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Dental veneers:
Ceramic facets, ceramic veneers, or as they are popularly called tooth veneers, are the most aesthetically acceptable solution for beautifying a smile. It is a method that minimally removes tooth substance or does not even have to be removed (no-prep veneers). Which method will work depends on the case.
When it comes to your smile, be carefree in the “Cvjetković” office. We are bigger perfectionists than you. Our goal is that you are delighted with your smile. We are very detailed, meticulous and you will actively participate with us in every phase of making toothpaste.
In the first phase of making the veneer, it is necessary for us to review and analyze your X-rays. An obligatory and very important part of the therapy is talking to you about the aesthetic and functional aspects of the treatment. The aids allow us to try “future veneers” in the mouth and, before starting the therapy, to determine whether such a tooth appearance meets your expectations and whether we can achieve good function and longevity of the veneer.
Read more about planning in DSD:
Ceramic veneers are a long-lasting solution. We often make them for people who want “permanent teeth whitening”, or for those who have smaller and darker teeth and would like a larger, brighter, properly distributed, or – more open smile. We also do them for people who have a slight folding or rotation of the teeth, and do not want to wear an orthodontic appliance.
Ceramic veneers – truths and misconceptions
- Ceramic veneers are flakes that just “stick” to the teeth
This is a big misconception. Making ceramic veneers, if they are made professionally, is one of the most delicate procedures in the field of prosthetics and aesthetic dentistry. It requires a good assessment, work experience and a sense of aesthetics.
Ceramic veneers require that the entire smile be planned in advance because there is no room for later corrections. That is why the production process starts with photos of the current situation and virtual design of the future smile. Based on the virtual design, a prototype of future veneers is made of a special material that is tested in the patient’s mouth. All the necessary corrections can be made on this prototype, and then it is scanned and the information is sent to the machine that makes the definitive veneers. The prototype of the veneer is an important step in the whole process because it gives guidelines where it is necessary to remove tooth enamel in order to get a beautiful veneer, that is, it prevents excessive removal of the natural tooth.
- Ceramic veneers are made quickly
Ceramic veneers can be made by CAD / CAM or press method. They will certainly be made faster with CAD/CAM technique. The press technique, although much slower, was considered unsurpassed when it came to the aesthetics of veneers. Today, with the development of technology and materials, both techniques are reliable and stand side by side in terms of the function and aesthetics of the veneers.
The speed of making veneers is especially affected by the need for modeling and individualization. If you want white, fairly uniform ceramic veneers, you can expect quick production. Conversely, if you want complete individualization, the presence of transparent cutting edges, the appearance of a completely natural tooth – you will have to arm yourself with patience just like a doctor and dental technician while making your “hand made” veneers.
- Can I have the same ceramic veneers as in the picture?
Patients often come with a photo of the smile they want. Of course, such ceramic veneers can be copied. The question is – Will such a tooth shape suit your face? It is best to get an idea of what you would like and what you do not like through a conversation with you, and on that basis to come up with a smile that is appropriate for you.
- It will be seen that I have artificial teeth…
This can be another misconception. Ceramic veneers most faithfully copy natural teeth. If enough attention is paid to all the details and modeling of the veneer, the only thing that will be seen is your beautiful natural smile. Many will notice that you have become more beautiful, but they will not be able to say what has been done.
- Do I need to do ceramic veneers on all teeth?
No, it’s not necessary. It is possible to make ceramic veneers only on individual teeth (e.g. damaged or rotated), provided that other natural teeth already have the desired appearance. In such situations, we get great results with the help of small corrections (from only a few veneers). Otherwise, if you want a more obvious change of smile, it is necessary to make ceramic veneers on all teeth that can be seen when laughing.
- Ceramic veneers darken over time
You need to know that ceramics in the mouth do not change color. It can change over time, but it only happens when the tooth under the veneer changes color. Since ceramic veneers are thin and transparent, any complication when cementing, in terms of bleeding gums or wetting the teeth, will be visible later.
- What colors can ceramic veneers be?
Determining the final color of tooth veneer is a delicate process and is chosen according to the color of the face. Natural teeth are white with yellow or gray shades and patients usually want completely white veneers. If the the tooth veneers are thin then they need to be lighter in order to neutralize the color of the natural tooth underneath.
- Are tooth veneers sensitive and easy to crack?
In part, they are. Ceramic veneers have similar resistance to natural tooth and are very firmly attached to tooth enamel. They can easily withstand normal loads during chewing. They become fragile with bad habits such as nibbling on objects, consuming hard caramels, toast or hard crusts of bread. However, a natural tooth is equally sensitive to the mentioned food, which is why it should be avoided.
- Are tooth veneers difficult to maintain and what is the expiration date?
