Dental veneers are one of the most in-demand treatments within the specialty of the Cosmetic Dentistry.And it’s no surprise, as they significantly improve the appearance of the teeth. in a very quick and effective way. In this way, the person does not need to undergo a longer treatment and can achieve the dental aesthetics they desire. the dental aesthetics they desire. 

What are dental veneers and when are they used?

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite that are adhered to the visible surface of a tooth to improve its aesthetic appearance.

Due to their aesthetic purpose, these layers are placed on the vestibular surface of the front teeth,as they are the most visible when smiling.

Therefore, their goal is not to improve the functionality of the teeth but to give them a more harmonious appearance..

They are custom-made for each patient to ensure they look as natural as possible when placed alongside the rest of the teeth.  

As previously mentioned, the function of these thin layers is to beautify the smile. In other words, they improve teeth that we are not entirely satisfied with due to their color, shape, size, or position..

Therefore, dental veneers are used to correct common defects such as, crooked, broken, spaced (diastema),, con stained,irregular, or worn teeth.

For example, aesthetic veneers can be an alternative to orthodontics if a person wants to slightly change the shape of their teeth. 

They can also be very effective in teeth that have calcified or darkened after undergoing a root canal treatment.. 

In these cases, the tooth would only regain its color through an internal whitening procedure. internal whitening. 

Types of aesthetic veneers and their materials"

There are different materials such as ceramics and resins used to create dental veneers, all of which serve the same purpose: to improve dental aesthetics.

Ceramic veneers are the ones that offer the highest quality and durability. This is why they are the most demanded material in our dental clinic. 

These veneers have a thickness similar to that of a contact lens, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters.As a general rule, it is not necessary to file or alter the natural shape of the tooth. 

Thanks to technological advancements, expert dentists in Cosmetic Dentistry can now finalize the fabrication of aesthetic veneersin just a few days, a significant time reduction considering that until recently, patients had to wait up to a month. 

Furthermore, dentists use a 3D scanner to obtain a virtual model of the person's mouth. 

Resin or Composite

Composite veneers also provide a good aesthetic result for the patient's oral cavity, but the material they are made from makes them less durable than porcelain veneers.

For this reason, our specialists recommend composite veneers in two specific cases: when the correction is particularly simple or when the patient is very young. o cuando el pacientes es muy joven.

Aesthetic Veneers to Correct Gaps Between Teeth

The reason for this is that porcelain veneer treatment is better carried out once growth is complete, typically after the age of 18.

However, for younger patients, it is recommended to use composite veneers, as they are reversible and do not require any tooth contouring..

Thus, if desired, the dentist can easily remove them in the future and subsequently place porcelain veneers.

Composite offers very realistic results when it is necessary to slightly modify the size, shape, or color of the tooth,as well as to close black triangles (small black spaces that appear between teeth).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain and Composite Veneers

Dado que las carillas dentales más utilizadas -y las que colocamos con mayor frecuencia en nuestra clínica- son las de most frequently at our clinic – are porcelain (e.max) and resin or composite,we will detail the benefits and drawbacks of each.

As you will see below, the main characteristics vary depending on the material they are made from:

Durability and Resistance 

Las Porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers,able to remain in perfect condition for up to 10 years, and they do not lose their color or stain. 

This durability largely depends on whether the patient follows their dentist’s instructions regarding maintenance and care..

In contrast, composite veneers last for a maximum of about five years. To reach this time frame, regular maintenance check-ups are necessary, and the dentist must perform polishing on the veneers.