Understand the Different Types of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an excellent way for people to create smiles they are proud of. Whether temporary or permanent, veneers whiten teeth, hide chips or cracks, and often help to provide more confidence for the dental patients who wear them. A hard part for most patients is deciding which veneers to ask the dentist for.

The different types of veneers

There are five different types of veneers for most patients to choose from.

1. Composite veneers

Sometimes referred to as bonded veneers, composite veneers are an affordable, same-day option for many people. They can last 5-10 years and use a composite material to cover the natural teeth. It is important to note that composite veneers are easier to chip or stain than those made of other materials.

2. Lumineers

Despite being only about as thick as a contact lens, many dental professionals consider Lumineers to be a particularly strong type of dental veneers. They can be placed without any need to grind down the natural teeth, meaning they are usually more comfortable than other types of veneers. When Lumineers are attached correctly, they can last as long as 20 years. However, there are some complaints associated with them, including detachment shortly after placement, feeling as if the veneer is too thin, or the translucent veneer showing a dark tooth underneath.

3. Non-permanent veneers

Sometimes, patients will receive non-permanent veneers. Typically, this is done before the placement of permanent porcelain, although some people do prefer veneers that are easy to remove when necessary. These types are made of flexible plastic or resin material.

4. Palatal veneers

Not all veneers are created to be seen. Palatal veneers are made to attach to the inside of the upper teeth. They are made specifically to treat wear and tear on the tooth and prevent further damage. Although palatal veneers are typically made out of gold, they can also be made out of composite materials or porcelain.

5. Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are the traditional and most common type of veneers. Originally created to improve actors' smiles in the 1930s, these days, the thin ceramic shells are widely available and may last 20 years or more when applied correctly. When created, the dentist makes an impression of the teeth to ensure they fit perfectly and may apply temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready. As with most things, there are downsides to porcelain veneers. They sometimes cause discomfort when being placed and are more difficult to repair if they break. Additionally, placing them requires irreversible reshaping of the permanent teeth.

How does a patient choose the right veneers?

When it comes to choosing the right veneers, it is important to consider the patient's overall needs. Does the patient want something permanent or something that can be easily removed? Is he or she interested in something affordable or willing to pay a little more for what he or she wants? Is the patient willing to replace veneers every few years, or is something that lasts a decade or more preferable? The patient should speak with a dentist to determine the right choice.

Conclusion

If you think dental veneers are the right choice for you, talk to a dentist about your options.

Request an appointment here: https://www.simplysmilesdentist.com or call Simply Smiles Dentistry at (520) 368-3351 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

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