Micro-veneers: what they are, advantages and when to choose this treatment

Micro-veneers have become one of the most sought-after options in cosmetic dentistry because they let us change small details of the smile in a very conservative way.

They are very thin ceramic shells bonded to the visible part of the tooth to improve its shape, size, colour or proportion. In certain cases they can be fitted without filing the enamel, or with only minimal preparation.

That does not mean they are the best option for everyone, or that they can correct any dental problem. If the teeth stick out a lot, there is significant crowding or we want to hide heavy staining, it may be necessary to consider another type of veneer or to have orthodontic treatment or whitening first.

In this article we explain what micro-veneers are, their advantages, their limitations and how to know whether they are the most suitable treatment for improving your smile.

When are micro-veneers worth choosing?

Micro-veneers are usually a good option when the teeth are reasonably well aligned and we want to correct small cosmetic flaws without altering their natural structure too much.

They can help us improve:

• Small or short teeth.
• Worn edges.
• Small gaps between teeth.
• Slight asymmetries.
• Surface fractures or cracks.
• Moderate changes in shape or colour.
• Teeth set slightly inwards.

Their main advantage is that they add shape or volume while keeping as much enamel as possible.

They cannot always be fitted directly onto the tooth, though. In some patients minimal preparation may be needed so the result is not too thick or does not interfere with the bite.

What are dental micro-veneers?

Micro-veneers are made-to-measure ceramic or porcelain shells bonded to the outer surface of the teeth.

Their job is to change certain aspects of the smile without covering the whole tooth, as a crown does.

Thanks to today’s ceramic materials, it is possible to make very thin restorations that mimic properties of enamel such as:

• Translucency.
• Shine.
• Texture.
• The way it reflects light.

The term micro-veneer refers mainly to their reduced thickness and to the conservative approach of the treatment. There is no single size that works for every case, though.

The thickness needed depends on:

• The initial shape of the tooth.
• The colour change we want to achieve.
• The position of the tooth.
• The space available.
• The material used.
• The planned cosmetic result.

That is why not all micro-veneers have exactly the same thickness, and not all can be fitted without preparing the tooth first.

Are micro-veneers always fitted without filing?

No. Micro-veneers can be fitted with no filing or with minimal preparation, depending on the characteristics of the tooth and the result we want.

The goal should not be to avoid any preparation at all costs, but to keep as much enamel as possible without creating a tooth that is too bulky or artificial.

When they can be fitted without filing

Fully additive micro-veneers are usually especially indicated when we need to increase the volume of the tooth slightly. For example, if you have small or short teeth, or gaps between teeth.

In these cases the micro-veneer can be added onto the enamel without the tooth becoming excessively thick.

When minimal preparation may be needed

In other patients, placing a shell directly onto the tooth could add too much volume.

Minimal preparation may be advisable when:

• The tooth sticks out slightly.
• We need to change its shape significantly.
• There is little space available.
• We want to improve the transition between the veneer and the gum.
• A colour change needs to be hidden.
• We need to stop the veneer interfering with the bite.

This preparation can be limited to a very superficial layer of enamel, but it must be planned individually.

Why a no-prep micro-veneer is not always better

A no-prep veneer may seem the most conservative option, but it is not suitable if it causes a tooth that is too thick, a smile with too much volume, difficulty cleaning the margin, gum inflammation, changes in how the lips close or incorrect contacts with the lower teeth.

The priority must be a result that is natural, hygienic and functional, not simply avoiding any preparation.

What are micro-veneers for?

Micro-veneers can be used to correct various mild or moderate cosmetic flaws.

Small or irregularly shaped teeth

Some people have naturally small, narrow or poorly proportioned teeth.

Micro-veneers let us slightly increase their size and harmonise them with the rest of the smile.

Worn edges

Time, the bite or bruxism can make the edges of the teeth uneven or shorter.

Micro-veneers can rebuild their length and restore a more balanced shape, as long as the cause of the wear is studied first.

Small fractures

A small fracture or surface crack can change the shape of the tooth without necessarily compromising its whole structure.

