Ceramic Veneers

There are several types of veneers, made of different materials with different characteristics and particularities, with their advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing the material, it is always important to analyze the particular clinical situation, and to see where we are starting from and what we can achieve according to the material.

Types of Ceramic Veneers

Also known as porcelain veneers.
They are ceramic and adhesive restorations of great strength and durability. They can be made of different types of ceramics:

Feldspathic ceramic veneers:

Feldspathic veneers are the ones with the best esthetic characteristics, due to their great translucency and optical properties, they mimic the color and texture of the tooth, obtaining imperceptible results. Depending on the clinical case, they can be made with minimum thicknesses and thus avoid the grinding of the teeth.

Ultrathin veneers

They have the particularity of having a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm, similar to that of a contact lens. Thanks to their minimal thickness, they only require a minimum amount of dental grinding to achieve natural and esthetic results. They have a very natural result, unnoticeable even at short distances.

Lithium Disilicate Veneers

Lithium disilicate veneers, this material is the result of the alchemy between glass and ceramics, making it a highly resistant and flexible material. If we combine its resistance characteristics with the esthetic ones, we obtain a versatile material for dental prosthesis, crowns, bridges and, of course, veneers.

Zirconia veneers

Zirconium veneer, a ceramic material, very resistant, durable and natural looking. They withstand high masticatory forces without damage or breakage.

Advantages of Ceramic Veneers

  • Good aesthetic properties: Appearance similar to dental enamel, it mimics.
  • Durability: Very durable with proper care and maintenance.
  • Resistance: They are more resistant to staining by food or beverages, and also to wear and tear.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Veneers

  • The price is higher.
  • Sometimes they require grinding of the teeth.
  • In case of fracture it is more difficult to repair them and they need to be replaced.
  • Further visits are required for placement.
  • They may cause sensitivity after application.
Features Composite Veneers Ceramic Veneers
Aesthetics
★★★★
★★★★★
Durability
★★★
★★★★★
Resistance
★★★
★★★★★
Price
★★
★★★★★
Speed of treatment
★★★★★
★★★
More conservative with teeth
★★★★★
★★
Repair in case of fractures
★★★★★

What are the best veneers?

We have to evaluate several factors when choosing the restorative material.

  • The patient’s dental health status. It is always necessary to treat pre-existing pathologies before beginning esthetic treatment.
  • The patient’s budget. The cost of the treatment varies according to the material selected.
  • Durability expectations. Some materials have more durability than others.
  • Aesthetic objectives.

Why are Composite Veneers better?

Ceramic Veneers Composite Veneers
Price
It is higher than composite veneers.
It is usually minor.
Resistance
Very good resistance to wear and fracture.
Good resistance.
Aesthetics
They blend in very well with dental structures.
Good Aesthetics.
Repair in case of Fractures
They need to be redone.
We can repair them quickly.
Durability
Due to the high polish of the material, they are not usually stained by food coloring.
They stain easily, we have to take proper care and perform the corresponding maintenance.
Minimal Invasion
Most of the time we have to grind the teeth.
If the conditions are suitable, it is not necessary to grind teeth.
Speed of treatment
Several sessions are needed.
We can perform them in the same session.