Frequently asked questions
No, veneers and crowns are not the same thing. They are two different dental treatments with different purposes:
- Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material, typically porcelain or ceramic, that are applied to the front of the visible tooth surfaces. Their main purpose is to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth by hiding discoloration, stains, slight misalignments and irregularities.
- Crowns, also known as dental crowns, are artificial coverings that enclose the entire visible portion of a damaged, chipped or heavily restored tooth. Crowns are used to restore the function and strength of damaged teeth and provide protection against further damage.
Overall, veneers mainly serve aesthetic purposes, while crowns have both aesthetic and functional restorative purposes.
When veneers need to be replaced due to wear or damage, the process is usually the same as when the veneers were originally placed, except that the old veneers are carefully removed first. This is usually done by grinding or lifting off the old veneers.
If a veneer breaks, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist will take appropriate measures to repair or replace the broken veneer. Depending on the type and extent of the breakage, this may mean that the veneer is remade and reapplied to the tooth.
The natural teeth provide a stable foundation for the veneers and normally remain healthy and functional.
Although veneers are long-lasting and durable, there is always a certain risk that they may break or peel off. Possible reasons could be:
- Trauma or injury: Severe trauma or injury to the mouth can cause veneers to become damaged or break off.
- Inadequate dental care: Inadequate dental care and improper use of the teeth, such as opening objects with the teeth, can affect the durability of veneers.
- Misaligned teeth: Severe misalignment of teeth or an uneven bite can result in uneven pressure on the veneers, which can increase the risk of breakage.
In patients who grind their teeth a lot, in very young patients, when there is extremely little space, when there is only a small layer of enamel left on the tooth, in very discolored teeth.
In principle, there is no need to worry about discolouration with veneers. However, the bonding areas may discolour slightly over time. This discolouration is often caused by factors such as the consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, certain medications and acidic foods.
Treatment with veneers usually involves several steps:
- Consultation: During your first appointment, your dentist will discuss your dental history and esthetic goals. Examinations and dental impressions will take place to create a customized treatment plan.
- Pre-preparation (optional): Depending on the case, your teeth may be minimally pre-prepared to create space for the veneers. In some cases, however, no or only minimal pre-preparation is required.
- Impressions and color selection: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create the customized veneers. You also choose the color of the veneers together with your dentist to achieve a natural result.
- Fitting temporary veneers: If necessary, temporary veneers will be fitted to give your teeth a more aesthetic appearance while the final veneers are being made. Fitting the final veneers: Once your customized veneers are completed, they will be applied to your teeth. The dentist will adjust the veneer to ensure optimal fit and aesthetics. The veneers are then permanently attached to your teeth.
- Completion and aftercare: Once the veneers have been fixed, your dentist will check your bite and give you instructions on aftercare. Regular check-ups are important to monitor the condition of the veneers and your oral health.
The exact procedure may vary depending on the individual case. It is important to consult your dentist to create a precise treatment plan according to your specific needs.
In most cases, veneers are used for aesthetic reasons to improve the appearance of the teeth. They are not normally medically necessary. However, there are certain situations where veneers may be considered for medical reasons. These include
- Repair of severely damaged teeth: When teeth are severely damaged, for example due to accidents, trauma or severe wear and tear, veneers can be used to restore them.
- Correction of misalignments: In some cases, veneers can be used to correct slight misalignments or gaps between teeth.
- Protection from further damage: Veneers can be used to protect damaged teeth from further wear or damage.
- Treatment of tooth discoloration: Although discoloration is usually an aesthetic problem, in some cases it can indicate serious dental disease. In such cases, the use of veneers can be part of the treatment.
Veneers bieten eine Reihe von Vorteilen, die sie zu einer beliebten zahnästhetischen Lösung machen. Hier sind einige der hervorzuhebenden Vorteile:
- Aesthetic improvement: Veneers can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth by hiding discoloration, stains, wear marks and irregularities.
- Natural appearance: High-quality veneers made of porcelain or ceramic look very natural and harmonize well with natural teeth.
- Longevity: Veneers are generally durable and can last for many years if they are well cared for.
- Fast results: The aesthetic improvement of teeth with veneers is usually quick and requires only a few visits to the dentist.
- Improving self-confidence: By correcting dental problems, veneers can increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Protection for damaged teeth: Veneers can also protect damaged teeth from further wear and damage.