Influenced by social media and the ideal images we see on Instagram or TikTok, more and more of us want a perfect smile, that Hollywood smile. For this reason, cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity in recent years.

However, the aesthetic appearance of teeth is no longer just a matter of image; studies show that a harmonious smile profoundly influences psychological and social well-being.

Today, dental veneers are among the most sought-after cosmetic treatments. Veneers are thin prosthetic devices made of materials that closely mimic natural enamel, which are applied to the visible surface of the teeth to correct certain imperfections.

In this article, we invite you to discover the main advantages of dental veneers, as well as the aspects you need to consider if you want to undergo such a treatment.

Dental veneers are minimally invasive, customised restorations designed to correct a variety of dental imperfections. They can be made of feldspathic ceramic, leucite-reinforced glass ceramic, lithium disilicate-based ceramic or resin-matrix ceramic, their quality directly influencing the appearance of the veneers, but also their cost.

Veneers are particularly suitable for:

• people who want a harmonious and natural smile;
• people with different types of discolouration, such as endogenous discolouration, which does not respond to whitening;
• patients with chipped teeth, uneven shapes or small spaces between teeth.

"This type of treatment is recommended for patients with healthy front teeth, without active caries or untreated periodontal disease. Veneers can be a solution for those who want a significant aesthetic transformation or just to correct some fine details of their smile, without extensive procedures. It should be noted, however, that dental veneers are not the first-line treatment for major orthodontic problems, lack of correct occlusal forces (bite) or uncontrolled bruxism," explains Dr. Eric Bumbar, dentist at DENT ESTET clinics.

What do dental veneers correct?

When considering dental veneer treatment, it is important to first see if this solution is right for me, if it can be applied safely, and if the final result meets my expectations in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

"I usually explain it to patients as follows: imagine that we are looking at your smile together in the mirror. We notice, for example, that some teeth have stains that no longer respond to whitening, others are slightly chipped, have uneven edges, or perhaps there are small gaps between them. All of these situations are absolutely common and, in most cases, they are exactly the reasons why some patients avoid smiling broadly. Dental veneers help us correct such situations," says Dr. Eric Bumbar.

Dental veneers correct the following smile imperfections:

• Unsightly gaps between teeth
• Minor dental crowding
• Tooth discolouration
• Unsightly shapes and sizes
• Chipped teeth
• Dental trauma or carious lesions
• Teeth with uneven texture or asymmetry (short teeth can be lengthened very easily)

In short, veneers not only change the shape and colour of teeth, but also offer a new perspective on the overall appearance and proportions of the smile, while preserving the natural teeth.

For cosmetic treatment with dental veneers, 2-3 visits to the prosthodontist's office are required. Here are the clinical steps for applying dental veneers at DENT ESTET clinics:

1. Initial consultation and clinical evaluation

In this first stage, we will discuss your wishes and expectations regarding your smile and perform a clinical and radiological examination.  

The investigations recommended during the initial consultation, such as intraoral and extraoral photographs, as well as digital impressions, help us to make a complete assessment and establish a personalised treatment plan.

2. Digital impression and recording of mandibular dynamics

At DENT ESTET, intraoral scanning is performed digitally with the TRIOS 3Shape® Real Colour system. Through a quick, accurate and comfortable 3D scan, we obtain a digital model of the teeth, which forms the basis of the entire treatment plan and allows for a much more accurate and predictable approach.

"We also use the most innovative dental scanning system - MODJAW 4D, which allows us to analyse how the patient actually uses their jaw. We evaluate mouth closure movements, chewing, jaw sliding and tooth contacts, which is essential information for creating correctly fitted, comfortable and functional dental restorations," explains Dr Eric Bumbar.

MODJAW technology allows for the design of veneers that are not only "beautiful" but also functional, precisely adapted to chewing movements.

3. Digital Smile Design (DSD) and mock-up

Next, the final smile is designed using Digital Smile Design software. Based on photographs, videos and scans, the proportions of the face and lips are analysed and the shape, length and position of the future veneers are determined.

Basically, with Digital Smile Design, you will be able to see in advance what your smile will look like.

After the digital simulation, we create a mock-up to test directly how your smile will look and how you will feel with the dental veneers. The shape and proportions can be adjusted based on your feedback so that the result best meets your expectations. 

4. Minimally invasive tooth preparation

Thanks to innovations in dental aesthetics, preparing teeth for veneers no longer involves aggressive grinding. Thus, the procedure for applying a dental veneer can be with or without prior preparation (No-prep).

"At this stage, fine grinding is performed, limited to the enamel, only as much as necessary. In No-Prep cases, this may be completely omitted if certain clinical conditions are met," says Dr. Eric Bumbar.

5. Making veneers in the laboratory

Dental veneers are made in the ASPEN Advanced Dental Technology Laboratory, which is part of the DENT ESTET group.

The dental technician will use the previously obtained digital data to create veneers that are perfectly adapted to correct your teeth. The materials are chosen according to medical indications (feldspar ceramic, LRGC, LDS or zirconium), so that the final result is personalised and harmonious, naturally integrated into your physiognomy.