Depending on its size and location, it can be corrected with a micro-veneer or a dental reconstruction.

Gaps between teeth

Micro-veneers can help close small diastemas or gaps between teeth by slightly increasing their width.

If the gap is large or related to the position of several teeth, though, it may be better to have invisible braces first.

Colour changes

Ceramic lets us change the colour of the teeth and achieve a more uniform smile.

However, being thin, translucent restorations, micro-veneers may not completely hide:

• Very dark staining.
• Teeth with old root canals.
• Heavy discolouration from medication.
• Colour changes caused by trauma.

In these cases a more opaque ceramic, a conventional veneer or other treatments may need considering.

Small asymmetries

They can also be used to correct slight differences in shape, size or length between similar teeth.

For example, when one central incisor is slightly shorter than the other.

Advantages of micro-veneers

Micro-veneers offer several advantages when they are properly indicated.

They preserve tooth enamel

Their main advantage is that they allow us to work very conservatively. In many cases there is no preparation at all, or it is limited to a superficial layer of enamel.

Preserving enamel is especially important because ceramic usually bonds more favourably and predictably to this part of the tooth.

They give natural results

Ceramic can mimic the translucency and shine of a natural tooth.

The result does not depend only on choosing a white colour. A good micro-veneer should not stand out on its own. It should blend in with the rest of the smile.

They keep their colour well

Ceramic is highly resistant to stains. Unlike composite, its surface usually keeps its shine and colour better over time.

That does not mean the treatment needs no maintenance. The gum, the natural teeth and the margins of the veneers still need looking after with hygiene and check-ups.

They are a minimally invasive option in selected cases

When the position and volume of the teeth are favourable, the treatment can be done with very little intervention.

In these cases anaesthetic or temporary veneers may not be needed, although that depends on the procedure chosen.

Limitations and drawbacks of micro-veneers

Although they offer great cosmetic possibilities, micro-veneers also have limitations.

They do not move teeth

Micro-veneers change the visible surface of the tooth, but not the position of its root.

So they do not really correct:

• Significant crowding.
• A crossbite.
• An overbite.
• A large overjet.
• A poor relationship between the arches.

In these cases orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate.

They can add too much volume

If they are placed on a large or protruding tooth without creating space, they can make the tooth too thick.

This can affect the look, hygiene and the relationship with the lips.

They do not always hide dark colours

Their reduced thickness and translucency can limit their ability to mask certain stains.

Trying to cover a very dark tooth with an excessively thin micro-veneer can mean the original colour still shows through, or that an overly opaque ceramic has to be used.

They can fracture or come off

Although ceramic bonded to enamel is strong, it is not indestructible. It can be damaged by knocks, bruxism, biting objects or opening packaging with your teeth.

They will need maintenance and possibly replacing

Micro-veneers do not last a lifetime.

Over the years they may need repairing, polishing or replacing, depending on their condition.

This should be borne in mind before starting treatment, especially in young patients.

Who is a good candidate for micro-veneers?

Someone can be a good candidate when they have healthy teeth and gums, enough enamel, a favourable tooth position, mild or moderate cosmetic flaws, a stable bite, good oral hygiene, realistic expectations and no uncontrolled risk habits.

Micro-veneers work especially well when we need to add material to improve the shape, size or proportion of the tooth.

Before recommending them we have to assess not only how the smile looks from the front, but also how the teeth meet when the mouth closes.

When are they not the best option?

Although micro-veneers give excellent results in many cases, they are not always the most suitable treatment. 

Depending on the position of the teeth, the bite or the state of the mouth, it may be necessary to choose another treatment or combine several techniques for a more natural, longer-lasting result.

Significant crowding

When the teeth are very overlapped or rotated, trying to disguise their position with veneers can require excessive filing or add too much volume.

In these cases it may be better to have invisible braces with Invisalign or Spark first.

Teeth that stick out a lot

Adding a micro-veneer to a tooth that already sticks out can make it stand out even more.

Orthodontics can reposition it before a cosmetic treatment is considered.

