Your smile is your calling card to the world, and cosmetic dentistry has changed the way you can optimise it. Porcelain veneers represent one of the most prominent innovations in this field, offering an effective and aesthetic solution for those seeking to improve their smile.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to porcelain veneers.

What are porcelain veneers and their benefits?

With porcelain veneers, a radiant smile is within your reach. This state-of-the-art dental treatment uses high-strength ceramic shells to transform the appearance of teeth by providing long-lasting, natural-looking results.

They are a popular choice for correcting dental problems such as smile aesthetics, stains, chipped teeth, gaps between teeth (diastemas) and misaligned teeth.

The benefits of dental veneers include the following:

• They mimic the appearance of natural enamel, providing a beautiful and harmonious smile.
• With proper maintenance, dental veneers can be highly resistant over time.
• Porcelain offers high resistance to stains caused by coffee, tea and wine, as well as various foods.
• They are used to correct various dental aesthetic problems.

Step 1: Initial consultation and smile design

Initial assessment

This process begins with a dental consultation, where oral health is assessed and the patient’s concerns and desires are discussed. The initial analysis is paramount, as it establishes the starting point for the custom design.

Here, the dentist examines the patient’s current smile, and considers aspects such as colour, alignment, symmetry and relationship between the gums and teeth, dental function and lip curve.

Digital scanning and custom design

The next step is digital scanning, an advanced technique that captures detailed images of the mouth. This allows the dentist and patient to visualise the potential outcome and make adjustments before proceeding with any treatment.

The custom design is based on a thorough analysis of the patient’s dental and facial proportions, using videos, photographs and temporary sketches to get a comprehensive view of how the veneer smile design integrates with the rest of the face.

Smile mock-up

Dental mock-up is an exciting stage, where a physical mock-up or digital design of the smile is created.

This provides a tangible representation of what the smile will look like after treatment, allowing the patient to experience their new smile before the final procedures are performed.

Step 2: Tooth preparation

Minimal or no grinding

Dental grinding is the process of removing a portion of the enamel to create space for the veneer. As a rule, this used to require significant grinding, but with advances in dental materials, minimal or even no grinding is now possible in some cases.

Non-faceted veneers, such as feldspathic ceramic or lithium disilicate veneers, allow this conservative approach because they preserve more of the natural tooth.

Materials used in veneers

Dental veneers are made from a variety of dental materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Porcelain: natural appearance and durability of 10 to 20 years.
• Zirconia: very durable and fracture resistant.
• Composite resin: economical and clinically applicable, but last only 3 to 5 years.
• Lithium disilicate (E-Max): high strength and natural appearance, with a durability of 10 to 15 years.

Bonding technique

The dental bonding technique is a painstaking procedure, whereby thin veneers are applied to the front surface of the teeth.

This process begins with the preparation of the enamel, followed by the placement of porcelain veneers, which are chemically bonded by means of a special cement. Polymerisation with a unique lamp ensures long-lasting bonding to the tooth.

Step 3: Placement and final adjustment

Cementation process

The cementation process of veneers is the moment when the dental prosthesis is fixed to the prepared tooth. The choice of dental cement is based on the type of prosthesis and the needs of the individual. This decision is decisive for the lasting success of the treatment.

Fitting and finishing

Once the prosthesis is cemented, it is then fitted and finished. This involves polishing and adjusting the prosthesis to ensure that it integrates fully with the adjacent teeth and the patient’s bite. It is important that there are no high points that may cause discomfort or interfere with chewing function.

Final check-up

The final dental check-up is the last and perhaps the most important step. The dentist will carefully examine the prosthesis to make sure that everything is in place and that the patient is satisfied with the result.

Aftercare

Maintenance of veneers

To ensure durability, it is essential that dental veneers are properly maintained. To keep them in perfect condition, it is advisable:

• Avoid consuming foods and drinks containing colouring agents.
• Caution with hard and sticky foods for their preservation over time.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, with brushing after every meal and regular use of dental floss.
• See your dentist for professional cleanings and regular check-ups.

Recommendations to prolong their durability

In order for veneers to maintain their aesthetic appearance and functionality in the long term, it is advisable:

• Limit smoking.
• Use mouthguards if you practice sports or suffer from bruxism.
• Renew toothbrushes every three months to prevent excessive wear.
• Avoid abrasive dental products that scratch or damage the surface of the veneers.

By following these recommendations, dental veneers can be a long-lasting investment that improves patients’ quality of life and confidence.

It is important to remember that, although cosmetic dental veneers are durable, they require care similar to that of natural teeth to preserve their beauty and function.