Guides · Cosmetic
What are porcelain veneers, who are they suitable for, and how long do they last?
How veneers differ from crowns, which problems they are chosen for, who should not have them, the steps of the procedure, lifespan and care; composite versus porcelain veneers.
A veneer is a 0.3–0.7 mm porcelain laminate bonded only to the front surface of the tooth; it requires far less tooth reduction than a crown, which covers the whole tooth. It suits problems of colour, shape, mild crowding and gaps between the teeth. It is not chosen where there is clenching, marked crowding, large fillings or insufficient enamel. Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years on average with regular care.
What is a veneer?
A veneer (porcelain laminate) is a thin porcelain shell bonded to the front surface of a natural tooth. Because only the visible surface is prepared, it is far more conservative than a crown: in most cases 0.3–0.7 mm of enamel is removed; in some it can be placed with no preparation at all ("prepless"). Because it transmits light like natural enamel, the result looks natural.
Veneer or crown?
| Veneer | Crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth reduction | Front surface only, minimal | All surfaces, 1–2 mm |
| Suitable for | A sound tooth with an aesthetic problem | A heavily filled, root-treated or fractured tooth |
| Durability | Depends on the bond; more sensitive to biting loads than a crown | High |
| Reversibility | Very limited | None |
More: Zirconia or metal-ceramic crowns?
Which problems are they chosen for?
- Discolouration that does not respond to whitening (tetracycline, fluorosis, a single dark tooth)
- Small, short or worn front teeth; shape defects
- Gaps between the teeth (diastema)
- Edge fractures and many small fillings
- Mild crowding or rotation (in adults who do not want orthodontics, in limited cases)
Who should not have them?
- Clenchers and grinders: High risk of fracture and debonding; a night guard and assessment first.
- Marked crowding and bite problems: Orthodontics first; "covering" with veneers would require excessive tooth reduction.
- Insufficient enamel, large fillings, weak root-treated teeth: The bond does not hold; a crown is the better choice.
- Untreated decay and gum disease: These are resolved first.
- Habits such as nail biting and pen chewing must be given up before starting.
The steps
- Planning: Photographs, impression or scan; digital smile design and, if needed, a temporary trial in the mouth (mock-up). The patient sees the result in advance.
- Preparation: Minimal reduction under local anaesthesia, a precise impression, temporary veneers.
- Laboratory: Usually 5–10 days.
- Try-in and bonding: Colour and fit check, then adhesive bonding and bite adjustment. 2–3 visits in all.
How do composite veneers differ?
Composite (bonding) veneers are shaped directly in the mouth in a single visit, with no or very little preparation. They are more affordable and easy to repair; on the other hand they discolour and dull in 4–7 years and do not last as long as porcelain. They are a good option for small corrections and, in young patients, as an interim solution before porcelain.
Lifespan and care
Studies show high 10-year success rates for porcelain veneers; most last 10–15 years, longer with good care. Causes of failure are debonding, edge fracture and marginal staining. To extend their life: don't bite hard objects (ice, nut shells, pens), wear a night guard if you clench, brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss, and have a check and polish every 6 months. Veneers do not change colour with whitening; choose the shade as a permanent decision.
This article is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment tailored to you require a dental examination.
How long does teeth whitening last, and who should not have it?
Causes of discolouration, the difference between in-office and at-home methods, sensitivity, how long results last and when whitening is not suitable.
Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism): symptoms and the night guard
The common cause behind morning jaw pain, worn teeth and headaches; the signs and harms of bruxism and protection with a night guard.
Tooth sensitivity: why teeth twinge in the cold, and what helps
The causes of the short, sharp twinge from cold, heat and sweets; what you can do at home, how desensitising toothpastes work and the situations that need an examination.