How are veneers placed on teeth?

Mykola Shehera

Orthopedic gnathologist

27/02/2024

If you dream of a perfect smile, veneers are a great solution! Thin onlays help to mask enamel imperfections, correct the color and shape of the front teeth. Thanks to the capabilities of modern dentistry, the manufacture and installation of veneers takes a minimum of time and is completely painless. Dentists at Bilobrov Clinic will tell you how veneers are installed, what advantages they have, and how to take care of your teeth after installing the onlays.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin onlays, usually made of ceramic or composite material, which are fixed on the front surface of the teeth. They are used to correct cosmetic defects in the enamel. In particular, unevenness, large interdental spaces, discoloration and shape, as well as to improve the overall appearance of the smile. Veneers help to achieve a natural, attractive result while maintaining maximum structural strength of the teeth.

The advantages of dental veneers are:

Aesthetics. Veneers look natural and harmonious, improve the appearance of your smile, and allow you to predict the result. You can choose the color and shape of the onlays.
Resistance to color change. Ceramic veneers are easy to care for and have a high resistance to pigmentation, provided that you take proper care of your teeth.
Minimally invasive approach. Before installing veneers on the tooth surface, it is enough to minimally prepare the enamel. No more than 0.5-1 mm is removed.
The speed of the procedure. They can be installed in a few visits to the dentist, and the waiting time for the production of the onlay is up to 2 weeks.
Durability. With proper care, the veneer retains its strength and appearance for 10-15 years or more.

Veneers are an effective solution for patients who are looking for an effective and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of their smile.

installation of veneers

What are the types of veneers for teeth

There are two types of dental veneers: direct and indirect. Direct veneers are made of composite materials, while indirect veneers are made of ceramics. Let’s consider the advantages and features of each option in more detail.

Ceramic veneers

These are thin onlays made of ceramic that are fixed on the front surface of the teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of a smile, hide minor tooth defects, and restore the shape and color of teeth. Ceramics have a natural appearance, are strong and durable.

You can choose the color and shape of ceramic veneers, which is another advantage.

Composite veneers

Direct tooth restoration. It involves restoring the color/shape of the teeth using photopolymer material – the same as used for tooth filling. Such a restoration is placed on the tooth without grinding the enamel, the procedure takes 30-60 minutes.

Compared to ceramic veneers, composite veneers are less durable and strong. However, the cost of this option is more affordable. It is worth noting that composite materials are not resistant to food coloring, so after installation, you should limit the consumption of pigmented foods and drinks.

dental veneers

Indications for veneers installation

Veneers can be recommended in the following cases:

Improving the aesthetics of a smile, changing the size and shape of teeth. Ceramic onlays help to correct minor enamel imperfections, guaranteeing an aesthetic result.
Correction of interdental spaces – diastema and trema.
Restoration of one or more teeth after injuries.
Restoration of teeth affected by caries.

There are also contraindications to veneers. Ceramic onlays are not placed if you have:

bruxism (night teeth grinding);
serious bite abnormalities;
chronic gum disease.

It is important to know that veneers can be placed only on the front teeth, in a completely healthy oral cavity. Caries, pulpitis, periodontitis and other diseases of the teeth and gums must be treated the day before.

Stages of veneers installation in Bilobrov Clinic dentistry

And now, let’s talk about the veneer placement. This procedure is performed in several stages:

Stage 1: Consultation with a doctor and preparation

The dentist examines and diagnoses the oral cavity, chooses a method of dental restoration, and draws up a treatment plan. A photo protocol of the teeth and face is required. The dentist will use the photos for 3D modeling of the smile. Computer modeling helps to predict the result of dental restoration, choose the shape and color of veneers.

If necessary, additional examination methods may be prescribed: X-ray, CT scan of the teeth, etc. Before installing veneers, it is important to perform professional dental hygiene and treat all diseases of the teeth and gums, including caries.

Stage 2: Preparation of teeth

To install veneers, you need to grind your teeth – this is an important stage of preparation. Tooth grinding involves removing a small amount of enamel (usually 0.5-1 mm). The procedure is performed only under a microscope to ensure maximum accuracy.

After grinding, the doctor takes impressions of the teeth and sends them to the laboratory for the manufacture of veneers. This process takes from 1 to 2 weeks.

Stage #3: Fitting and fixing

The dentist assesses the fit, color, and size of the veneers. If the design is accurate and does not require correction, you can proceed to fixation. Veneers are installed with a special dental adhesive (dental cement), which guarantees a high level of adhesion. At the request of the patient, fixation of ceramic veneers can be performed under local anesthesia.

That’s all: the veneers are installed, and you can enjoy your perfect smile. The doctor will give you recommendations for dental care, and you can go home.

Caring for veneers after fixation

Basic rules for caring for veneers:

Regular oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. Use a medium-hard toothbrush, high-quality toothpaste, and mouthwash. To clean the interdental spaces, it is important to use dental floss and brushes.
Scheduled visit to the dentist. Preventive examination at the dentist – at least 2 times a year. The doctor will be able to detect any problems with the teeth and veneers in particular in time and effectively correct them.
Avoidance of mechanical stress.Veneers, crowns and other artificial structures are as sensitive to stress as our natural tooth.Therefore, you should not bite on inedible objects (this is a bad habit!), bite nuts and seeds.

Taking care of your smile, Bilobrov Clinic dental clinic.

Questions and answers about veneers

How long do veneers last?

It depends on the material of construction and compliance with the rules of dental care. On average, the restoration does not need to be replaced for 10-15 years.

Is it possible to install veneers to match the color of the teeth?

Yes, of course. You can choose permanent veneers of any shade and shape.

How much does a veneer cost for 1 tooth?

You can get acquainted with the cost in the “Prices” section or by contacting your dentist for a consultation. The price depends on the material of the veneer and the dental treatment that needs to be done before installation.

At what age can veneers be placed?

Children and adolescents are not eligible for veneers. We recommend this method of restoration for patients over 18 years old.