Dental Veneer Treatment

Dental veneer treatment is the process of coating the teeth with various materials in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, protect their functions or repair damage to the teeth. Dental veneer treatment can be used for problems such as fractures, cracks, abrasion, decay, as well as to change the shape, size or color of the teeth for aesthetic purposes.
Types of Veneer Treatment
Veneers can be of different types according to their material and the way they are applied. The appropriate type of veneer is selected according to the dentist’s recommendation and the patient’s needs:

Porcelain Veneers

Full Ceramic (Porcelain) Veneer

These fillings, which are white or close to tooth color, are often preferred for aesthetic purposes. It is especially preferred for front teeth because it provides a natural appearance. They are easy to apply and are usually completed in one session.

Porcelain Veneers

Zirconium Veneer

This silver-colored filling is durable and long-lasting, but is generally preferred more for the back teeth due to aesthetic concerns.

Metal Assisted Porcelain Veneers

Composite Veneer

It is made of a resin-based material that is tooth-colored. Composite veneers are applied and shaped directly to the tooth surface. They are more affordable than other types of veneers but are not as durable as porcelain veneers. It can also be preferred for temporary solutions to repair cracked or broken teeth.

Metal Assisted Porcelain Veneers

Lamina (Leaf Porcelain) Veneer

Thin porcelain layers are bonded only on the front surface of the teeth. This method gives the teeth an aesthetic appearance with minimal intervention. It is used for discoloration, separated teeth, crowding or deformities.

Why is Veneer Treatment Performed?

Veneer treatment can be performed for aesthetic or functional purposes. The reasons why veneers are preferred are as follows:

Changing the color of the teeth and providing a white appearance

Repairing broken, cracked or worn areas on teeth

Correcting deformities in the shape or size of teeth

Completion of tooth deficiencies lost due to caries

Closing gaps such as diastema (tooth gaps) in the teeth

Protect weak tooth structure and improve chewing function

How is Veneer Treatment Performed?

The veneer treatment usually consists of several stages and each stage is meticulously executed:

Inspection and Planning

The dentist assesses the condition of the teeth and the need for veneers. The type of veneer to be used is decided and the patient is informed. The teeth are measured and the color is selected.

Tooth Preparation

In order to apply a veneer on the tooth, a thin layer is abraded from the surface of the teeth. This is to ensure that the veneer fits properly on the tooth. The amount of abrasion varies depending on the type of veneer; for example, a very small amount of abrasion is sufficient for lamina veneers.

Temporary Veneer

After tooth preparation, a temporary veneer can be applied until the permanent crown is applied. This preserves the aesthetic appearance and reduces tooth sensitivity.

Veneer Construction and Application

The dental impressions are sent to the laboratory where the veneers are individually prepared. After the preparation process is completed, the veneers are permanently fixed to the teeth by the dentist with special adhesives.

Final Checks and Touch-ups

After the veneer is properly placed on the tooth, final checks are made, minor corrections and polishing are performed if necessary.

Things to Consider After Veneer Treatment

After the coating process, it is important to take some precautions to keep the coatings long-lasting and healthy:

Regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash are necessary to keep the veneered teeth healthy.

Avoid biting into extremely hard foods to avoid breaking the coatings.

If there is a habit of teeth grinding, the dentist may recommend a night plate, as teeth clenching can cause the veneers to wear or break.

It is important to visit the dentist regularly to ensure that the veneers remain healthy and can be used for a long time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneer Treatment

It provides an aesthetically natural and beautiful smile.

It protects the structure and improves the functionality of the teeth.

It is long-lasting and can be used for many years with proper maintenance.

Some abrasion of the surface of the teeth is required.

It can be fragile against hard impacts.

The cost may be higher than other dental treatments.