No, they are maintained just like natural teeth. Normal brushing of teeth with interdental floss and possibly interdental brushes is sufficient. Occasional use of mouthwash is useful. Ceramic veneers do not have a specific expiration date. Of course, if the veneer happens to be mechanically damaged due to bad habits or the tooth gets caries due to lack of hygiene, it is necessary to replace it with a new one. Also, any changes caused by the normal aging process of our body (for example, the withdrawal of bones and gums around all teeth) will at some point require the production of new veneers. Such changes are individual in each patient and cannot be predicted in advance.
- Is making painful?
It’s not. Ceramic veneers, starting from tooth preparation to cementation, are done under conditions of local anesthesia and are an absolutely painless procedure. After cementation, tooth sensitivity may occur that lasts for a short time and passes spontaneously.
- How are tooth veneers cemented?
They are cemented with special cements and protocols. In the “Cvjetković” office, we use cements from the Ivoclar Vivadent company.
As a result of cementation, a very strong connection is established between the veneer and the tooth enamel. It is a delicate process that takes a long time.
Ceramic veneers or porecelain fused to metal crowns?
Ceramic veneers are an excellent alternative to porecelain fused to metal crowns, especially in situations when it is necessary to solve aesthetic defects with minimal removal of tooth substance. They are most often placed on the front teeth, where their appearance and aesthetic value are most pronounced.
Crowns are preferred for dark-painted tetracycline or treated teeth. Transparent ceramic veneers have a hard time masking the dark background, so it is a challenge to get the final look of white teeth with them.
A beautiful and natural smile can be achieved by making either ceramic veneers or crowns. Veneer therapy in most situations gives better results, the appearance of the gums (pink aesthetics) and the appearance of the interdental spaces is more beautiful and natural, more dental substance is preserved… All these details significantly affect the final appearance and harmony of your smile.
Ceramic vs. composite veneers for teeth
Tooth veneers can be made of composites – composite facets or ceramic – ceramic facets (veneers). Read below for basic information.
The material from which the veneers are made can be composite or ceramic.
Composite veneers are made of the same material as the fillings and they do not provide aesthetic results as ceramic veneers, require more frequent corrections and do not have a long lifespan. On the other hand, such veneers are easier and cheaper to make than ceramic veneers.
Ceramic veneers are the most perfect and aesthetically acceptable solution for transforming the appearance of natural teeth. As already mentioned, ceramic veneers can be placed after minimal grinding of the teeth, or even without grinding (no – prep veneers). Whether it will be necessary to grind the tooth depends on the case, i.e. from the position and shape of the teeth before making the veneer, as well as from the desired shape of the teeth that will be obtained after the placement of the ceramic veneer.
That is why it is very important to make, in cooperation with the patient, a detailed treatment plan after the first examination, which will combine the patient’s wishes and realistic possibilities of the procedure. Sometimes, during the preparation for veneers, a fixed device is used, in order to first place the teeth in the correct position, because although veneers can, to some extent, compensate for problems in the position, the range of veneers in this regard is limited to minor irregularities.
What is the difference between composite and ceramic tooth veneers?
Both types of veneers are thin veneers that are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth to brighten your smile. Let’s mention the basic differences:
- Production time
Composite veneers for teeth are made much faster and will be completed in one visit to the dentist. The first step is to choose the right color and then the veneers are made like filling teeth. Polishing follows, after which you leave the office with a new smile!
Ceramic veneers for teeth require more visits and a much more delicate manufacturing procedure.
- Durability
With proper care, ceramic tooth veneers last more than 10 years, and composite ones only a few years. Ceramic veneers are mechanically much more resistant than composite ones. On the other hand, if breakage occurs, composite tooth veneers can be easily repaired while ceramic ones need to be replaced with new ones.
- Aesthetics
When it comes to the look of your smile, ceramic tooth veneers have a great advantage. They refract light like a natural tooth, do not change color in the mouth over time and are significantly more beautiful than composite ones.
- The price
Ceramic veneers for teeth are always more expensive and for a reason. Making ceramic veneers is more complex, requires a longer time, a higher level of knowledge and skills and more expensive equipment. Initially, composite veneers are cheaper, but they have to be changed more often.
How are composite veneers made?
Composite veneers can be made in three ways.
It is the simplest when they are modeled directly on the tooth, such as placing a white filling. The finished veneer is aesthetically shaped and polished. Also, factory-modeled and glazed composite veneers can be used as a direct technique. They have a predetermined shape and are subject to minimal corrections in the mouth.
In practice, indirect methods of making veneers are becoming increasingly popular. Modern materials enable such composite veneers to be printed and have better mechanical and aesthetic properties.
Composite and ceramic veneers – price
The price of veneers is determined by numerous factors.
The production of ceramic veneers requires better technical equipment, a higher level of dental knowledge and skills, and significantly more time spent. Composite veneers are simpler to make and therefore cheaper.
However, in the long run, they are not that much cheaper than ceramic ones because ceramic veneers last longer. During the duration of one set of ceramic, several sets of composite veneers are changed, and in the end the price will be very similar.
In our office, the price for composite veneers ranges from 50 eur to 150 eur and the price for ceramic veneers from 270 eur to 500 eur.