Dental Veneers: The Path to Your Dream Smile in Prague

Dental veneers are thin slices of material, most often ceramic or composite resin, which are precisely made to measure for each patient. These slices are then fixed to the front, visible side of the teeth using a special adhesive material (cement). Their main purpose is the aesthetic correction of various imperfections, such as:

• Tooth discoloration: Veneers can cover internal tooth discoloration that cannot be removed by whitening (e.g. after certain medications, injuries or due to genetics). They allow you to achieve the desired, permanently lighter shade.
• Shape anomalies: They can correct irregular tooth shapes, such as teeth that are too short, narrow or pointed.
• Tooth damage: They cover small cracks, chipped edges or slight enamel wear.
• Gaps between teeth (diastema): Veneers can elegantly close unwanted gaps between front teeth without the need for orthodontic treatment.
• Mild unevenness: In some cases, veneers can be an alternative to braces to correct mild tooth misalignment.

The result of veneers is a natural-looking, harmonious and radiant smile. Veneers are designed to blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth and respect the natural anatomy of your teeth.

Dental veneers are an ideal solution for patients who are dissatisfied with the aesthetics of their smile and are looking for a long-term, high-quality solution. However, a prerequisite for successful application is good overall oral health. Veneers are not recommended in cases of active tooth decay, advanced periodontitis, or if the patient suffers from severe bruxism (teeth grinding) that could damage the veneers (in which case a protective night splint is often necessary).

The most common indications for veneers include:

• Permanent tooth discoloration that does not respond to whitening.
• Unsightly shape or size of the teeth.
• Broken or cracked parts of the teeth (if the damage is not too extensive).
• Closing gaps between the teeth.
• Mild orthodontic anomalies (as an alternative to braces).
• Worn tooth enamel.
• Unifying the appearance of teeth after various previous treatments.

At Dobrý Dent, we always perform a thorough initial examination and consultation to assess whether veneers are the most suitable solution for you, or whether another treatment method from our wide range of services would be better – from dental hygiene and whitening to comprehensive prosthetics and implantology.

Dental veneers offer a number of advantages that make them a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry:

• Excellent aesthetics: Ceramic veneers perfectly imitate the appearance of natural tooth enamel, including its translucency and shine. They allow you to achieve a very natural and attractive result.
• Color stability: Ceramic veneers in particular are highly resistant to discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking. Your smile will retain its radiant color for many years.
• Biocompatibility: The materials used (especially high-quality ceramics) are very well tolerated by the gums and surrounding tissues.
• Minimally invasive: Compared to crowns, the application of veneers usually requires only minimal grinding of the front surface of the tooth (often only 0.3 – 0.7 mm of enamel). In some cases (so-called non-prep veneers), grinding is not necessary at all. This saves the maximum amount of healthy tooth tissue.
• Durability and durability: With proper care and regular check-ups, high-quality ceramic veneers can last 10, 15 or more years. They are resistant to normal chewing pressure.
• Speed of treatment: The entire process from consultation to final veneer placement usually requires only a few visits in a relatively short time frame.

There are basically two main types of materials used to make veneers:

1. Ceramic (porcelain) veneers

Considered the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry, they are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth. High-quality dental ceramics are used for their production (e.g. lithium disilicate or feldspar ceramics).

Advantages of ceramic veneers:

• The highest possible aesthetics, perfect imitation of a natural tooth.
• Excellent color stability, stain resistance.
• High strength and wear resistance.
• Long service life (10-15+ years with proper care).
• Smooth surface resistant to plaque buildup.
• Excellent biocompatibility.

Disadvantages of ceramic veneers:

• Higher purchase price.
• Production requires cooperation with a dental laboratory, the process takes longer (usually 2-3 visits).
• Any repairs are more complicated (often the veneer needs to be replaced).
• They usually require a slight grinding of the tooth.

2. Composite (resin) veneers

They are made of a special photocomposite resin, the same material used for white dental fillings. They can be made either directly in the office during a single visit (direct composite veneers) or indirectly in the laboratory (similar to ceramic veneers).

