Ceramic Veneers are thin porcelain shields that cover only the front face of the teeth. They represent a permanent solution to change or improve the image of stained, chipped, broken or unaesthetic teeth. At least two appointments are necessary to carry out the clinical and technical steps for making the veneers.
Like many dental procedures, the dental prints are taken before, during or in some cases even after making the ceramic veneers. The dental prints taken at the start of the procedure are used to create a plaster model of the teeth. The plaster model helps the dental technician to make the final veneers or to make a wax-up. Wax-up is a model that shows the final form of the veneers. The wax-up can be used to achieve provisional facets that the patient will wear until the ceramic ones will be made.
Choosing the colour.
Choosing the hue is an important step. The final hue is determined by the requirements of the patient and the doctor’s recommendations. The doctor will take into account the desire of whiter teeth, but also the skin tone as well as the neighbouring teeth which are due to be plated with veneers. The end result should be that of natural teeth, attractive, impeccable. A dental laboratory visit might be necessary because the colour analysis can be done for each patient.
Preparing the teeth
Ceramic veneers require a minimal sacrifice of enamel on the tooth surface. The preparation of teeth depends on the type of facet used, the tooth position or method of making preparations. Also during the procedure, anaesthesia may or may not be required. In the case of teeth with minimal sacrifice of tooth enamel or in the case of teeth with canal treatments anaesthesia is not recommended.
Provisional veneers are designed to protect teeth from sensitivity subsequent to the preparation, and to meet the aesthetic factor in the period necessary to make the final facets. They will resemble natural teeth, but will not be as aesthetic as the porcelain ones. In the interim period in which the patients wear provisional veneers, they have several contraindications:
- not to bite or chew tough foods
- to avoid chewing gum or sticky foods
- not to break non-food products with their teeth
- not to bite their nails
The new smile
Veneers are made 7-10 days after taking the mouth print. Cementing the veneers is an important step which involves etching both the dental surface and the interior of the veneers. The cement is placed inside the facet, and the latter is placed on the tooth. Polymerization of the cement is needed to strengthen it. Excess cement is removed from the teeth.
Taking care of the veneers.
Although veneers are designed to allow the patient to use them as natural teeth, precautions should be exercised. Biting directly from hard food as well as opening or breaking non-food objects can lead to chipping and breakage. Veneers are made to last 10-15 years. However, cleaning and regular checks are necessary.