At DENT ESTET, Aspen Digital Smile premium dental veneers are made of pure ceramic, using a unique grinding technique in the laboratory, assisted by CAD-CAM technology.

They are characterised by very high durability and can last a lifetime if dental hygiene is adequate.

6. Fitting and adhesive cementing

After preparing the tooth, the next step is aesthetic verification and adhesive cementation following a strict protocol.

The prosthodontist will use a special light to activate the chemicals in the cement so that it hardens quickly. The final steps involve removing excess cement, checking the bite and making any necessary final adjustments to occlusion, guidance and phonetics.

Quick results compared to other orthodontic treatments

Dental veneers are a quick and effective solution for correcting aesthetic imperfections. The entire veneering process can be completed in just 2-3 sessions.

There are situations in which veneers are a suitable solution even for correcting orthodontic problems, such as occlusal imbalance, but the decision must be made after careful evaluation by the orthodontist.  

Superior and natural aesthetics

In the case of dental veneers made from premium materials, the translucent appearance of the ceramic makes these prosthetic works impossible to distinguish from natural teeth.

The colour, texture and level of transparency are carefully chosen to blend perfectly into the smile, so that the result is natural, harmonious and adapted to each patient's physiognomy.

Strength and durability

In terms of the durability of ceramic dental veneers, studies have shown that their lifespan is approximately 10 years, but with proper care, it can be as long as 15-20 years.

Minimally invasive procedure

If you choose Aspen Digital Smile premium dental veneers, the procedure involves removing a very small amount of tooth surface, in the order of a few hundred microns. This preserves the integrity of the tooth and minimises discomfort.  

Irreversibility: the need to grind the enamel

As we have shown, applying veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel, which is necessary for proper fixation and a harmonious aesthetic result.  

It is important to know, however, that dental veneering is an irreversible procedure: once the veneer is cemented, the tooth cannot return to its original shape.

In addition, if a veneer cracks or fractures, it cannot be repaired but must be completely replaced. That is why careful evaluation, proper planning and the choice of premium materials are essential for a long-lasting and safe result.

The cost of the investment

The cost of dental veneers varies depending on the materials chosen, the technology used and the complexity of the case. You can check the price of an Aspen Digital Smile dental veneer on the pricing page.

It is important to note that if you want to enjoy the benefits of dental veneers in the long term, you need proper oral hygiene, regular check-ups and avoidance of harmful habits, such as chewing hard objects.

"In addition, the decision to choose dental veneers should be made together with an orthodontist. There are limits to what veneers can correct. They can improve the shape and colour of your teeth, but they are not a solution for major orthodontic problems. In cases of crowding or severe malocclusion, treatment with braces is recommended, followed by the application of veneers. Therefore, accurate information about the costs, benefits and limitations of each option helps the patient make a decision tailored to their real needs," explains Dr Eric Bumbar.  

Currently, there are many solutions for improving your smile, but the choice must be made with full knowledge of the facts.

For example, if the problem is only the colour of the teeth and their shape is already good, teeth whitening may be sufficient. This brightens the teeth but does not change their shape or alignment.

However, if a tooth is severely damaged, has fractures, significant wear or extensive fillings, a dental crown is a safer option because it covers the entire tooth and protects it. However, it is more invasive than veneers, requiring more extensive grinding.

On the other hand, for minor imperfections in colour, shape, length or gaps between teeth, dental veneers are usually the ideal solution. They change the appearance of the smile without completely covering the tooth and, in most cases, require minimal preparation.

If dental problems are related to the position of the teeth, i.e. they are crooked, rotated or there are incorrect bites, orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) remains the best option, as it treats the cause rather than just masking it aesthetically.

"In conclusion, there is no universal solution. Each case must be carefully analysed, and the decision must be an informed one: whitening changes the colour, braces change the position, crowns restore severely damaged teeth, and veneers are dedicated to healthy teeth that need a quick and harmonious aesthetic transformation," concludes Dr. Eric Bumbar, dentist at DENT ESTET clinics. 

Questions about dental veneers

How long do veneers last?

Typically, veneers last 10-15 years or more with proper hygiene and regular check-ups.

Is the procedure painful?

Dental veneering is not a painful procedure. Minimal grinding is performed under anaesthesia, if necessary. After application, the patient may experience sensitivity to cold or heat, but only for a short period of time.

Can dental veneers stain?

The ceramic currently used to make premium dental veneers is stain-resistant.

Are certain foods to be avoided?

Biting very hard foods with veneers should be avoided.

How much does dental veneer treatment cost?

The treatment is personalised, which means that its cost varies. The cost of the materials and techniques used in the dental laboratory directly influences the final cost of the dental veneers, which can be found on our pricing page.

How do we care for dental veneers?

The care routine is no different from the usual one, namely brushing your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes per brushing and using dental floss, mouthwash and a mouth shower.