Advantages of composite veneers:

• Lower price compared to ceramic veneers.
• Can be made in a single visit (for direct veneers).
• Easier and cheaper repair in case of damage.
• Often require less or no grinding of tooth enamel.

Disadvantages of composite veneers:

• Lower aesthetic quality and naturalness compared to ceramic (may appear less transparent).
• More susceptible to discoloration and staining over time.
• Less wear resistance and shorter lifespan (usually 5-8 years).
• The surface may be more susceptible to plaque buildup.

At Dobrý Dent, we prefer ceramic veneers for the best and most durable aesthetic results. However, during your consultation, we will discuss both options in detail, their advantages and disadvantages in relation to your specific situation and expectations, so that you can make an informed decision.

The application of dental veneers in our clinic in Prague 5 takes place in several carefully planned steps, with an emphasis on precision, patient comfort and the use of modern technologies:

1. Introductory consultation and planning: The first step is a thorough consultation with our specialist. We will discuss your wishes and expectations, evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums (including X-rays, or 3D CBCT for a comprehensive view), and assess the suitability of veneers for your situation. We will explain the entire process, the different types of materials and answer all your questions. If veneers are a suitable solution, we will create an individual treatment plan. We often use digital visualization (Digital Smile Design) so that you can imagine the final appearance of your smile before the treatment begins.
2. Tooth preparation (grinding): If necessary (for most ceramic veneers), we proceed to minimal preparation of the front surface of the teeth. This involves removing a very thin layer of enamel (usually 0.3 – 0.7 mm) to create space for the veneer and ensure its firm adhesion. We perform this step with maximum care, often using a operating microscope to ensure absolute precision and minimize the removal of tooth tissue. For your maximum comfort, we use a modern system of painless local anesthesia STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia System) that allows for targeted and comfortable anesthesia without the unpleasant feeling of numbness of the entire face.
3. Impression or digital scanning: After preparation, it is necessary to obtain an accurate model of your teeth. At Dobrý Dent, we use the most modern 3D intraoral scanner for this. This digital process is much faster, more accurate and more comfortable for the patient than traditional impression materials. The digital model is immediately sent to our cooperating top dental laboratory.
4. Fabrication of veneers and temporary veneers: While the dental technician in the laboratory precisely manufactures your definitive ceramic veneers (which usually takes 1-2 weeks), we protect your ground teeth with temporary veneers. These will ensure the aesthetics and function of the teeth until the final veneers are placed.
5. Placement (fixation) of the veneers: Once your veneers are ready, we will invite you for a final visit. First, we will carefully try on the veneers, check their shape, color and precise fit. If you and the doctor are completely satisfied with the result, we will proceed with their final fixation. The surface of the teeth and the inside of the veneers are specially chemically treated to ensure maximum bonding. Then, the veneers are firmly glued to the teeth using a special adhesive cement (resin) and hardened with a polymerization lamp. We will carefully remove excess cement and check the bite.
6. Final check and instructions: After the veneers are placed, we will perform a final check and provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your new smile. We will also arrange a check-up appointment.

Choosing the right clinic for aesthetic treatments such as dental veneers is key to achieving excellent and long-lasting results. Dobrý Dent offers you a combination of factors that make us the ideal choice:

