Porcelain Veneers (Laminate Veneers)

What Are Porcelain Laminate Veneers?

The word lamina means “leaf” in Latin. Porcelain laminate veneers are ultra-thin shells (0.3–0.7 mm) bonded to the front surfaces of teeth after minimal reduction, making it the technique that preserves natural tooth structure the most. 

In Which Cases Are Veneers Applied?

• Advanced tooth discoloration not responsive to whitening

• Teeth with poor shape or structural defects

• Closing gaps between teeth (diastema closure)

• Restoration of broken or worn teeth

• Correction of old, discolored, or structurally compromised fillings

• Alternative to orthodontics for mildly crowded or misaligned teeth

Who Can Receive Porcelain Veneer Treatment?

Almost anyone can undergo porcelain veneer treatment.

Contraindications:
Not recommended in patients with severe jaw disorders, bad habits such as nail biting or pen chewing, or in cases of advanced gum recession.

Treatment Duration and Procedure

• Number of sessions: Typically 2–3 visits (completed within 1 week if gums are healthy).

• First session: Impressions are taken without reducing the teeth, and a model is prepared for planning.

• Second session: Teeth are minimally reduced (0.3–0.7 mm) and a precise impression is taken.

• Final session: Veneers are bonded to the teeth.

Will Veneers Fall Off?

No. Thanks to today’s advanced bonding technologies, veneers adhere extremely securely. With proper application by an experienced dentist, veneers function like natural teeth.

Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers

With proper oral care, veneers can last for many years without problems. Porcelain is highly resistant to staining and wear. To extend their life, patients should maintain good oral hygiene and avoid harmful habits such as nail biting or biting hard objects.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers 

• Achieve desired esthetics (shape, color, alignment) with minimal tooth reduction (0.3–0.7 mm).

• Completed in approximately 7–10 days.

• Made of durable, stain-resistant, and color-stable materials.

• Preserve natural tooth structure; often no need for major preparation.

• Mock-up option: Before treatment, a temporary model of the final appearance can be shown, allowing patients to preview the results.

• Smooth porcelain surfaces resist plaque, tartar, and external staining (coffee, tea, smoking).

• High resistance to wear.

• Once bonded to enamel, veneers gain exceptional strength and cannot be removed intact—only by controlled reduction with dental instruments.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

• More expensive compared to other restorations.

• A technique-sensitive procedure requiring skilled clinical and laboratory work.

• Material itself is brittle, but once bonded to enamel, strength and durability significantly increase.