Bite problems

A deep overbite, an edge-to-edge bite or other unfavourable contacts can increase the risk of fracture.

Before fitting micro-veneers we need to check how the teeth meet during chewing and jaw movements.

Active bruxism

Bruxism can cause wear, fractures or veneers coming off.

That does not mean someone with bruxism can never have micro-veneers, but the cause needs controlling, the bite checking and a night guard considering.

Very dark stains

Heavy staining can show through a very thin ceramic.

In these cases a different preparation, a conventional veneer or a prior treatment may be needed.

Decay or gum disease

Before any cosmetic treatment it is essential to restore the health of the teeth and gums.

If there is decay, inflammation, bleeding or periodontal disease, it must be treated first.

Very weakened teeth

A micro-veneer mainly covers the visible surface of the tooth.

If the tooth has an extensive fracture, a large reconstruction or little remaining structure, it may need another type of restoration.

Micro-veneers, porcelain veneers or composite: the differences

Although these treatments can all improve the shape and colour of the teeth, they are not exactly the same.

Micro-veneers are not necessarily better than the rest. They are a particularly interesting solution when we want to make small changes while preserving enamel.

Conventional veneers can offer more possibilities when we need to hide a heavy colour change or significantly alter the volume of the tooth.

Composite, for its part, can be a conservative, repairable option for certain corrections, although it usually needs more maintenance to keep its shine and colour.

Are micro-veneers reversible?

Not always. When a micro-veneer is fitted without removing enamel, the treatment preserves the original structure better and it may be possible to remove it in the future.

That does not mean removing it is a simple procedure, though, or that the tooth is automatically left the same as before.

When removing a veneer it may be necessary to:

• Carefully separate the ceramic.
• Remove remnants of cement.
• Polish the surface.
• Assess whether the enamel has changed at all.

Also, if any preparation was done, however minimal, the treatment cannot be considered completely reversible.

For this reason we prefer to talk about a conservative or minimally invasive treatment rather than promising it is always reversible.

How long do micro-veneers last?

There is no exact lifespan that can be guaranteed for every patient.

Micro-veneers can stay in good condition for many years, but how long depends on various factors, such as the type of ceramic, the amount of enamel available, the quality of the bond, the bite, bruxism, oral hygiene, the patient’s habits, any trauma, maintenance and regular check-ups.

Someone with a stable bite, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups can keep them for a long time.

On the other hand, biting objects, uncontrolled bruxism or neglecting hygiene can increase the risk of fracture, leakage or the veneer coming off.

Care after micro-veneers are fitted

Micro-veneers do not need completely different hygiene from natural teeth, but they do need consistency.

To keep them in good condition it is advisable to brush your teeth after meals, use dental floss or interdental brushes, attend regular check-ups and have professional cleanings when indicated.

It is also advisable to avoid opening packaging with your teeth, not bite hard objects, not bite very hard foods directly with the treated teeth and wear a night guard if you have bruxism.

If movement, a fracture or sensitivity appears, it is best to see the dentist to assess the situation.

The gums also need to stay healthy so the transition between the tooth and the micro-veneer keeps a natural look.

So, when are micro-veneers worth choosing?

Micro-veneers are especially useful when we want to improve small details of shape, size, colour or symmetry while keeping as much enamel as possible.

They give very good results on small, worn or slightly gapped teeth, or teeth with moderate cosmetic flaws.

They should not be used to hide just any problem, though. If there is crowding, teeth that stick out a lot, a bad bite or heavy staining, orthodontics, whitening or another treatment may be needed first.

At Arroyo & Hernández Dental Clinic we carry out a personalised smile study using photographs, a 3D intraoral scanner and digital planning.

This lets us assess whether micro-veneers can be fitted without filing, whether minimal preparation is needed or whether there is a more conservative alternative for your case.

If you are thinking about micro-veneers or dental veneers in Alicante, you can request your free first visit through our website and work out with our team which treatment suits your smile best. Treatment here works out considerably cheaper than in the UK: write to us or call and we will give you an estimate based on your case.