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 a Tucson dentist about.
What Are Dental Veneers?
A veneer is a custom-shaped shell, usually made from porcelain or composite resin, that a dentist bonds to the front of a tooth. Veneers are designed to correct:
- Discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening
- Chips, cracks, or worn edges
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are slightly misshapen or uneven in size
Because the shell only covers the front-facing surface, veneers change the appearance of a tooth without the extensive reshaping that crowns require.
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? A trusted dental clinic Tucson patients can rely on can help the patient compare these options and determine the right choice.
Questions to consider before choosing veneers
The right veneer can depend on more than appearance and price. The condition of the teeth, the patient’s bite, and the amount of correction needed can also affect which option is appropriate.
What if the teeth are heavily stained?
Deep discoloration may be harder to hide with very thin veneers. A dentist can assess the underlying tooth color and recommend an option that provides the coverage needed for the desired result.
What if the patient grinds or clenches their teeth?
Grinding and clenching can put additional pressure on veneers. Patients who have these habits should tell their dentist before treatment so the dentist can evaluate their bite and discuss ways to protect the veneers.
Can veneers work with thin or damaged enamel?
The amount and condition of healthy enamel can affect whether veneers are appropriate. If a tooth has significant damage or insufficient structure, the dentist may recommend treating the underlying problem or considering another restoration.
Is one veneer different from a full smile makeover?
Yes. A single veneer needs to match the neighboring teeth closely in color, shape, and appearance. Multiple veneers give the dentist more control over the overall smile but also involve a larger treatment commitment.
What happens if a veneer chips or comes off?
The next step depends on the material and the condition of the tooth. Composite veneers can often be repaired more easily, while a damaged porcelain veneer may need to be replaced. A dentist should examine a loose or damaged veneer rather than trying to permanently fix it at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of veneer lasts the longest?
Porcelain veneers are generally considered a durable option, but how long any veneer lasts depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, habits, and proper placement and care.
Are no-prep veneers completely reversible?
Not necessarily. Although no-prep or minimal-prep veneers may require little or no enamel removal, whether treatment is reversible depends on the individual case and the way the veneers are placed.
Are removable veneers a permanent solution?
No. Removable veneers are designed to be taken on and off and are generally better suited to temporary or cosmetic use rather than a permanent restoration.
How should a patient choose between porcelain and composite?
The decision can depend on appearance, budget, durability, repairability, treatment time, and the condition of the teeth. A dentist can compare the options based on the patient’s specific needs.
Conclusion
If you think dental veneers are the right choice for you, talk to a dentist about your options.
Request an appointment here: Simply Smiles Dentistry or call at (520) 979-3880 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
