Veneer (dentistry)

Veneer
Intervention

A veneer
MeSH D003801

In dentistry, a veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect the tooth's surface from damage. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer: composite and dental porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental lab, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement such as Panavia. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated. Full veneer crown is described as “A restoration that covers all the coronal tooth surfaces (Mesial, Distal, Facial, Lingual and Occlusal)”. Laminate veneer in other hand is a thin layer that covers only the surface of the tooth and generally used for aesthetic proposes.

History

Veneers were invented by California dentist Charles Pincus in 1928 to be used for a film shoot for temporarily changing the appearance of actors' teeth.[1] Later, in 1937 he fabricated acrylic veneers to be retained by denture adhesive, which were only cemented temporarily because there was very little adhesion. The introduction of etching in 1959 by Dr. Michael Buonocore aimed to follow a line of investigation of bonding porcelain veneers to etched enamel. Research in 1982 by Simonsen and Calamia[2] revealed that porcelain could be etched with hydrofluoric acid, and bond strengths could be achieved between composite resins and porcelain that were predicted to be able to hold porcelain veneers on to the surface of a tooth permanently. This was confirmed by Calamia[3] in an article describing a technique for fabrication, and placement of Etched Bonded Porcelain Veneers using a refractory model technique and Horn[4] describing a platinum foil technique for veneer fabrication. Additional articles have proven the long-term reliability of this technique.[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Today, with improved cements and bonding agents, they typically last 10–30 years. They may have to be replaced in this time due to cracking, leaking, chipping, discoloration, decay, shrinkage of the gum line and damage from injury or tooth grinding. The cost of veneers can vary depending on the experience and location of the dentist. In the US, costs range anywhere from $1000 a tooth upwards to $3000 a tooth as of 2011. Porcelain veneers are more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite.[14]

Classification

There are different types of classification for veneers. One the recent suggested veneer classification (2012) is called Nankali Veneer Classification and divides the veneers as follow:

Veneers

a) No incisal involvement, b) Feathered incisal edge, c) Incisal overlap

a) No contact point involvement, b) Contact point level, c) Passed contact point

a) Indirect veneers, b) Direct veneers

a) Ceramic, b) Lumineers (very thin and relatively strong porcelain), c) Da Vinic (Very thin porcelain), d) Mac (High resistance to stains and relatively strong, e) Acrylic (No longer in use), f) Composite

Indications

Veneers are an important tool for the cosmetic dentist. A dentist may use one veneer to restore a single tooth that may have been fractured or discolored, or multiple teeth to create a "Hollywood" type of makeover. Many people have small teeth resulting in spaces that may not be easily closed by orthodontics. Some people have worn away the edges of their teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance, while others may have malpositioned teeth that appear crooked. Multiple veneers can close these spaces, lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear, fill the black triangles between teeth caused by gum recession, provide a uniform color, shape, and symmetry, and make the teeth appear straight.[15] Dentists also recommend using thin porcelain veneers to strengthen worn teeth. It is also applied to yellow teeth that won't whiten. Thin veneers is an effective option for aging patients with worn dentition. In many cases, minimal to no tooth preparation is needed when using porcelain veneers.

Contraindications

Michael Zuk, D.D.S. profiles the problem of overuse of porcelain veneers by certain cosmetic dentists in 'Confessions of a Former Cosmetic Dentist'. He suggests that the use of veneers for 'instant orthodontics' or simulated straightening of the teeth can be harmful, especially for younger people with healthy teeth. Leading dentists caution that minor superficial damage or normal wear to the teeth is not justification for porcelain or ceramic veneers. This is because the preparation needed to apply a veneer may destroy 3–30% of the tooth's surface before it being applied. It has been found that after 10 years, 50% of veneers are either displaced, need re-treatment, or are no longer in satisfactory condition.[16]

Some cosmetic dentists may push unnecessarily for prosthodontic treatment in adolescents or young to middle-aged adults who have otherwise healthy teeth that only necessitate whitening or more routine cleaning. As preparation for veneers requires shaving down the tooth,[17] sensitivity and decay may become a problem if this procedure is not properly performed. In addition, a veneer's maintenance cost can also be prohibitive for many individuals. Veneer placement should be limited to individuals with significant aesthetic problems, such as badly cracked or broken teeth, that do not meet the requirements for a crown or full replacement.

Alternatives

Comparison between a porcelain-metal dental crown, an all-porcelain dental crown and a porcelain veneer laminate

In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. Today, in most cases, there are several possibilities from which to pick: crown, composite resin bonding, cosmetic contouring or orthodontics.

Non-permanent dental veneers, which are molded to existing teeth, are a feasible option as well. These dental veneers are removable and reusable, and are made from a flexible resin material. Do-it-yourself kits are available for the impression-taking process, and then the actual veneers are made in a lab and sent to the wearer through the mail.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dental veneers.
  1. Pincus CL."Building mouth personality" A paper presented at: California State Dental Association;1937:San Jose, California
  2. Simonsen R.J. and Calamia John R. "Tensile Bond Strengths of Etched Porcelain", Journal of Dental Research, Vol. 62, March 1983, Abstract #1099.
  3. Calamia John R. "Etched Porcelain Facial Veneers: A New Treatment Modality Based on Scientific and Clinical Evidence", New York Journal of Dentistry, Vol. 53, #6, Sept./Oct. 1983, pp.255-259.
  4. Horn HR. "A new lamination, porcelain bonded to enamel". NY St Dent J 1983;49(6):401-403
  5. Calamia John R. and Simonsen R.J. "Effect of Coupling Agents on Bond Strength of Etched Porcelain", Journal of Dental Research, Vol. 63, March 1984, Abstract #79.
  6. Calamia John R. "Etched Porcelain Veneers: The Current State of the Art", Quintessence International,Vol. 16 #1, January 1985.
  7. Quinn F Mc Connell RJ "Porcelain Laminates: A review", Br Dental J. 1986:161(2):61-65
  8. Calamia John R. "Clinical evaluation of etched porcelain veneers" Am J Dent 1989:2:9-15
  9. Nathanson D, Strassler HE. Clinical evaluation of etched porcelain veneers over a period of 18 to 42 months J Esthet Dent 1989:1(1):21-28
  10. Strassler HE, Weiner S "Long-term clinical evaluation of etched porcelain veneers" J Dental Res 77 (Special Issue A):233 Abstract 1017,1998
  11. Friedman, MJ "A 15-year review of porcelain veneer failure- a clinicians' observations. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 1998:19 (6):625-636.
  12. Calamia John R. "Etched Porcelain Laminate Restorations: A 20-year Retrospective- Part 1" AACD Monograph Vol II 2005:137-145 Montage Media Publishing
  13. Barghi, N , Overton JD "Preserving Principles of Successful Porcelain Veneers" Contemporary Esthetics 2007:11(1)48-51
  14. Calamia John R.,Calamia Christine S. Porcelain Laminate Veneers: Reasons for 25 Years of Success, Successful Esthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry for the Modern Dental Practice, Dental Clinics of North America. April 2007 Vol 51 No. 2 Calamia, Wolff, Simonsen Saunders/Elsevier, Inc., Veneers by Calamia, Enamelique.com
  15. ELHAMID A., AAZZAB B. Les facettes en céramique : de l'indication à l'utilisation Le courrier du dentiste
  16. Leading dentists question widespread use of porcelain crowns and veneers Leading dentists question widespread use of porcelain crowns and veneers
  17. Sensitivity and decay become problematic if veneers are not properly applied Improper placement of dental veneers can cause problems with decay and tooth sensitivity.