Ceramic veneers

Ceramic veneers are ultra-thin (0.2-0.5 mm), custom-made shells of high-quality ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to correct aesthetic imperfections such as chips, cracks, enamel discoloration, gaps, or irregular tooth shapes, while providing a natural color. This is one of the most popular methods of cosmetic dentistry, allowing you to create a flawless “Hollywood smile.”

Veneers conform to the outer surface of the tooth enamel without adding thickness to the tooth. Thanks to modern materials, ceramic veneers last at least 20 years. These dental overlays are made from pressed orthopedic ceramic (a porcelain analogue) and visually imitate the translucency and color of tooth enamel. Ceramic veneers, thanks to a wide range of shades, closely match the patient’s natural teeth.

At our Kyiv dental clinic, veneers are installed by highly qualified orthodontists, allowing you to change the shape, color, and harmony of your teeth in just a few visits.

Why are dental veneers in demand?

Ceramic veneers are an effective solution for addressing various aesthetic concerns with teeth. The results can be compared to rejuvenation surgery, as they restore the height of the teeth, whitening them, and making them perfectly even.

Ceramic veneers are advisable when the patient has the following conditions:

• general enamel darkening;
• fluorosis and “tetracycline” teeth;
• diastemas;
• chips and enamel defects;
• disproportion of one or more teeth compared to adjacent teeth;
• darkening of fillings.

The main reasons for the popularity of veneers are the price/effectiveness ratio and their safety for teeth. Importantly, the teeth underneath the veneers remain healthy. The cost of veneers in Kyiv depends on their type and material, but there are certain options where the price of veneers is the optimal solution for creating a bright smile.

Ceramic veneers also offer a number of advantages over other orthopedic structures, including:

• minimal tooth surface preparation;
• achieving the desired shape and color;
• veneers do not darken or stain.

Furthermore, these veneers require no special care and are cleaned like regular teeth.

1. Examination and consultation

Before installing veneers, the dentist assesses the patient’s oral health. Specifically, they verify the security of existing fillings; any defects require replacement. This is important to ensure high-quality adhesion of the veneers, extend their lifespan, and achieve the best aesthetic results.

During the consultation, the orthodontist asks the patient about the desired changes in the appearance of their teeth and helps them choose the shape and color of the future veneers. At this stage, a photographic protocol of the future smile is taken to clearly demonstrate and agree with the patient on how the teeth will look after the restoration. The dentist also explains all the details of the procedure and how the price is determined.

2. Teeth preparation and veneer fabrication

The prosthodontist takes impressions of the teeth to create the precise shape and size of the future veneers. These impressions are sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of custom veneers.

After this, the surface of the tooth enamel is polished, removing a thin layer of enamel to improve adhesion to the ceramic overlay and create a natural appearance. Temporary plastic veneers are then attached to the teeth while the ceramic veneers are fabricated. This is necessary to protect the treated surface.

3. Bonding and polishing

After the custom veneers are made, the prosthodontist removes the temporary veneers and treats the prepared areas with an antiseptic. The finished veneers are first tried on and adjusted, ensuring they fit snugly against the teeth and eliminating any microgaps where food particles and bacteria can accumulate.

Then the veneers are installed, bonded to the teeth with dental cement.

The final step is polishing the veneers’ surfaces to give the veneers the most natural appearance possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic veneers

The undeniable advantages of ceramic veneers include:

• Significant aesthetic effect – the procedure radically changes the color and shape of teeth in the smile zone;
• Stain resistance – veneers practically do not absorb dyes from highly pigmented foods;
• Quick results – using veneers allows you to achieve a Hollywood smile in a single visit, which is dozens of times faster than with braces, plates, or mouth guards;
• Versatility – veneers are suitable for concealing various negative factors, such as darkened enamel, gaps in the teeth, and crooked teeth.

Disadvantages of ceramic veneers include:

• Required enamel treatment can increase tooth sensitivity;
• If damaged, veneers cannot be replaced;
• The cost of installing veneers is quite high.

How long do ceramic veneers last?

Veneers last between 15 and 25 years. This lifespan depends on the quality of their manufacture, adherence to the installation protocol, and careful patient care. This includes regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene.

The lifespan of veneers is also affected by the material they are made from:

• Zirconium dioxide is a durable, wear-resistant material. Zirconium dioxide veneers are suitable for teeth subject to high stress, such as molars. They last up to 15 years.
• Dental porcelain is an aesthetic material that mimics the natural color and texture of natural teeth. These veneers (Lumineers) are typically placed on incisors and canines and last up to 20 years.
• E-max ceramic is a highly durable glass ceramic with excellent transparency and natural light transmission. It is used for the front teeth in the smile zone. Service life – up to 25 years.