Crowns can be made of porcelain without any metal under it. This is the new high-tech method known as metal free ceramics. This represents the best aesthetic solution for front teeth, absolutely invisible and indiscernible from natural teeth. Of course, these high-tech constructions should be made in a carefully selected top laboratory.

An alternative of metal free ceramics are light cure composite resins which are as aesthetic as ceramics. However due to their fragility and the change of their color with time, composite crowns and bridges can be applied only in zones under less pressure, and if the bite allows for such a treatment. 

Porcelain veneers

If the front teeth are crooked or stained, chipped and rough, as well as not suitable for bleaching, then porcelain veneers can work a veritable revolution for your teeth and smile in terms of profile, shape and color. Given that making veneers is a true art and demands special know how, you will find out that not every dentist will feel at ease to carry out this procedure. 

What are veneers? 

Veneers are porcelain laminates, as thin as artificial nails, placed on the front surface. They are glued to the front tooth surface with a thin but very strong layer of semi-fluid adhesive (glue). Veneers are made with utter precision. In the first place, they should match perfectly the natural tooth, and secondly, they should visibly improve its shape. Porcelain veneers make teeth smoother, longer, and of course – whiter. 

How are veneers applied?

1. First visit: consultation. Your dentist will find out whether your case is OK for veneer treatment, because sometimes veneers might not be a solution for you. For example, if you have crowded or severely protruding teeth, then we will advise you to undertake orthodontics treatment. If the tooth is seriously broken or destroyed, you may need a ceramic crown instead of a veneer. If correction of several front teeth has been planned including altering their shape, we will take impressions during the first visit, used to make models of your teeth in the lab. These models will be used for a wax design of the changed shape of the teeth. This design allows making temporary composite or plastic veneers while the permanent ones are ready. 
   
2. Second visit: preparing the tooth for a veneer This means the removal of a thin layer of enamel, usually 0,7 - 0,8 mm, that is, as thin as an egg shell. On the second visit we apply temporary light-cured composite veneers with the new shape.
   
3. Third visit. This time we take an impression of the already prepared tooth and send the impression to the laboratory.
   
4. Fourth visit. We test the color of the veneer as well as how correctly it fits into the natural tooth, and return it to the lab for further corrections of color and shape. On that same day it can be safely cemented. Cementing is permanent. 
   

Veneers - advantages:

1. Veneers are a more lasting and beautiful option than bonding. For bonding dentists use composite, while veneers are made of porcelain
2. Veneers make it possible to achieve an absolutely natural appearance of the tooth, which will become indiscernible from other teeth.
3. Porcelain is a gum-friendly and remarkably biocompatible material
4. Porcelain doesn’t change its color with time
5. The color of porcelain can be selected in a way to make discolored teeth look whiter
6. Veneers require less processing of the tooth and less thinning compared to crowns.


Disadvantages

1. A high price – 5 times higher than the price of bonding with light cure composite
2. Once prepared for veneers, for teeth the process is irreversible, because a thin layer of enamel has been removed.
3. Given that veneers require utter precision and specific skills, not every dentist feels confident enough to carry out this procedure.

In a nutshell

1. Veneers are very reliable, and cannot easily fall out, chip or peel off. But just like natural teeth, they are not for life. 
2. If the patient is careful with them, they last 10 years and up.
3. Brush and floss veneered teeth daily. Use non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride content. If you allow plaque to accumulate in this area your gums will quite possibly recede.
4. Porcelain veneers are not always fit to resist excessive forces. You should better avoid habits such as biting your fingernails or biting on hard items because doing so can break or dislodge a veneer. During sports activities it is advisable to wear a mouth protector.