What exactly are veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells (0.3–0.7 mm) that are permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth using a special adhesive technique. They correct the colour, shape and minor misalignment of the front teeth and, when applied correctly, are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
How long do veneers last?
Ceramic veneers last 15–20 years with good care, often even longer. No-prep veneers achieve 10–15 years, composite veneers 5–8 years. Longevity depends largely on oral hygiene and avoiding excessive stress (e.g. grinding without a night guard).
What do veneers cost in München?
Ceramic veneers at our practice start from 1,000 EUR per tooth, no-prep veneers from 1,500 EUR and composite veneers from 400 EUR. A complete smile makeover with 6–10 veneers ranges from 6,000–15,000 EUR. The exact price is discussed after the individual analysis at your initial consultation.
Are veneers painful?
The treatment is virtually painless. For conventional ceramic veneers the preparation is carried out under local anaesthesia — you feel nothing. With no-prep veneers, anaesthesia is often not needed at all. After placement there may be slight sensitivity, which typically subsides within a few days.
How do I care for my veneers?
Care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush, floss daily, avoid highly abrasive toothpastes. In addition, professional dental cleaning every 6 months. Avoid biting hard objects directly with the front teeth.
Can veneers be damaged?
In rare cases (under 3%) a veneer may come loose or develop a small chip. If a veneer comes loose it can usually be re-bonded without difficulty. A chip can often be polished on ceramic veneers; for more extensive damage a new veneer is fabricated.
Are veneers suitable for everyone?
Veneers are suitable for most adults with aesthetic concerns in the front-tooth region. They are not recommended for severe bruxism without a night guard, active decay or periodontitis, insufficient tooth structure or severe misalignment. At the initial consultation I honestly clarify whether veneers are the right solution for you.
What is the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
Lumineers are a brand name for particularly thin no-prep veneers (0.2–0.3 mm) by DenMat. The main difference from conventional veneers: as a rule no grinding of the tooth is required, and the treatment is potentially reversible. Conventional veneers offer a more natural appearance in return, as they sit flush with the gumline.
Ceramic or composite — which veneers are better?
Ceramic veneers are superior in aesthetics and durability: they are more translucent, more colour-stable and last 15–20 years. Composite veneers are more affordable (from 400 EUR) and finished in one appointment, but stain more quickly and only last 5–8 years. For a complete smile makeover I recommend ceramic; for individual repairs composite can be a good choice.
Veneers or whitening — which is the better option?
That depends on the type of discolouration. With external staining (coffee, tea, tobacco) professional whitening is often sufficient and considerably more affordable. With intrinsic discolouration (e.g. caused by medication), irregular tooth shapes, or if you want to correct both shape and colour simultaneously, veneers are the better solution.
Veneers or dental crown — when is which appropriate?
Veneers cover only the visible front surface of the tooth and require minimal removal of tooth structure. A dental crown covers the entire tooth and is necessary when the tooth is severely damaged, root-treated or already extensively filled. For an aesthetically intact tooth with sufficient structure a veneer is always the more conservative choice.
Are veneers harmful to the teeth?
When applied correctly, veneers are not harmful. The enamel reduction for conventional veneers is minimal (0.3–0.5 mm) and affects only the outermost enamel layer. No-prep veneers require no reduction at all. The correct adhesive technique and regular aftercare are important — both of which we ensure in our practice.
Can veneers be removed again?
No-prep veneers and Lumineers can theoretically be removed, as no tooth structure has been reduced. With conventional ceramic veneers the enamel has been minimally reduced — the tooth then permanently requires a restoration (new veneer or crown). I discuss this in detail beforehand during the consultation.
What happens to the teeth under the veneers?
Under a correctly placed veneer the tooth remains healthy. The ceramic actually provides additional protection against acid attack and wear. Careful marginal design is important so that no bacteria can penetrate between the veneer and the tooth. We check this at every routine appointment.
Do veneers need to be replaced eventually?
Ceramic veneers last 15–20 years, sometimes even a lifetime. Over time the margin may become slightly visible or the gum may recede. The veneer is then renewed — a comparatively straightforward procedure, as the preparation is already in place. Composite veneers should be refreshed or replaced after 5–8 years.
How many appointments do I need for veneers?
For ceramic veneers typically 2–3 appointments over a period of 2–3 weeks are needed: initial consultation with DSD planning, preparation with impression and placement of the finished veneers. Composite veneers can often be completed in a single session.
What is Digital Smile Design?
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a digital planning technology with which we design your new smile on the computer and show it to you in advance — realistically placed in photos of your own face. You see the result before treatment begins and can actively participate in shaping it. I am a certified DSD practitioner and use this technology for every veneer treatment.
Does health insurance cover veneers?
Veneers are a purely aesthetic treatment — statutory health insurance does not cover the costs. Private insurance reimburses a portion of the costs depending on the policy. We will prepare a detailed cost estimate for submission to your insurer and offer instalment payment options.
Where can I find a veneer specialist in München?
At our practice in München-Oberföhring, Dr. Christina Dickel specialises in aesthetic dentistry and veneers — with a curriculum in aesthetic dental medicine (DGÄZ) and Digital Smile Design certification. We offer a no-obligation initial consultation in which we discuss your options.
Do you offer a free initial consultation for veneers?
We offer a no-obligation initial consultation in which we analyse your situation and discuss all options. The consultation takes approximately 30 minutes and is the first step towards your ideal smile. Book an appointment by phone or through our online booking system.