A veneer is a very thin, translucent ceramic cap for the teeth, attached to the surface of the tooth using a special glue – usually to the front teeth.

You can see two veneers on the plaster model, the veneer is held and turned using a special stick (shown in orange). The thin cap is ceramic – when turning the veneer the stick can be seen through it.

Veneers can be used to correct tooth displacements, gaps, unpleasant colors and local discolorations. Veneers give the visible surfaces of the teeth the optimum look, and this procedure can also be used to individually correct tooth coloring. This patient had numerous plastic fillings, which were always discolored due to her tobacco and coffee consumption – this problem was solved using a veneer.

This patient had an accident and damaged her 2 lower incisors; this was treated first by bleaching and then by applying a veneer.
First comes the planning phase – usually a wax-up. In the actual preparation, a thread is wound around the tooth in order to prevent damage to the gums by the diamond drill. If this were to happen the gums would recede, and this measure is also the only way to get such good edges for an imprint.

A small layer (0.3-1.0mm) of enamel is removed. This preparation is performed in accordance with the anatomical conditions with the aim of achieving the optimum cosmetic and sustainable result. Special depth markings (the dark streaks) show the dentist how deep to prepare.

An imprint is now taken.

Temporary treatment is performed using plastic veneers, made immediately after the imprint. An initial imprint – prepared before drilling – thus initial, is placed over the ground teeth using plastic. Once this hardens, the temporary prosthesis is fitted and customized and then set into the mouth of the patient. Now a color is selected and the order sent to the technician – who needs about one week to make the veneer.

One week later, the plastic is removed and the teeth cleaned with a brush. After the veneer is fitted it is glued. The greatest differences in quality become evident at this point – not all glues on the market are suited for affixing veneers. Bleeding is stopped using a cautery – cleanliness is extremely important in glueing – meaning no saliva and no blood. The enamel is etched (using green paste) and the surface is treated with various glues. The veneer is then attached.
Any overlays need to be fixed, as they may cause inflammation of the gums and thorough polishing is also necessary, as rough surfaces make it easier for plaque to find a hold – resulting in cavities. The gums are irritated for a while, but they heal quickly.
In modern dentistry, it is possible to correct teeth by means of minimally invasive procedures. It is rarely necessary to drill crowns – such aesthetically demanding work requires a well-rehearsed team (made up of a dentist, a technician and assistants).