Dental veneers: what they are, the different types and how they work

Dental veneers are one of the most common aesthetic treatments among patients seeking to perfect their smile, as they allow them to modify the colour, size and shape of the teeth they wish to improve.

If you have heard about veneers for teeth but don’t know what they are or you’ve got questions about them, then read on, as in this article we explain everything you need to know about this cosmetic dental procedure.

What are veneers for teeth?

Dental veneers are thin coverings customised for each tooth, which can be made of different materials. These are applied to the front of the teeth to perfect the appearance of the patient’s smile. Veneers can improve the smile in terms of shape, colour or brightness.

The aim of dental veneers is for the patient to have the most natural and even smile possible once they are in place, aesthetically concealing any dental problems.

How do teeth veneers work and what are they used for?

Dental veneers are used to modify the colour, shape, brightness or dimensions of teeth, in cases of slightly crooked teeth or very mild crowding, broken teeth, diastemas or problems with staining or wear.

Some of these problems in more severe cases would require orthodontics, but in mild cases dental veneers can be used to conceal them. Teeth veneers are a purely aesthetic treatment, so they are recommended when the problem to be solved does not affect the patient’s oral health or the function of the teeth. In other words, veneers, for example, cannot solve bite issues. Here is a little more information about how teeth veneers work and the most common situations in which this treatment is carried out.

Veneers for worn down teeth

In cases of teeth worn down by age, erosion due to bruxism or abrasion, dental veneers can disguise the damage, making the impacted teeth stronger and restoring them to their original appearance, if that has been affected.

Veneers for crowded teeth

Dental veneers can be applied when there is mild teeth crowding. In this case, veneers are a quick and effective solution that allow action to be taken on the affected teeth. To apply dental veneers on crowded teeth, cosmetic contouring is necessary, i.e. slightly modifying the original tooth enamel (without touching the dentine) to correct the alignment of the teeth.

Veneers for diastema or spaced teeth

Dental veneers can be a solution to fill small gaps between spaced teeth or diastemas. In these cases, veneers can be used to modify the size of teeth by filling in existing gaps, resulting in an even smile.

Veneers for crooked teeth

You may be wondering if you can get veneers for crooked teeth. Whilst dental veneers are an optimal solution to disguise mild cases of crooked teeth, in more severe cases, veneers are not an option. This is because they cannot solve the functional problems that can be caused by tooth malposition.

Different types of veneers

There are different types of dental veneers, depending on the material they are made of and their shape. Below we will look at the most common types of veneers for teeth:

Different shapes of veneers

There are different types of dental veneers depending on the shape, which will determine the final result of the smile. The most common shapes of veneers are:

• Natural: the incisors are slightly rounded and the lateral incisors are a little lower than the central ones. The canines are pointed and are slightly longer than the incisors. If your goal is to achieve a natural smile, this is the option for you.

• Oval: the incisors and canines have a more rounded shape, giving a softened look to the smile.

• Hollywood: a smile with square central incisors and slightly square lateral incisors, which are shorter than the central teeth.

What are the types of materials veneers are made of?

Apart from their shape, dental veneers can also be made of different types of materials. Depending on the material, teeth veneers will range in price, how long they last and the type of final result. Below we review the most common and the characteristics of each one:

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are made of an acrylic resin that is moulded from carbon, glass and boron fibres.

These veneers are placed on the teeth in a single session and are useful for correcting minor imperfections. Furthermore, composite veneers are reversible. In other words, they do not require teeth contouring, so they can easily be removed when desired.

This type of veneer material is less durable than ceramic veneers and less resistant to staining, so they need to be changed more frequently. For these reasons, composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers, which we will discuss below.

Porcelain or ceramic veneers

Porcelain or ceramic veneers, as their name suggests, are made of ceramic materials. These veneers are the most common due to their high durability, resistance and natural results.

Porcelain veneers are extremely customisable, allowing them to be completely adapted to the patient's teeth, which makes them almost imperceptible. They are also highly resistant to staining.

The characteristics of this type of veneer mean that their cost is higher than that of composite veneers, due to their greater durability, resistance and ability to adapt to the tooth.

There are currently three types of porcelain or ceramic veneers: lithium disilicate, zirconium and ultra-thin.

Step by step process of applying veneers to teeth

Applying dental veneers to teeth usually involves two or more visits to the clinic. The step by step process is generally as follows:

• 1. During the first visit, the problem is diagnosed and the patient’s oral health is assessed. Measurements of the teeth are taken, so that the veneers can be custom made.

• 2. Once the team of specialists have designed the treatment, another visit will take place to prepare the teeth: they are cleaned, polished and etched for better adhesion.

• 3. Once the teeth are ready, a dental specialist will place the veneers on top of each of the previously prepared teeth.

The number of visits to the clinic may vary, depending on the type of veneer and the complexity of the case. Sometimes the patient will be required to visit the clinic several times to achieve the agreed results.

Pros and cons of teeth veneers

Teeth veneers have several general pros and cons, which we will discuss below. However, it is worth noting that, depending on the case to be treated, veneers also have a series of specific pros and cons compared to other procedures that can be used to resolve the same problem.

Benefits and advantages of dental veneers

The main benefits and advantages of dental veneers are as follows:

• They are a solution for concealing dental imperfections quickly and effectively.

• They are a minimally invasive treatment, as they are quick, simple and painless to be placed and do not have any impact on the gums.

• They are long-lasting. Their duration depends on the type of veneer that is used, but in general they are treatments that last for several years if correct oral hygiene and good maintenance are adhered to.

• After placement, the result of the smile is natural, as the shape, colour and size of the veneers can be adapted to the original teeth, so in most cases they will not be noticeable.

Disadvantages of teeth veneers

Despite the many advantages mentioned above, dental veneers have some disadvantages compared to other treatments:

• For cases of dental malposition, the cost of veneers can be significantly higher than the cost of clear orthodontics, both with aligners and braces.

• If not properly maintained, veneers can become stained or may deteriorate.

• Mild cases of malposition can be concealed with veneers, but more severe instances will require orthodontic treatment.

• Due to part of the tooth enamel having to be removed during application of the veneers, the teeth may become more sensitive.

How long do teeth veneers last?

How long teeth veneers last is one of the most frequently asked questions among patients, but one that does not have a set answer. The length of time dental veneers last depends on many factors, including the type of veneer that is used, how the veneers are maintained and the patient’s oral hygiene. Broadly speaking, it is safe to say that teeth veneers do not last forever, but they do last a relatively long time - between 5 and 15 years - depending on the factors mentioned above.

Get the perfect smile with Impress

At Impress we want to help you improve your smile. That’s why we put your smile in the hands of our team of experts, who have extensive experience and access to the latest technology in our clinics. Whether you are interested in improving your smile with veneers or invisible orthodontics, at Impress we can help.

Book a first visit at your nearest Impress clinic by phone on +44 20 3808 1072 or by writing to us on WhatsApp.