Dental veneers are a perfect solution to change the color, shape, and appearance of stained, broken, crooked, or misaligned teeth. The custom, tooth-colored shells cover problematic teeth, resulting in a flawless dental appearance. In cosmetic dentistry, veneers are known as smile makeovers because they create an aesthetically pleasing smile.
For the most part, veneers are a permanent dental solution for reconstructing front teeth. They are not a restorative procedure. Back teeth get inlays or overlays. Additionally, veneers do not replace missing teeth. Therefore, the dentist must address dental diseases and conditions before designing and installing veneers.
Veneers come in different types, each having pros and cons.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are the most common type of this dental appliance. They have been in use since the 1930s. Their compatibility with the oral tissue means low mechanical injury and rejection. Porcelain is also natural-looking complementing the rest of a person’s teeth. They can last from 8 to 15 years with proper oral care.
Advantages
- There is no sturdy and durable type of veneer like porcelain veneers.
- They are also stain resistant
- Have a smooth teethlike texture
- Do not injure gum tissue
- They do not easily break
Disadvantages
- They are expensive
- The dentist has to chisel a bit of the enamel to install the veneers.
- Require special toothpaste for cleaning
- They are unrepairable when they break. Fixing requires complete replacement.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a by-product of composite resin, which contains a blend of organic and inorganic substances. The organic components of the mixture are the resin, initiator, and coupling agent, while the inorganic part is the filler.
Advantages
- Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain dental veneers.
- They are repairable in case of breakage or fractures
- They last from 5 to 7 years with proper oral care
- The installation procedure requires a single dental visit
- They do not injure the gum tissue
Disadvantages
- Prone to staining with time
- Require smooth shaving before installation
- They are not as strong, durable, and natural-looking as porcelain veneers.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a brand of veneers made from porcelain. They are sturdy, long-lasting, and require little preparation before placement. The dental veneers have an ultra-thin porcelain laminate layer that requires minor enamel shaping before installation. Additionally, Lumineers are not permanent veneers.
Advantages
- Cheaper yet strong and durable like porcelain veneers
- Requires minimal dental preparation
- The procedure is reversible
Disadvantages
- They have a short life span than permanent veneers.
- Their thinness increases their vulnerability to fractures and damage.
- Stains can be visible due to the ultra-thinness of the dental apparatus.
- They have a high likelihood of detachment.
Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are customized using different materials like gold, silver, porcelain laminates, and resin. They restore the lingual surface of the front teeth.
Advantages
- Have a longer life span than dental crowns or fillings
- The only procedure before the veneer application is a dental restorative process that shelters the patient from other dental issues
- They are a perfect solution for patients with a few teeth to cover up.
Disadvantages
- Require extensive tooth preparation like reshaping
- They are costly
- Installation requires two dental visits
Temporary Dental Veneers
Patients can also opt for removable veneers that come right off after a long day. Dentists provide instant and clip-on veneers as quick fixes for short-term dental problems.
Advantages
- They are easy to design and install
Disadvantages
- Prone to accumulate a lot of plaque
- They are only a short-term solution.
FAQs
Are There Different Types of Veneers?
Veneers can be temporary, instant, or permanent. The material used on the tooth shells also determines their classification. For instance, porcelain veneers have porcelain as the tooth shell, while composite veneers use resin. Most types of veneers use porcelain in varied amounts like Lumineers or resin composite materials like palatal veneers.
What are Teeth Veneers?
Dental veneers are custom dental applications used as an intervention for broken, discolored, crooked, different-length front teeth. Most veneers are a permanent solution to dental problems and can serve a patient from 8 to 15 years with proper oral care. There are temporary veneers that provide a momentary solution, like instant veneers. They can help the patient maintain their aesthetically pleasing smile while waiting for their long-lasting veneer.
Are All Veneers the Same?
All dental veneers have the same function. They hide problematic teeth, improving the patient’s oral aesthetics. However, their sturdiness, life span, efficacy in mimicking natural teeth, and performing teeth functions varies. For instance, porcelain veneers are the strongest form of this dental application. They also have a lengthier lifespan. Composite veneers come next in line in terms of strength and durability.
Another veneer difference has to do with permanence. Instant and custom-made snap-on veneers are temporary removable applications. Patients can remove them at the end of the day, unlike permanent veneers.
Where are Veneers Placed?
Dentists place veneers on the upper front teeth. The lower teeth may need whitening to match the upper dental aesthetics. Technology makes it easy to create applications that are a replica of the patient’s teeth color. Some veneers require extensive shaping and teeth preparation before veneer application. However, a cosmetic dentist never places veneers to cover missing teeth.
Which Type of Veneer is the Best?
The type of veneers a patient wants depends on several factors. Affordability is vital. If the pockets allow or insurance covers the cost, the patient can choose porcelain veneers because they are the most expensive and provide a long usability period. If you want a quick dental solution for a short period, temporary veneers are the best option.
