Porcelain Veneers: Achieving Aesthetic and Functional Teeth

Porcelain veneers, one of the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic dentistry, offer the possibility of achieving aesthetic and functional teeth. They provide highly effective results in correcting minor imperfections such as irregular tooth shape, noticeable gaps between teeth, and discoloration that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to wear and minimize the risk of staining due to their structure.

If there are no issues that need to be addressed in the gums, porcelain veneer treatment can be completed in 2-3 sessions. With proper and thorough oral care, porcelain veneers can be used for many years. Before delving into the details of porcelain veneers, let's first provide some general information about tooth enamel.

What is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel, one of the hardest structures in our body, plays a crucial role in chewing, biting, and speech. It consists of three basic layers, with the outermost layer being enamel, which is an essential anatomical part of the tooth.

Tooth enamel is the first layer outside the tooth and is made up of crystalline calcium phosphate. It is calcified and can vary in color from soft beige to white. Due to its hard structure and its location on the tooth surface, it helps protect the tooth against actions such as chewing, biting, and grinding. However, over time, cracks and fractures can occur in this layer for various reasons.

The veneer application we will explain shortly is performed based on the principle of minimal abrasion of tooth enamel, although to a minimal extent. Therefore, this abrasion stage is not applied to individuals whose enamel has already worn down.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Also known as leaf veneers, porcelain veneers are reinforced porcelain structures with a very thin leaf-like shape that are bonded to the surfaces of healthy teeth using special adhesives after minimal abrasion of the tooth surfaces. Porcelain veneers can only be applied by removing a minimal amount of tooth structure, typically 0.5 mm to 1 mm from the front surfaces of the teeth. The fundamental principle of veneer application is minimal tooth abrasion.

While serving functional purposes, veneers are generally preferred as part of cosmetic dentistry, contributing to smile design. The colors of porcelain veneers are close to natural tooth color and can be customized in terms of both color and size. Porcelain veneer treatment is dependent on selecting the right patient to achieve the best results.

When are Porcelain Veneers Applied?

Porcelain veneers can be applied in various situations where teeth's aesthetic appearance is affected, leading to functional issues. They can be applied when individuals are bothered by gaps between teeth, when teeth show signs of wear or cracking, when previous fillings change color and cause aesthetic concerns, when teeth whitening procedures cannot improve tooth color, or when teeth are misshapen or crooked.

Who is Suitable for Porcelain Laminate Veneer Treatment?

When a person's smile aesthetics are compromised, cosmetic dentistry treatments can be sought. Through porcelain laminate veneer treatment, it is possible to effectively address dental irregularities that cast a shadow on one's smile. Porcelain laminate veneers resembling natural teeth can be applied to individuals who have completed jaw development and desire a more beautiful smile. Suitable candidates for porcelain laminate veneer treatment include:

• Those whose teeth do not respond to whitening treatments and seek permanent improvement in tooth color.
• Individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth that affect the smile's aesthetics.
• Those whose old fillings change color.
• Individuals with congenital dental defects.
• Those with gaps between teeth, known as diastema, and desire a more uniform and attractive smile.
• Individuals with healthy teeth and gums are considered suitable candidates for porcelain laminate veneer treatment.

Types of Laminate Veneer Applications

There are different types of veneer applications that can be made from porcelain and composite materials.

Porcelain Veneers: These are the most commonly used veneers in smile design. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, they are preferred for their durability and long life. With their light-transmitting properties, they offer a very natural appearance. Their smooth surface prevents staining and makes them easy to clean. Minimal tooth structure abrasion is sufficient for their placement.

Composite Laminate Veneers: These are resin-based coatings. They can be preferred to change the shape, color, and position of the tooth. They can be applied in a single session. They are known to be less costly than porcelain and are easier to repair if damaged. The lifespan of composite laminate veneers is around 5 years on average, and they are more prone to staining compared to porcelain veneers. Additionally, they have a less natural appearance compared to porcelain veneers.

Stages of Porcelain Laminate Veneer Application

Patient and dentist collaboration is essential in all stages of porcelain laminate veneer treatment. In the initial session, precise intraoral measurements of the patient are taken. To determine the suitability of the veneers for patients, teeth are examined, X-rays are taken, and all information about the mouth and teeth is obtained. Models are created to provide patients with an idea of how their smile will look after veneer application.

