Dental veneers are extremely thin shells made of ceramic or composite, applied to the front surface of teeth to correct various aesthetic imperfections. They are customized according to the shape of the face, tooth color, and patient preferences, providing a natural, harmonious, and elegant smile.

The main benefits of dental veneers include:

• Whitening the smile (correcting permanent stains);
• Correcting the shape and size of teeth;
• Closing gaps between teeth (diastemas);
• Creating a uniform smile appearance;
• Gently correcting tooth alignment without orthodontic braces.

Veneers are not only an aesthetic solution but also a functional one, as they can protect slightly chipped or worn teeth, strengthening them and providing added stability over time.

The lifespan of dental veneers varies depending on the material used, application technique, quality of the work, and the patient’s lifestyle.

• Ceramic veneers (pressed or feldspathic porcelain): can last between 10 and 20 years. They are highly resistant to staining, abrasion, and fractures.
• Composite veneers: have a shorter lifespan, around 5–7 years. They are more affordable but more prone to wear, staining, and fractures.

Factors affecting lifespan:

• Oral hygiene (proper brushing, flossing, mouthwash);
• Avoiding harmful habits (teeth grinding, nail biting, opening packages with teeth);
• Regular dental visits (every 6 months);
• Diet (excessive consumption of acidic or colored beverages can affect veneer margins).

With proper hygiene and regular check-ups, veneers can look flawless even after 15 years.

Generally, the procedure is minimally invasive and not painful. It is performed under local anesthesia, and patients do not feel any pain during the preparation or application of the veneers.

Treatment steps include:

• Initial consultation: The dentist evaluates the condition of the teeth, gums, and bite, discusses the patient’s desires, and establishes the treatment plan;
• Mock-up (preview): A simulation of the future smile is created directly in the mouth without any tooth reduction, using temporary materials. This allows the patient to see the final result before the actual treatment begins;
• Preparation: The superficial layer of enamel is gently shaved only if necessary;
• Impression: A digital or traditional impression is taken to create customized veneers;
• Temporary application: The patient wears temporary veneers until the final ones are made;
• Final cementation: After validating the shape, color, and functionality, the permanent veneers are cemented with a special adhesive.

The patient may experience slight temporary sensitivity in the first few days after treatment, but this usually subsides quickly.

In most cases, yes – but the preparation is minimal and controlled. Only a fraction of the enamel (0.3 – 0.7 mm) is removed to ensure the veneer fits perfectly without adding excessive bulk.

However, there are also “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” options, which are very thin veneers (0.2 mm) that require little to no tooth preparation. These are suitable for patients with small, recessed teeth or for minor aesthetic corrections. The choice of technique depends on the case and is determined together with the dentist.

Ceramic veneers, once properly applied, have excellent adhesion and rarely come off. However, in exceptional cases (trauma, severe bruxism, harmful habits), a veneer may crack or partially detach.

In such cases:

• The veneer can be reapplied if it remains intact;
• If fractured, it can be replaced with a new one;
• Discomfort is minimal, and aesthetics can be quickly restored.

The dentist may also recommend a night guard in cases where the patient grinds their teeth (bruxism).

Ceramic veneers are highly resistant to staining, being smooth and non-porous. They do not absorb pigments from foods or drinks. Therefore, whitening is not necessary – in fact, professional whitening has no effect on ceramic veneers.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are more porous and may undergo color changes over time, especially if the patient frequently consumes coffee, tea, red wine, or smokes.

To keep veneers impeccable:

• Regular professional cleaning is recommended (scaling and professional polishing);
• Avoid excessive consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages;
• Do not use abrasive toothpastes or unauthorized whitening products.

An ideal candidate for veneers is someone who:

• Has healthy teeth, free of cavities or active infections;
• Maintains good oral hygiene;
• Has no severe gum disease;
• Wishes to enhance the appearance of their smile (shape, color, alignment).

Contraindications may include:

• Untreated severe bruxism (teeth grinding);
• An incorrect bite that places excessive stress on the veneers;
• Active tooth decay or lack of adequate healthy tooth structure;
• Poor compliance with dental recommendations.

The dentist will conduct a thorough assessment and recommend the best option: veneers, crowns, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of these.

Caring for veneers is simple but essential to keep them beautiful and functional for many years.

Maintenance recommendations:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste;
• Use dental floss or a water flosser to clean the spaces between your teeth;
• Dental check-ups every 6 months for examination and professional cleaning;
• Avoid hard foods, opening packages with your teeth, and nail-biting;
• For bruxism – wear a protective nightguard;
• Avoid acidic whitening products that can affect the margin between the veneer and the tooth.

A well-maintained veneer will not fail. In rare cases, it may require polishing or replacement after 10–15 years, but its natural appearance and integrity can be easily preserved.