Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution meant to improve the appearance of your smile. If you have discoloured, cracked, chipped, worn teeth, gaps and misalignment, then dental veneers can help. There are several types of veneers and each treatment is custom designed by a dentist according to your needs.
Your dentist will always discuss the treatment you’ll need before carrying out the procedure. However, being informed prior to the visit is a good idea to keep informed.
Here’s a quick view summary of the different types of dental veneers and the goal they serve.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of high-quality ceramics. They’re translucent and catch light exactly like your tooth enamel would. Resistant to staining, porcelain veneers are ideal for severe discolouration, chips and cracks in your teeth. This type of veneers is very durable and can last for more than 20 years with proper dental care. The treatment involves multiple sessions with your dentist. Usually, the dentist begins by taking the impression of your teeth to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly to your existing teeth structure. The veneers are then custom-made in the dental laboratory. During following sessions, the dentist prepares your teeth through buffing, grinding or other practices before attaching the permanent veneers. Some applications require the use of anesthesia to reduce pain during the treatment.
Zirconia based porcelain veneers are a type of porcelain veneers that are used to treat more severely damaged or decayed teeth. Zirconia is extremely durable and veneers made from it are stronger than traditional porcelain veneers. They’re also resistant to fracture.
Know that porcelain veneers are expensive treatments. If they get chipped or damaged over time, then replacing or repairing them is an extensive and costly job. investment.
Lumineers
Made of Cerinate ceramic, these veneers are ultra-thin yet durable. The application doesn’t involve any prior preparation such as grinding, buffing or peeling off tooth enamel like the porcelain veneer processes. They’re placed over your teeth directly. The treatment needs only a couple of sessions. It costs around the same as the traditional porcelain veneers. However, a common drawback is inappropriate translucency and detachment shortly after application.
Composite Veneers
These are the most common type of veneers used to treat small issues like mildly cracked or chipped teeth, fill small gaps between teeth and fix slightly crooked teeth. Made of tooth coloured composite materials, they are also the most affordable. The whole process is generally completed in a single session by the dentist, including application and sculpting. No prior preparation is required. However, they are prone to staining and discolouration. They can last no more than 10 years.
Removable Veneers
Also known as snap on veneers, they’re made from hard dental resin. Built thin and strong, you can wear them whenever you like. You can eat and drink normally while putting them on. Once you’re done, you can remove and clean them.
The dentist takes an impression of your existing teeth to create a perfect fit for your removable veneers. You’ll have the liberty to choose the colour and look after which your dentist will custom build them for you. Removable veneers are an inexpensive alternative for those who can’t afford expensive cosmetic veneers. The only catch is that they aren’t as durable as other veneers.