- A thin porcelain shell applied only to the front surface
- Markedly less tooth preparation than a crown
- Planned for colour, shape and spacing concerns
- Usually 2–3 appointments; 1–2 weeks including laboratory time
What is it?
A veneer is a thin porcelain leaf made in the laboratory to the measurements of the tooth and attached to the enamel surface with a special adhesive system. It does not cover the biting surface or the back of the tooth, so most of the tooth structure stays in place. This is where it differs from zirconia and all-ceramic crowns, which require the whole tooth to be reduced: a crown encloses a damaged tooth completely, whereas a veneer improves the appearance of a tooth that is largely sound.
The porcelain surface does not stain. That is an advantage, but it comes with a limitation: once a veneer is in place, its colour cannot be changed with whitening gels. For this reason, if you want whitening, teeth whitening is done before the veneers, and the shade of the veneers is chosen after the colour has settled.
Who is it suitable for, and who is it not?
Veneers are considered for teeth that have sufficient enamel and a front surface with an aesthetic problem:
- Lasting discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- Small, short or worn front teeth
- Gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Mild alignment irregularities
In the following situations a veneer is usually not a suitable option, or another problem needs to be resolved first:
- A marked clenching and grinding habit (uncontrolled force can crack porcelain)
- Severe crowding; in this case orthodontic treatment is a more appropriate starting point
- Teeth with insufficient enamel; bonding strength depends on enamel
- Untreated decay or gum disease; these are treated first
- Habits such as nail biting or biting pens and other hard objects
- Teeth with large fillings or root canal treatment; a crown may be more suitable for these
This list is only a general framework. Within the same mouth, different methods such as veneers for some teeth and bonding or crowns for others can be planned together; which is suitable can only be said after an examination, X-rays and an assessment of the bite. Veneers are an aesthetic choice and not a necessary treatment, so when deciding you should discuss your expectations, the risks and the alternatives openly with your dentist.
The process (step by step)
- Examination and planning: The teeth, gums, bite and smile line are assessed; a digital design is prepared together with X-rays and photographs. Shape and length are discussed at this stage; for the detailed planning method, see the smile design page.
- Preparation and impression: A very small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth; in suitable cases no cutting may be needed at all. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, after which a digital scan or a conventional impression is taken and temporary restorations are fitted.
- Laboratory: The veneers are made to the impression. This stage usually takes 5–10 days.
- Try-in, bonding and bite adjustment: Fit, colour and shape are first checked at a try-in; after your approval the veneers are bonded and the bite is adjusted precisely. A follow-up appointment is planned within a few days to two weeks.
In total, most cases need 2–3 appointments. Mild sensitivity and a feeling that the teeth are slightly bigger are normal in the first days; this feeling usually settles within a week or two.
Alternatives
Composite bonding: A method used for small fractures, gaps and colour corrections, in which composite material is applied to the tooth, often without any cutting. It can be completed in the same appointment and is easy to repair; on the other hand, it has a shorter lifespan than porcelain and may lose colour and gloss over time.
Zirconia and all-ceramic crowns: If a tooth has major loss of structure, root canal treatment, a fracture or severe discolouration, a crown that covers the whole tooth is needed. It requires more tooth preparation but has an advantage in strength. You can find details on the zirconia crowns page.
The choice is made together at the examination, according to the position of the tooth, the amount of enamel remaining, the bite, any clenching and your expectations. For a sound tooth, if an option that removes less tooth structure is possible, it takes priority.
Care and lifespan
A tooth with a veneer can decay just like a natural tooth; the joint line of the veneer at the gum margin in particular must be cleaned carefully. Basic care consists of brushing twice a day with a soft brush, using floss or an interdental brush, and a dental check-up every six months. Biting ice, pen tips or fingernails, or using the teeth to open packaging, can break the porcelain. If you clench at night, a protective night guard is recommended.
Well-planned and carefully maintained veneers can last 10–15 years in most cases, and some last longer; however, lifespan depends on oral hygiene, the bite and habits, and is not the same for everyone. If a poorly fitting margin, a crack or gum recession develops over time, replacement may be needed.
Visit plan for patients from abroad
Veneer treatment, including laboratory time, can in most cases be completed in a single visit of 7–10 days: examination, design and preparation in the first days, followed by the try-in and bonding. Sending a photo of your face taken while smiling, intra-oral photographs and a panoramic X-ray in advance makes the preliminary assessment easier; the final plan is settled after the examination at the clinic. For details, see the international patients page.
Points to consider
- The enamel removed for a veneer cannot be regained; for this reason, on a sound tooth, options that remove less structure are considered first.
- Clenching, grinding and biting hard objects can cause the porcelain to crack or break; a night guard is planned if needed.
- Veneers cannot be whitened once bonded; whitening of the natural teeth must be done beforehand.
- Decay and gum disease must be treated before veneers; otherwise the lifespan of the bonding is shortened.
- Overly white and flat surfaces spoil a natural appearance; colour and shape should be chosen according to the person's tooth structure and facial proportions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a veneer, and how does it differ from a crown?
A veneer is a porcelain shell about 0.3–0.7 mm thick bonded only to the front surface of the tooth. A crown is a restoration that surrounds the tooth on all sides and requires more tooth preparation. A crown is considered for teeth with large fillings or root canal treatment, and a veneer for appearance concerns in teeth that are largely sound.
Will my teeth be cut for veneers?
Usually a very small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface; in suitable cases no cutting may be needed at all. How much preparation is required is determined at the examination according to the position and shape of the tooth and the desired result.
How many years do veneers last?
In most cases 10–15 years, and longer with good care. Lifespan depends on oral hygiene, clenching and hard-object biting habits, the bite and regular check-ups, so the same period cannot be stated for everyone.
Can teeth with veneers get decay?
The porcelain itself does not decay, but the tooth surface at the edge of the veneer can. This is why floss, an interdental brush and six-monthly check-ups are important.
Can veneers be whitened later?
No. Because the colour of porcelain does not change, it is not affected by whitening gel. If whitening is wanted, it is done first, and the veneer shade is chosen once the colour has settled.
Can I have veneers if I clench my teeth?
Marked clenching and grinding is a risk for veneers. In mild cases they may be planned together with a night guard; in marked cases a crown or another method may be preferred. The decision is made at the examination.
The information on this site is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment require an examination by a dentist.