What Is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer, as the name suggests, is a thin layer of material that is cemented onto the visible part of the tooth. This layer can cover the front surface of the tooth and, in the case of premolars, can also cover the upper part of the tooth, depending on the decision made in collaboration with the dentist. Thus, when you smile, the veneer can also cover the upper part of the tooth, masking any color differences. Technically, a veneer is a dental prosthesis, even though it covers only a part of the tooth.

Dental Veneers - Smile Makeover with 20 Emax BL3 Veneers

Achieving Truly White Teeth with Veneers

When a dental veneer is placed, the first changeable characteristic is the color. Veneers can achieve white teeth, even if the original teeth are very yellow or discolored. This transformation is much more significant than with simple teeth whitening. With veneers, you can choose the shade of white you desire, an option not available with traditional whitening. Modern dentistry offers up to 18 shades of white among which you can choose the ideal color for your smile. If your goal is simply to change the color, veneers could be sufficient.

Changing the Shape and Size of Teeth with Veneers

Veneers also allow for significant changes in the size and shape of teeth. It's possible to greatly change the size and adjust the height, angle, and thickness of the tooth using veneers. However, it's important to note that for substantial changes in size and height, work on both jaws is usually necessary, and occlusion (how the jaws close) must be adjusted as it will be affected by the changes in tooth height. If you're considering significant changes in size and shape, it's better to opt for standard dental veneers rather than ultra-thin veneers, as the latter are more delicate.

Hollywood Smile Result - 20 Emax Veneers

Teeth Alignment

For teeth alignment issues, orthodontic solutions such as braces are generally recommended for teeth realignment. However, veneers are also a solution for cases of realignment. It's possible to straighten a tooth that deviates to one side or that's too far forward or backward through veneer placement. This can also help correct occlusion issues.

Hollywood Smile Result - BL2 Emax Color

Hollywood Smile

The term "Hollywood Smile" is frequently associated with dental veneers. It describes a dazzling and perfect smile, similar to that of Hollywood celebrities. Through adjustments to occlusion, tooth height, and color, it's possible to achieve a "Hollywood Smile" in most cases. For more complex cases with advanced orthodontic issues, orthodontic treatments followed by crowns and prosthetic veneers can also be considered to achieve this goal. If you want a professional opinion on the possibility of getting a "Hollywood Smile," you can benefit from a free and non-binding treatment plan within just 48 hours through our online service.

Verification of Veneers on the Model

Lifespan of Dental Veneers

Like any dental prosthesis, a dental veneer has a limited lifespan. Generally, the lifespan of a veneer is estimated to be around 15 years. However, this duration can vary depending on each patient's oral hygiene and eating habits. Ultra-thin veneers, due to their extreme thinness, may have a slightly shorter lifespan.

Replacing Veneers After 15 Years?

No, veneers will not become unusable or problematic after 15 years, as long as you have maintained good oral hygiene. Just like other teeth, veneers will experience the effects of time. They might lose some of their shine, show signs of wear, and the initial effect of placement will be less pronounced. However, these changes will be less significant than with natural teeth. Thus, even after so many years, you will continue to enjoy the benefits offered by the veneers. You can discuss with your dentist about different possible options. It's essential to understand that your veneers won't lose their utility overnight.

Ready-to-apply EMAX Veneers in BL2

Emax Veneers

Emax is a patented pressed ceramic dental material manufactured by the Ivoclar laboratory. Currently, many dentists consider Emax to be the best material for making veneers due to its strength and ability to react to light similarly to a natural tooth. Its strength is close to that of zirconia, making it suitable for standard or ultra-thin veneers, as well as dental crowns. The balance between opacity and transparency of Emax makes it a preferred choice for aesthetic treatments.

Important Note: Beware of offers of "fake" Emax in the market. The Ivoclar laboratory is currently working on certification solutions to distinguish authentic products. We will provide information about Ivoclar solutions soon.

TIP: The Ivoclar shade guide consists of 18 shades of white. The whitest shades are BL1 to BL4, followed by the A shades, ranging from A1 to A4. For natural dental veneers, we recommend BL3 to most of our clients. BL2 and BL1 are reserved for those who want a high-contrast white.

Zirconia Dental Veneer

Zirconia Dental Veneer

Zirconia is another type of dental ceramic that combines aesthetics and strength. It's the strongest material among modern aesthetic dental solutions. Its reaction to light is also interesting, although slightly more opaque than Emax. Zirconia is generally preferred for crown solutions rather than veneers due to its opacity.

Lumineers Dental Veneer

Lumineers® Veneers

Lumineers® veneers are ceramic veneers exclusively manufactured and patented by the CERINATE® laboratory. They are extremely thin and designed to be ultra-thin veneers. Manufactured in two laboratories worldwide, they offer good transparency but are less resistant than Emax or zirconia. Although they are touted as reversible, the necessary dental preparation for their placement involves some enamel abrasion. It's essential to note that authentic Lumineers® veneers only come from laboratories located in Liechtenstein and California.

TIP: Like Emax, there are many "fake" Lumineers in the market. But since real Lumineers are made in Liechtenstein and California, you as consumers have a way to tell the difference: It takes at least 3 to 4 weeks for an impression to be returned to the dentist. So if you're promised Lumineers in 1 week, you'll know they are fake.

Composite Veneers (without Tooth Reduction)

Composite Veneers (without Tooth Reduction)

Composite veneers enhance the appearance without tooth reduction. Composite veneers are designed to offer a gentle aesthetic transformation without requiring permanent changes. These veneers are made from composite materials matched to the color and texture of your existing teeth. The process of placing composite veneers is non-invasive and generally involves less tooth preparation than other types of veneers.

For these veneers, the dentist will prepare your teeth by applying a special gel that makes their surface slightly rough. This facilitates the adhesion of the composite resin, the material used to make the veneers. The dentist applies the composite resin in thin layers on the tooth surface, sculpting each layer to achieve the desired shape and texture.

Once the composite veneers have been shaped according to your specifications, they are hardened using a special polymerization light. This step allows the composite resin to harden quickly and become solid. After hardening, the dentist adjusts and polishes the veneers to ensure a perfect fit and a natural appearance.

Despite these limitations, composite veneers remain a popular option for those who want a subtle smile transformation while avoiding changes to their teeth. Feel free to ask our teams for help in determining which veneers meet your aesthetic needs better.

Panoramic X-ray & Photos

Reversible Veneer Options

With reversible veneers, the visual aspect of the natural tooth is preserved, which is a major advantage. But in which cases can you opt for reversible veneers? Pellicular veneers, due to their limitations in terms of changes in occlusion, alignment, shape, and size, are suitable for a limited group of candidates. If you already have a pleasant smile and just want to improve the color of your teeth, reversible veneers could be a suitable option. Otherwise, more extensive dental preparation may be necessary.

Our Patient after Dental Veneer Placement in Turkey

How Many Patients Return to Their Original Teeth?

A common question is how many patients go back to their original teeth after opting for veneers. Honestly, based on our experience of over 15 years, the answer is quite clear: none!

 No patient has ever wanted to return to their old smile once veneers are placed. The results of dental veneers have an extremely positive and lasting impact on the quality of patients' lives. Once you've experienced the confidence and self-esteem that your new smile brings, it's unlikely you'd consider going back.