When enhancing a smile with dental veneers, a transitional period exists between preparing the natural teeth and bonding the final restorations. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells, typically porcelain, that cover the front surface of a tooth to improve appearance. Temporary veneers are a necessary interim step, providing a functional and aesthetic placeholder while a dental laboratory crafts the permanent, custom-fit set. These coverings protect the underlying tooth structure and allow the patient to preview their future smile before the final commitment.
The Primary Materials Used
Temporary veneers are fabricated from polymer-based materials chosen for their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be quickly modified. The two main types are acrylic resins and bis-acryl composite resins, which offer distinct properties suitable for short-term wear. These materials contrast with the durable, high-strength ceramic or porcelain used for the final, permanent restorations.
Acrylic resins, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA), have been used for decades due to their simple handling characteristics. These resins are supplied as a powder and a liquid, which the professional mixes to form a chemically setting paste. PMMA-based materials are easy to polish and offer good color stability, making them a reliable choice for temporization. However, the chemical setting process can generate heat, and they are prone to higher shrinkage upon polymerization, potentially affecting the precise fit.
Bis-acryl composite resins are a more modern and common choice for temporary veneer fabrication. These materials are dispensed from an auto-mix cartridge and contain an inorganic filler content alongside a resin organic system. The addition of filler particles grants bis-acryl composites superior mechanical properties, including higher flexural strength and surface hardness, compared to simple acrylics. They also exhibit lower polymerization shrinkage and a reduced exothermic reaction during setting, which improves patient comfort and the marginal fit of the restoration.
Manufacturing Methods
Temporary veneers are typically created using chairside techniques, fabricated directly in the dental office during the appointment. This process begins after the natural teeth have been minimally prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel. The most common method uses a pre-operative impression or matrix, which is a mold of the patient’s teeth taken before preparation occurs.
The dentist fills this silicone or thermoplastic matrix with the chosen resin material. The material-filled matrix is seated directly over the prepared teeth, allowing the resin to cure and take the shape of the intended restoration. Once set, the matrix is removed, leaving the temporary veneer shell on the tooth surface. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes the resin to ensure proper fit, smooth margins, and a natural appearance.
For complex or extended cases, temporary veneers may be fabricated using indirect methods in a dental laboratory, or through computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling. These laboratory-made temporaries, often milled from PMMA, offer higher durability and greater precision than chairside versions. This fabrication process allows the dentist to create a custom-contoured prototype that accurately simulates the desired outcome of the permanent veneers.
Purpose and Duration of Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers serve two functions: protection and diagnostic assessment. After the tooth surface is prepared, underlying dentin can become exposed, making teeth susceptible to temperature sensitivity, bacterial invasion, and staining. The temporary veneer acts as a physical shield, sealing the prepared surface to prevent discomfort and maintain the health of the tooth pulp.
Beyond protection, the temporary restorations function as an aesthetic and functional trial. They maintain correct spacing and bite alignment (occlusion) while the permanent veneers are being made, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting. The patient and dentist use this time to evaluate the proposed size, shape, and overall appearance of the new smile. This allows for feedback and necessary adjustments to the design before the final ceramic veneers are fabricated.
The typical duration for wearing temporary veneers ranges from one to two weeks, though this timeline varies based on case complexity and the laboratory’s production schedule. Since they are made of less durable, resin-based materials, they are not intended for long-term use. They are bonded with a temporary adhesive that allows for easy removal when the permanent veneers are ready for placement.