If you don't like the colour, shape or size of your teeth, dental veneers are one of the quickest ways to change your smile without surgery. At our Gavà clinic, where we also see patients from Castelldefels and Viladecans, we explain what they are, the types available and what the process involves.
What are dental veneers?
They are thin shells of porcelain or composite bonded to the visible surface of the teeth. They cover the front of the tooth and allow its appearance to be changed very naturally.
What problems do they correct?
- Colour: dark or stained teeth that don't improve with whitening, for example due to tetracyclines.
- Shape and size: small, worn, irregular teeth or teeth with chipped edges.
- Gaps: spaces between teeth (diastemas).
- Minor misalignment: slightly rotated or misaligned teeth, when orthodontics isn't needed.
- Cracks and enamel defects.
Types of veneers
Porcelain veneers
Custom-made in a laboratory. They are very resistant, keep their shine and colour over time and allow a permanent change of colour, shape and position. They are the most durable.
Lumineers® micro veneers
Ultra-thin (0.2–0.3 mm) porcelain veneers that in most cases don't require filing or enamel reduction. They are fitted in a single session without anaesthetic.
Composite veneers
Made directly in the mouth with tooth-coloured resins. They are more affordable and can be done in a single session. Ideal for specific touch-ups (chipped edges, small gaps), although they need more care and more frequent check-ups to monitor colour.
What the process involves
In 2 or 3 visits you can have a new smile:
- Study and smile design: we analyse your face, lips and teeth, and design the smile digitally. We choose the colour and shape with you.
- Preparation: if needed, we prepare the tooth minimally. With Lumineers® and composite it's often unnecessary.
- Fitting: we bond the veneers and adjust the bite.
Porcelain or composite: which should I choose?
- Porcelain: if you want a complete, lasting change of colour and shape, and maximum stain resistance.
- Composite: if you need a specific touch-up, want a more affordable option or prefer a single-session treatment.
At the first visit we show you the options and recommend the one that best suits your case and budget.
Caring for veneers
- Brush and floss as you would your natural teeth.
- Avoid biting hard objects (pens, nails, ice) and opening packaging with your teeth.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a night guard to protect them.
- With composite, limit coffee, tea and tobacco, which can stain them.
- Come to your regular check-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting veneers hurt?
No. They are minimally invasive techniques and, when the tooth needs preparing, local anaesthetic is used.
Are they noticeable?
Done well, no: the colour and shape are chosen to match the rest of your smile.
Can I whiten my teeth first?
Yes, and it's a good idea if you also want to lighten the teeth that won't have veneers: that way we choose the veneer colour to match the new shade.