• Experience and expertise: Our clinic has been operating successfully since 2010. Our team consists of experienced dentists who regularly educate themselves in the latest procedures in aesthetic dentistry. We have successfully completed hundreds of smile transformations using veneers.
• Leading technologies: We invest in the most modern equipment that increases the accuracy, comfort and quality of treatment. The use of an operating microscope enables the most precise preparation and detailed control. A 3D CBCT X-ray provides us with a detailed image for precise planning. These technologies allow us to work with maximum precision and care.
• Individual approach and communication: Each patient is unique to us. We devote sufficient time to the consultation, listen to your wishes and concerns, and together we look for the best solution. We will explain all the steps of the treatment to you in detail.
• Quality materials and cooperation with the laboratory: We use only certified, high-quality materials from renowned manufacturers. We cooperate with leading Czech dental laboratories, which guarantee precise processing and top-notch aesthetics of your veneers.
• Comprehensive care under one roof: We offer a wide range of dental services. If other treatment is necessary before the application of veneers (e.g. dental hygiene, caries treatment, periodontology), we will arrange everything within our clinic.
• Pleasant and modern environment: We want you to feel as comfortable as possible with us. Our clinic in Prague 5 – Anděl (J. Plachty 535/16) offers a modern, clean and soothing environment.
• Patient focus: Your satisfaction and health are our priority. We pay attention to the painlessness of the treatment, safety and long-term functionality and aesthetics of the result.

To ensure that your dental veneers last as long as possible and your smile remains beautiful, proper care is important, which is basically no different from caring for your own teeth:

• Thorough oral hygiene: Regular brushing of teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to use interdental brushes or dental floss to clean the spaces between the teeth where the veneers meet the gums.
• Regular preventive examinations and dental hygiene: Visit our Dobrý Dent clinic for regular check-ups (usually twice a year) and professional dental hygiene. During the check-up, we will check the condition of the veneers and surrounding tissues. Professional cleaning removes tartar and pigmentation even from places that regular cleaning cannot reach.
• Reducing risk factors: Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, nuts, hard candies, fingernails, pencils) that could damage or chip the veneer. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), it is essential to use a protective night splint.
• Be careful when consuming strongly staining foods and drinks: Even though ceramic veneers are very resistant to staining, it is a good idea to limit excessive consumption of coffee, tea, red wine or smoking, especially if you also have your own teeth, which can be stained differently.

By following these principles and having regular check-ups at Dobrý Dent, high-quality ceramic veneers can last you 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer. Composite veneers typically have a shorter lifespan, around 5 to 8 years, and may require occasional re-polishing to restore shine.

Is the application of veneers painful?

Thanks to modern methods of local anesthesia, such as the STA system that we use at Dobrý Dent, the process of tooth preparation and veneer placement is painless. After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel slight tooth sensitivity, which usually subsides quickly.

How long does the whole process take?

The application of ceramic veneers usually requires 2 to 3 visits over the course of 2-3 weeks (consultation and planning, preparation and impressions/scans, final placement). Direct composite veneers can be made in a single, albeit longer, visit.

What is the price of dental veneers?

The price varies depending on the type of material (ceramics are more expensive than composites), the number of veneers applied, and the complexity of the case. During the initial consultation at Dobrý Dent, we will provide you with an accurate treatment plan, including a detailed price calculation.

Can veneers deteriorate or decay develop under them?

The veneer itself cannot deteriorate. However, the tooth under the veneer and the surrounding tissues are still susceptible to decay or gum disease if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Therefore, regular check-ups and hygiene are key.

What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?

A veneer is a thin slice covering only the front (visible) side of the tooth and is primarily used for aesthetic correction. A crown covers the entire tooth and is used in cases of major tooth damage, after root canal treatment, or when the tooth needs to be significantly strengthened. Crown application requires more extensive grinding of the tooth.

How to choose the right shade of veneers?

Choosing the shade is an important step that we carry out together with you. We take into account the color of your other teeth, skin color and your personal preferences. The goal is to achieve a natural, yet radiant appearance. At Dobrý Dent, we use modern sample books and the experience of our doctors for the optimal selection.

Dental veneers are an excellent option to achieve a beautiful, healthy-looking and confident smile. Whether you are concerned about discoloration, shape imperfections, minor damage or gaps between your teeth, veneers can be the right solution.

At the Dobrý Dent dental clinic in Prague 5, we are ready to provide you with the best care. With our experience dating back to 2010, a team of experts, cutting-edge technologies (microscope, 3D scanner, painless STA, CBCT anesthesia) and an individual approach, we will help you go through the entire process smoothly and with excellent results. Your satisfaction and a healthy, beautiful smile are our greatest reward.