Veneers are thin ceramic onlays that are fixed to the front surface of the teeth. Modern technology makes it possible to achieve maximum naturalness, but there are still signs by which you can distinguish veneers from real teeth.
Tooth colour
- Sign: Veneers are often perfectly even and brightly coloured, which is rarely seen in natural teeth.
- Explanation: Natural teeth can have slight discolourations due to the translucency of enamel and dentin, the effects of food, drink or age. Veneers, on the other hand, are created with a perfectly smooth surface and a uniform shade.
Surface and texture
- Sign: Veneers are usually smooth and shiny, sometimes even more so than natural teeth.
- Explanation: The surface of natural teeth has a microtexture due to the porosity of the enamel, whereas veneers are created with a smooth texture that mimics the perfect look.
Symmetry
- Sign: Veneers have almost perfect symmetry and the same shape.
- Explanation: Natural teeth are rarely exactly the same – there may be slight differences in the shape, size or length of the teeth.
Gum line
- Sign: People with veneers sometimes have a clearer border between the veneer and the gum. And if the work is done poorly, there is constant inflammation of the gum and even purulent discharge.
- Explanation: The gum may slightly change color or density at the junction, especially if the veneers were not perfectly installed. Natural teeth flow smoothly into the gum with no visible lines.
Enamel transparency
- Sign: Veneers may appear less translucent than natural teeth.
- Explanation: In natural teeth, the incisal edge is often slightly transparent, especially in the front teeth. Veneers, depending on the thickness and material, can completely hide the translucency.
Thickness of tooth
- Sign: A tooth with a veneer may be slightly thicker than a natural tooth.
- Explanation: Despite the minimal thickness of the veneer (about 0.3-0.7 mm), it still adds volume. This may be noticeable on close inspection.
Response to light
- Sign: Veneers may look less natural under bright lights because they transmit light differently than natural teeth.
- Explanation: Natural teeth have a natural translucency due to enamel and dentin. Veneers, especially those made of dense ceramic, can appear more “opaque.”
Absence of natural wear
- Sign: Teeth with veneers often look flawless, with no chips, cracks, or signs of wear.
- Explanation: Natural teeth wear down over time, especially the cutting edges. Veneers remain unchanged because they are made of durable materials.
The perfect smile shape
- Sign: Veneers typically give teeth a “Hollywood” look: perfect shape, length, and proportions.
- Explanation: Natural teeth rarely have this perfection, especially without dental intervention.
No stains
- Sign: Veneers are not discolored by food, drink, or tobacco.
- Explanation: Natural teeth, especially if the enamel is thin, can become stained, but veneers remain consistently white.
Lack of response to stimuli
- Sign: Veneers do not react to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Explanation: Natural teeth can be sensitive due to open dentin tubules, whereas veneers completely insulate the tooth.
Results
You can identify veneers in a person by their perfect shape, colour, smoothness and lack of defects inherent in natural teeth. However, high-quality veneers are as close to natural aesthetics as possible, and it is almost impossible to distinguish them without professional examination.