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Dental knowledge: restoring a tooth with veneers

Veneers are thin, translucent ceramic facings.

Irregularities, discolouration or damage in the anterior region can be corrected with veneers while preserving tooth substance. The damaged tooth is prepared only minimally in order to attach the delicate ceramic shells, whose shape and colour are modelled faithfully on the tooth. Veneers are thin, translucent ceramic facings that exploit light transmission, a special property of ceramic.

As with natural teeth, light can shine through the restoration. Veneers are used above all as a substance-preserving option for cosmetic corrections at the front of the mouth. Their natural transparency – facings can be as thin as a contact lens – makes individual colour matching possible. They can cover heavy discolouration and correct misalignments. As little tooth substance as possible should be ground away or damaged when attaching them. The shells are bonded to the tooth surface with a special adhesive.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

No, the tooth is only minimally prepared. As little tooth substance as possible should be ground away or damaged in order to attach the facing shells. The shells are fixed to the tooth surface with a special adhesive. That is why veneers count as a substance-preserving solution.
Veneers can be as thin as contact lenses. They are thin, translucent ceramic shells that are bonded onto the visible part of the tooth. Because of their natural transparency light can shine through them as it does with natural teeth, and the colour can be individually matched.
Veneers even out irregularities, discolouration or damage in the anterior region. They can cover strong tooth discolouration and correct misalignments. They are used preferably for cosmetic corrections on the front teeth, because they preserve tooth substance.