4 Types of Dental Veneers: Which is Right for You?

4 Types of Dental Veneers: Which is Right for You?

Aug 01, 2023

Dental veneers can effectively address these issues and enhance your smile if you have minor dental flaws like stains, chips, misalignments, and improper gaps. A tooth veneer is a thin, custom-made shell or coating bonded to the tooth’s front surfaces to improve its size, shape, and color.

When considering dental veneers, you should understand that they come in different types. In this article, let’s explore the various types of teeth veneers to help determine which suits you.

Exploring the options: types of dental veneers

Different types of veneers are differentiated based on their procedure, purpose, and construction material. The four common types of veneers include:

  • Porcelain veneers

Thanks to their excellent aesthetics, stain resistance, and durability, porcelain veneers are the most widely used type. The veneers are made in a dental lab using high-quality porcelain materials that closely mimic the natural teeth’ color and translucency.

When getting porcelain veneers, the dentist will remove a minor portion of the enamel from the tooth’s front surface. Creating enough room for the veneers to fit perfectly and ensure a proper bite is essential.

Then, impressions of the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth are taken and sent to the dental lab, where the porcelain veneers are fabricated. This process can take about two weeks. In the meantime, the dentist will prepare and place a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth.

Once the custom veneer is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary and test the porcelain veneers. If everything is good, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive. Porcelain veneers win in durability, excellent aesthetics, and stain resistance compared to other veneers.

  • Composite Veneers

Composite or resin veneers are another common type of dental veneer. They contain composite resin material, which can match your teeth’s appearance closely. Unlike porcelain veneers fabricated in a dental lab, the dentist applies the composite veneers directly to the tooth in layers.

Then, the resin is hardened using a special light or laser and polished to ensure a proper fit and appearance. Before application, the dentist will shave a minor portion of the enamel, less than what’s removed for porcelain veneers. Thus, composite veneers are more conservative and preserve more of your natural tooth, promoting overall dental health.

On the downside, they are generally less durable, lasting five to seven years. Similarly, they are more prone to staining and wear, requiring more frequent repairs and maintenance than porcelain veneers.

  • Lumineers

Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that require minimal or no enamel shaving. It makes them an excellent conservative alternative to traditional veneers.

Thanks to their extremely thin nature, more of the tooth’s enamel remains intact, making them reversible. It means you can remove them if you change your mind. With traditional veneers, removing the veneer exposes the tooth, increasing the likelihood of sensitivity, infections, and fractures.

While very conservative, veneers have a greater likelihood of chipping than traditional veneers. Similarly, their very thin nature might not be ideal for hiding severe stains, as the dark color can show through the Lumineers. However, with proper care and maintenance, Lumineers can last as long as traditional veneers.

  • Removal or temporary veneers

Temporary or removable veneers are Snap-On veneers that don’t require tooth shaving or trimming. They are thus non-invasive, reversible, and less expensive than traditional veneers.

On the downside, removable veneers are less natural-looking than traditional veneers. They are also more prone to chipping and staining. In most cases, they protect a tooth while waiting for the permanent veneer.

Which type of veneer is best for me?

When choosing the right dental veneers for your smile, several factors should be considered, including:

  • Aesthetic goals: If you want the most natural-looking solution, porcelain veneers may be ideal.
  • Longevity: If you’re interested in the most durable option, porcelain veneers and Lumineers may be the best options. Composite and removable veneers are less durable.
  • Cost: Porcelain veneers are generally the most expensive. Composite veneers may be ideal if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Consult your dentist about the costs of various types of veneers to know which option fits your budget.
  • Tooth Preparation: For people concerned about enamel shaving and would prefer a more natural and reversible option, Lumineers or removable veneers might be suitable.
  • Oral health: Your dentist will evaluate your tooth’s condition to determine which veneer suits you.

Are you looking for Dental veneers in Claremont, NH?

Are you considering dental veneers for a healthier, straighter, balanced, and brighter smile? Or would you like to compare different types of dental veneers with our dentist? Contact Concord Woods Dental Group to book your dentist consultation today.

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