The veneer is a very thin layer of dental materials applied to the visible surface of the teeth. Veneers are often applied to incisors, canines and sometimes upper, lower or both premolars. The natural tooth may or may not have been prepared to receive the veneer.

The veneers can be made of two materials:

• Composite resin;
• Dental porcelain.

In general terms

• Restoration of the original size of a decayed, stained, cracked or broken tooth;
• Improvement of the aesthetic appearance of a smile by standardizing the color, shape, angle or size of the teeth;
• Reduction or camouflage of unwanted interdental spaces (diastems);
• Hiding enamel defects (hypoplasia).

Composite resin veneers

• Faster result, as installation is usually done in a single appointment;
• More economical than porcelain veneers;
• The treatment is sometimes reversible and conservative depending on the prior preparation of the tooth.

In general terms

• Veneers remain an expensive treatment, as several teeth are often involved;
• Dental problems, such as cavities, can occur if the veneers are poorly maintained or detached from the teeth;
• A tooth whitening may be necessary before considering a treatment involving veneers, since the color of the veneers is chosen according to the natural color of the adjacent teeth;
• Aesthetic results depend very much on the artistic skills of the dentist or prosthetist who makes the veneers and the complexity of the case to be treated.
• If a breakage occurs or if the veneer comes off, the treatment must be repeated;
• Veneers are not covered by all dental insurance since their function is mainly aesthetic.

Composite resin veneers

• Their life span is limited;
• They are more likely to be affected by stains, to lose their shine and to change colour;
• They are more fragile than porcelain veneers and may therefore need to be replaced or retouched.

• Progressive deterioration of the appearance of teeth;
• Possibility of fracture of a weakened tooth not reinforced by a veneer.

• Preparation of the teeth;
• Manufacturing of composite resin veneers directly at the chair;
• Adjustment of the occlusion and polishing of the veneer.

• Varies according to the number of veneers to be made.

• Veneers require the same type of care as natural teeth (brushing at least twice a day and daily flossing);
• It is recommended to floss where the veneers have been applied;
• The patient must be careful not to bite into objects that are too hard not to break the veneers;
• The patient should avoid biting his nails, the skin around the nails or using his teeth as tools (to open bags for example);
• Patients with grinding or clenching habits should wear a protective device such as an occlusal plate or rigid protective shell;
• To ensure optimal results, it is essential to visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and examination.

• Teeth that are too decayed or fragile and require the installation of a dental crown;
• Problem of clenching or grinding of untreated teeth, which can damage and even break veneers.

• Porcelain veneers;
• Crown.