Something about your smile isn’t quite right. It’s the first thing you notice when you look in the mirror. It’s the reason you make ridiculous faces in photographs.
Isn’t it time to finally like what you see when you smile?
If you’re ready for a smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist can help. One of the most popular procedures that a cosmetic dentist performs is the application of different types of veneers. Veneers are a semi-permanent solution that will fix any flaws that have kept you from smiling in the past!
If you’re ready for a consultation, you will want to come prepared. There are many different types of dental veneers, and it’s important to know your options. Read on to learn about the kinds of veneers that are popular today, and you’ll be on your way to perfectly straight teeth!
What Are Veneers?
You may have heard the word “veneer” used to describe the outside of a building or a wall. In architecture, it is a thin, decorative surface used to hide old surfaces to make them look decorative or ornate. Dental veneers have a similar function for your teeth.
A dental veneer uses your existing teeth as a base. You will maintain your existing teeth, bone structure, and root system. The dentist will place the veneer on top of your teeth with a semi-permanent dental bonding material.
Regardless of material, the best veneers look natural. The dentist will choose veneers that match the color and shape of your existing teeth. You might choose to cover one or two teeth with veneers or completely transform your smile with a full set.
Veneers are not the same as crowns. Crowns cover and protect the entire tooth in the case of damage or decay. In contrast, a veneer is purely aesthetic and will cover one surface of your tooth.
If your roots and bone structure are healthy, choosing veneers can save you the pain and expense of tooth implants. Veneers are less invasive and do not require surgery, anesthesia, or recovery time. They can straight your smile, address discoloration, or simply improve flaws.
Types of Veneers
Veneers are typically classified based on material. With that in mind, most cosmetic dentists will be able to offer you two general veneer options when it comes to materials. The options are porcelain veneers or composite veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most durable kind of dental veneer available. They can last for as long as a full decade!
The porcelain surface has the same qualities as a natural tooth, so it is very difficult for anyone to tell that you have veneers. Because of their look and durability, they tend to be more expensive than composite veneers.
Dentists cannot fabricate porcelain veneers in the office. They will work with a lab or fabricator to create a bespoke set of veneers for you. As a result, porcelain veneers can be further classified by their method of fabrication.
Stacked Porcelain Veneers
A technician will make your stacked veneers by hand in a specialized dental laboratory. They will sculpt each veneer using a mold of your mouth, then bake them using a laboratory oven. Because they are completely customized, it can take some time before they are ready, but it is usually worth the wait!
Pressed Porcelain Veneers
Pressed veneers are incredibly durable. This is because they are thicker than the stacked porcelain or composite alternatives. This means that, during the application, the dentist will remove a greater amount of your natural enamel to apply the veneers.
Pressed veneers are a great option for you if you have some decay or damage. They function a lot like your natural teeth would. As a result, they tend to be the most expensive but longest-lasting option.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are veneers that your cosmetic dentist fabricates in the office where you will have the procedure. The dentist makes them out of a special dental resin used in many common dental procedures. If you have ever had a white or tooth-colored filling, you have seen this material before.
Because these veneers aren’t sent off for fabrication, they are the most economical option. In fact, your dentist can often apply composite veneers during a single office visit. This also makes them remarkably simple and inexpensive to replace if necessary.
During the application of any kind of veneers, the dentist removes some of your natural enamel. The application of composite veneers does not require the removal of a lot of enamel.
Composite veneers do have a different look than porcelain veneers. They lack the reflective translucence of the other material. Someone can recognize your veneers if they were to look closely.
Composite veneers will not last quite as long as either stacked or pressed porcelain veneers. Because of the ease of replacement, this may or may not be a concern for you. The price point and lack of time commitment might make composite veneers the right option for you!
The Smile Solution for You
If you’re ready to smile again, it’s time to reach out to your local cosmetic dentist for a consultation. There are many types of veneers, and each one can transform your smile and help you build your confidence. You are going to love what you see in the mirror after you choose to put your smile first!
Did this article make you smile? There are more where that came from! Check out the rest of the blog for more smile-worthy posts that can help you make informed decisions about your health.
