Dental veneers are designed to deliver a smile transformation by concealing niggling imperfections on your teeth that damage your smiling confidence every day. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and this is one of the primary reasons why patients choose veneers. It’s also an excellent choice if you have discolouration, gaps, or chips.
However, like many treatments, understanding the types of dental veneers to choose from is naturally a difficult decision. Although to make the right decision, it’s important that you visit the dentist for a pre-examination so the dentist can help determine whether your oral health is suitable for veneer treatment.
So, what are the types of dental veneers out there?
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, often known as crowns, are tooth-shaped wafer-thin shells used to cover your teeth’ front surfaces. Porcelain veneers are popular because they are minimally intrusive, meaning the harm they can cause is low, and as an added benefit, those chips and cracks would no longer be visible when you smile.
The dentist needs to take an impression of your mouth so they can understand how the veneers need to be moulded to fit the shape and size of your smile. The veneers are then attached to the front surface, replacing a thin amount of enamel so the veneer can be successfully bonded.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers, also known as composite bonding, are made of a coloured resin material that is put directly into your teeth without removing the enamel. They’re designed to hide flaws like chips, cracks, and discolouration, just like porcelain.
They’re significantly less expensive and may usually be completed in just one appointment, with the resin material being applied to the cut enamel. The composite material is more prone to damage, although it can be repaired. The damaged porcelain veneer would need to be replaced.
Palatal Veneers (Onlays)
Palatal Veneers, on Onlays, are used to replace teeth at the back of the mouth, known as posterior teeth, and teeth at the front, known as anterior teeth. Teeth grinding and enamel erosion are two conditions that cause tooth damage. Palatal veneers are an excellent option for restoring any damaged parts of your teeth.
Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin and translucent, which means they mirror the colour of your tooth enamel and can be seen in the light. Lumineers differ from Porcelain in that they are ultra-thin, requiring no tooth contouring or enamel removal.
Lumineers, on the other hand, are more delicate and prone to chipping than Porcelain. Lumineers have a 15-year lifespan if properly cared for.
Snap-On Veneers (Non-Permanent)
Removable veneers, commonly known as Snap-On veneers, are a non-permanent alternative to dental veneers constructed of dental-grade polymer. They’re seen as a viable option for people looking for a quick fix for their smile.
Snap-On veneers, like porcelain veneers, are designed to conceal flaws in your smile, such as crooked teeth, chipping, and stains. Removable veneers have the advantage of requiring no enamel removal.
They are less durable than porcelain veneers and require more frequent visits to the dentist for a replacement.
How Do I Choose The Dental Veneers That Are Right For Me?
Several factors need to be kept in mind when you’re choosing veneers to suit your smiling needs. There are three factors to keep in mind:
- Shape
- Material
- Budget
First, you decide on a range budget that you’re willing to pay. This should be determined by how much treatment you feel you need. The dentist can help you determine this in the form of a pre-examination. The dentist can walk through materials and sizes to give you the best results. Although, it is equally important that you notify the dentist of any underlying issues you may have so that they can be addressed.
Each type of dental veneer has its benefits and drawbacks, but this will be different to everyone depending on what treatment you need.
Therefore, get a pre-examination done and speak to your dentist if you’re ready for a smile transformation and want to know about the types of dental veneers to suit your dental needs.
