer is slightly thicker than ultrathin veneers, so they are only used in very specific cases, as the results appear less natural and require the teeth to be treated more thoroughly prior to placement.
Feldspathic porcelain veneers
Feldspathic porcelain veneers are very fragile and require a thorough prior assessment of the patient. Despite offering very good aesthetic results, feldspathic porcelain veneers have been replaced in recent years by ultrathin veneers, as they are not as resistant.
Lithium disilicate veneers
Lithium disilicate veneers are made of a material that is a combination of glass and ceramic, which is also common for other medical uses such as dentures or dental crowns. Veneers made of this material stand out for being highly resistant and easy to manage. Lithium disilicate veneers also allow for better cementation, which improves their adhesion to dental tissue, making them one of the most durable veneers available.
Procedure: how are porcelain veneers fitted?
If you’re wondering how porcelain veneers are fitted, below we explain the procedure step by step:
Preparation for fitting porcelain veneers
The first step in preparing a patient for ceramic dental veneers is an initial consultation with a dentist. During this visit, the dentist will assess the patient’s oral health and diagnose the problem. The patient will also share their expectations and the dentist will determine if veneers are the right option to achieve the desired results. If veneers are suitable, during this first consultation, measurements of the teeth will be taken to produce the veneers and the colour will be decided upon.
Colours of porcelain veneers
One of the decisions to be made together with the dentist is the colour of the porcelain veneers to be fitted. Both the patient and the specialist will select the appropriate colour for the porcelain veneers, ensuring that a natural and even-looking appearance is achieved. This decision is important, as porcelain veneers cannot be bleached or stained. The chosen colour will, therefore, be the final colour.
Preparation of the teeth: sculpting teeth for porcelain veneers
Once the treatment has been designed, another appointment will be needed to prepare the teeth for porcelain veneers. In preparation, the teeth are cleaned, polished and sculpted, if necessary.
Sculpting for porcelain veneers depends on the teeth and the type of veneers, particularly in the case of ultrathin veneers, which require less sculpting. Whether or not a tooth needs to be sculpted depends on its position and size.
Once the teeth have been sculpted or contoured, accurate impressions will be taken to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly.
Temporary veneers prior to final porcelain veneers
Whilst the permanent porcelain veneers are being produced in the lab, temporary veneers will be fitted to protect the sculpted teeth.
This process is followed by most dental clinics, but at Impress, thanks to the latest technological advances that have allowed us to digitise the manufacturing process, we do not need to place temporary veneers. As such, the teeth are not sculpted until the final veneers are fitted. Furthermore, it is due to this digital process that the sculpting that does take place is minimal and customised for each case.
Cementing porcelain veneers
Once the permanent veneers are ready, the temporary ones will be removed and the final porcelain veneers will be cemented securely to the surface of the teeth. You can now show off your teeth with confidence!
How to look after porcelain veneers
Optimal care of ceramic veneers is necessary to prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips for how to look after and clean porcelain veneers:
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could cause the veneers to detach or break.
- Practise good oral hygiene to keep the porcelain veneers clean and look after them: brush your teeth after every meal, use dental floss and mouthwash, and have your teeth professionally cleaned once a year.
- Avoid biting objects, such as pens or fingernails, which can damage the veneers.
- Wearing retainers: people who suffer from bruxism should wear retainers to relax the muscles of the face and avoid jaw tension. In patients with veneers and bruxism, the retainers will prevent the veneers from breaking.
Pros and cons of porcelain veneers
Below we will outline the specific pros and cons of porcelain veneers compared to other types of veneers:
Benefits of porcelain veneers
- Natural appearance: One of the main benefits of porcelain veneers is that most of them offer very natural results, with a wide range of shades and perfect incorporation with the rest of the teeth.
- Durability: Ceramic dental veneers are durable and resistant, ensuring optimal long-term results. It should be taken into account that to guarantee their durability, it is necessary to follow the recommended care instructions.
- Enamel preservation: Unlike some procedures, ceramic veneers involve minimal sculpting, preserving much of the original tooth enamel.
- Stain resistance: One of the main benefits of porcelain veneers over other types is their resistance to staining and discolouration, even when highly pigmented foods or drinks are consumed.
- Versatility: Porcelain or ceramic veneers are suitable for correcting a range of imperfections, from slight malpositions, to fractures, stains... that is why we say that they stand out for their versatility when it comes to correcting imperfections.
Disadvantages of porcelain veneers
- Irreversibility of the process: One of the main disadvantages of porcelain veneers is that tooth sculpting is irreversible. Therefore, in cases where it is necessary to modify the thickness of the teeth, the process cannot be reversed.
- Price: The cost of porcelain or ceramic veneers is greater than that of composite veneers, as it involves high quality materials and skilled labour.
- They cannot be repaired: Another disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that they cannot be repaired if they break or fracture. They usually last for several years, but if care instructions are not followed, they can break. In these cases, the veneer has to be removed and a new one produced to replace it.
- They are not for everyone: Although versatility is one of their benefits, porcelain veneers are not suitable for patients with crowded teeth or bite problems.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
How long porcelain veneers last is one of the most common questions asked by patients interested in the procedure. As previously mentioned, durability is one of the main benefits of porcelain veneers, so with proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, or even longer. How long they last depends on factors such as oral hygiene, eating habits and avoiding activities that could damage the veneers. Once the porcelain veneers deteriorate over the years, they can be replaced with new ones.
Cost in the UK: how much are porcelain veneers?
The cost of porcelain or ceramic veneers may vary depending on the location of the clinic, the number of veneers required, the type of veneer chosen and the production method or technology used. It is recommended to consult a professional for an accurate estimate of how much they are. One porcelain or ceramic veneer in the UK can cost between £250 and £1000 per tooth, although veneers are usually placed in blocks of 6 or 8. The price for a block of 6 or 8 ceramic veneers could vary between £3500 and £18,000.
Be proud of your teeth with Impress
At Impress we offer a wide range of treatments focused on improving both the aesthetics and oral health of our patients’ teeth. If you are interested in cosmetic dental treatments, the medical team at Impress recommends orthodontics prior to undergoing any aesthetic treatment, so that it is minimally invasive.
Whether you are interested in orthodontic treatments or dental veneers, contact us and we will let you know what services are currently available at your nearest Impress clinic. In order to do so, book your appointment by phone on +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about ceramic dental veneers
Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened, as their colour is permanent. If you want to change the colour of porcelain veneers, the only solution is to replace them with new ones.
Can porcelain veneers become stained?
Porcelain veneers are very resistant, so they do not become stained or discoloured over time, even when eating or drinking foods that could affect the colour of teeth.
How do you remove porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers must be removed by a professional using one of the following two methods: with a high-speed diamond bur or a dental laser. In the case of porcelain veneers, once the veneer has been removed, the tooth’s surface must be prepared again to replace the bonding material and attach a new veneer.
