Summary:

Dental veneers are a popular aesthetic procedure in modern dentistry, offering patients the opportunity to improve the appearance and functionality of their teeth. Choosing the right materials for dental veneers is crucial to achieving aesthetic and long-lasting results. In this academic article, we aim to review and compare the different materials used in dental practice for veneers, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Introduction:

Dental veneers are an excellent solution to correct aesthetic defects of teeth, such as discoloration, uneven shape or fractures. While the technique of veneers has evolved rapidly in recent decades, the selection of the right material remains critical to the success of the procedure. There are a variety of options available, and understanding the characteristics and properties of these materials is essential to making an informed decision.

Veneering is the indirect method of restoring the oral cavity when teeth do not have the desired appearance.

It is indicated for teeth that have suffered dyschromia, changes in position or minor trauma with missing substance that jeopardizes aesthetics and functionality.

It is a modern method of oral rehabilitation. As prosthetic pieces are relatively subject to degradation, a series of indications must be observed after their application.

Depending on the way the veneers are made, we have pieces made directly in the dentist’s office by the dentist and prosthetic pieces made in the dental technician’s laboratory on the basis of an impression by dental technicians.

Veneers made by the direct method do not require the intervention of the dental laboratory. They are made directly in the dentist’s office.

They are made of composite resins in a color that matches the treatment goal.

The execution time is reduced, especially the number of sessions, because the stage where an impression is needed is eliminated. Problems that may arise over time relate to low hardness but also to the possibility of staining the edges of the composite material.

At defined intervals these facets need to be replaced.

Veneers made by the indirect method require the intervention of the dental laboratory. The dentist will grind off as much of the buccal surface as necessary to glue the veneers and then take an impression and send it to the dental laboratory.

To preview the final appearance of the veneers, the dentist may make an in-office composite resin model of the final result to familiarize the patient with the procedure.

Laboratory-made veneers are particularly fragile and require great care when handling.

Veneers can be made of composite materials or ceramic materials. For each of these two types, there are some clinical situations that guide the choice of material.

Composite veneers are indicated where there are dental abrasions and erosions.

Abrasion is mechanical wear of the teeth and affects the incisal edges of the teeth and erosion is chemical wear of the teeth that can affect any tooth surface.

Composite veneers are also indicated for dental hypoplasia.

In dental hypoplasia, the hard layers are not fully developed, so the tooth appears lacking in substance or with a lower quality enamel.

Composite veneers are indicated especially for small defects, low hypoplasia or mild dyschromia.

Ceramic veneers have become popular because of the advantages of this material. Certain clinical situations require the choice of ceramic as a veneering material.

These include severe erosions and more intense staining. Severe hypoplasia with a reduced amount of hard tissue lends itself to ceramic veneers or, for a long-lasting solution, veneer crowns.

Also, for closing gaps between two teeth (trema or diastema) or for correcting slight anomalies, ceramic veneers become the prosthetic pieces of choice.

Ceramic veneers will have the color appearance desired by the patient because the dental technician has a wide range of shade selection.

Also, plaque adheres in smaller quantities to ceramic surfaces. Composite veneers preserve hard tooth substance, so there is no need for a large sacrifice of enamel.

Materials used for dental veneers:

Porcelain:

Feldspathic porcelain: Is considered the gold standard for dental veneers due to its natural appearance and good resistance to discoloration.

Pressed porcelain: It is manufactured through a porcelain pressing process, offering superior mechanical properties and greater durability than feldspathic porcelain.

Layered porcelain: A combination of feldspathic porcelain and pressed porcelain, offering both strength and aesthetics.

Ceramics:

Feldspathic ceramic: Similar to feldspathic porcelain, with a natural appearance and high transparency, but may be less durable.

Crystal dispersion ceramics: Provides superior mechanical strength and increased durability due to the dispersion of crystals in a ceramic matrix.

Composite resins:

Light-curing composite resins: These materials are increasingly used in veneers due to their ability to provide good aesthetic results and to be repaired or modified in the dental office.

Nanocomposites: These are improved versions of composite resins, containing nanoparticles and offering superior mechanical properties and resistance to discoloration.

Metal alloys:

Metal alloys, such as precious metals (gold, platinum) or metal-based alloys (aluminium, titanium), can be used for dental veneers in certain situations. These materials offer excellent strength and durability, but may have aesthetic limitations due to their opacity.

Comparison of materials:

Aesthetics: Feldspathic porcelain, pressed porcelain, feldspathic ceramics and light-curing composite resins offer excellent aesthetic results due to their ability to mimic the natural appearance of teeth. Metal alloys may have aesthetic limitations due to their opacity.

Durability: Pressed porcelain, layered porcelain, crystal dispersion ceramics and metal alloys are known for their strength and durability. Composite resins and feldspathic ceramics may be less durable.

Fade resistance: Feldspathic porcelain, pressed porcelain, crystal dispersion ceramics and light-curing composite resins are more resistant to fading than feldspathic ceramics and metal alloys.

Price: Feldspar porcelain and pressed porcelain are more expensive materials, while composite resins are more affordable.

Conclusion:

The materials used for dental veneers offer a wide range of options, each with its specific advantages and disadvantages. It is important that the dentist and patient work together to select the right material, taking into account aesthetics, durability, resistance to discoloration and available budget. An individual assessment and proper planning will contribute to aesthetic and durable results in dental veneers.