Preparation Stage

During the process of preparing the teeth for laminate veneers, a minimal amount of tissue is removed from the tooth surface. Anesthesia may be applied during the procedure, as tooth enamel will be abraded. The decision to administer anesthesia is made by the patient and the dentist. The primary aim at this stage is to ensure minimal abrasion and to prevent patient discomfort during the procedure.

Selection of Veneer Color and Impression Taking

One of the most important stages of porcelain veneer application is taking impressions. Measurements are taken using highly precise techniques. Data is obtained to produce customized porcelain veneers based on the measurements taken.

The colors of the teeth adjacent to the veneer application are evaluated, and based on the patient's expectations, the appropriate porcelain color is determined. Dentists may take the initiative to improve the smile and increase patient satisfaction during this process.

Temporary Veneer Placement

After the teeth are abraded, temporary veneers are placed to prevent sensitivity until permanent veneers are bonded. If the tooth surface has been minimally abraded, temporary laminates may not be necessary during the period until permanent laminates are applied.

Bonding of Porcelain Veneers

After custom porcelain laminate veneers, tailored according to the measurements taken, are tried on, they are bonded. The surfaces of the teeth are leveled with phosphoric acid to ensure proper adhesion of the adhesive to the tooth surface. A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed onto the teeth. When the veneer is properly positioned, your dentist activates the chemicals in the cement by directing a special beam of light onto it, causing it to harden rapidly. The final steps involve removing excess cement, checking the bite, and making any necessary adjustments.

Dentists may require patients to return for a follow-up appointment a few weeks later to check their gum health and the placement of the veneers. Dental cements are materials used in the form of adhesive materials in intraoral fixed applications, available in powder or liquid form. Cements have specific applications in endodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, and surgical procedures. All these procedures are carried out with precision during the bonding of porcelain veneers.

Treatment Duration and Number of Sessions

Porcelain laminate veneer treatment is completed in approximately one week, which includes the time required for preparing permanent laminate teeth. The number of sessions generally averages 2-3. If patients have dental or gum diseases that need to be treated, the total treatment time may extend up to two weeks, depending on the discomfort they experience.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

If patients adhere to the post-treatment care instructions after porcelain laminate veneer treatment, this procedure can maintain its effectiveness for many years without any issues. It is important to avoid consuming very hard or structurally rigid foods to prevent damage to the veneers. In addition to avoiding hard foods, habits such as biting hard objects should also be discontinued. Those who habitually bite their nails, clips, or pens should stop these habits.

If patients suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, they should seek bruxism treatment and consider using mouthguards tailored to their mouth and teeth structure at night. Regular dental check-ups are necessary, and patients should not neglect their appointments.

Those who have undergone laminate veneer treatment should refrain from opening packages with their front teeth as much as possible and avoid chewing on hard foods. If engaging in sports activities that pose a risk of physical impact, mouthguards should be used to protect the teeth.

Although teeth do not require special care after laminate veneer treatment, regular oral and dental care is essential. Teeth should be brushed regularly, interdental spaces should be cleaned with dental floss, and mouthwashes with antiseptic properties should be used.

Advantages of Porcelain Laminate Veneers

Porcelain laminate veneers support the natural appearance of teeth and allow for achieving a beautiful smile. Despite being very thin, leaf porcelain veneers become quite durable when integrated with teeth, harmonizing with the gums. Their customization to enable patients to achieve an aesthetic smile is another advantage.

Other advantages include the possibility of application without abrasion of teeth, minimal risk of staining, no change in color, difficulty in distinguishing them from real teeth, and their long-lasting nature.

Disadvantages

Porcelain laminate application is not suitable for every patient. Patients with dental and gum diseases need to have other oral and dental problems treated before undergoing the procedure. Moreover, their costs can be higher compared to other alternative treatments.

Every stage of porcelain laminate application must be performed with precision. This precision requires professionalism and experience. Since the procedure is irreversible, patients seeking the application should be careful in selecting an oral and dental health clinic.

Porcelain laminate application generally requires a minimal amount of abrasion of teeth. While abrasion may not be necessary in some patients, the development of hot and cold sensitivity in teeth is possible after this procedure's completion.