Dental veneers are popular cosmetic dentistry treatments used by both adults and young adults. Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored materials (sometimes porcelain, sometimes resin) that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They can be used to correct a number of cosmetic imperfections depending on what type you choose.
Veneers are a great option for people who really want to improve how their smile looks without a lot of extra dental work or for those who just want to brighten and whiten their teeth. Although your dentist will likely provide you with some viable options for improving your oral health, keep in mind that not all treatments are suitable for everyone. It’s important to know about the different types of cosmetic work that are available so you can learn how they affect your natural teeth before deciding on an option that is best suited to meet your specific needs.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a type of dental restoration that is used to change the appearance of your teeth. They are generally made from resin or porcelain composite materials that are molded and placed on the front surface of your teeth. The veneer can be matched with your existing tooth color, so it blends in seamlessly when you smile.
When Should I Have Dental Veneers?
You may want to consider having veneers if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, misaligned, or crooked
- You are not happy with the color of your teeth
- You want to increase the number of available tooth surfaces for dental crowns and bridges
- You need a replacement for the missing tooth structure
- Your gums are receding, and you’re concerned about your smile’s appearance
Veneers can provide you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile. They will enhance the appearance of any mouth and contribute to a positive self-image. Veneers are also designed to improve chewing ability, eliminate tooth sensitivity and provide back support for dental implants.
Types of Dental Veneers
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking type of dental restoration on the market today. They are used to improve a number of cosmetic concerns, including improving the appearance of crooked teeth, correcting minor cosmetic deformities like gaps and chips, and restoring discolored or stained teeth.
You can use veneers to replace one tooth or many teeth. In some cases, only a portion of your existing tooth needs to be replaced with porcelain veneer material, while other times, an entire tooth is covered entirely by a non-removable veneer. This type of procedure is becoming increasingly popular because it’s possible to get more tooth-colored material with these than with porcelain veneers.
Some people are candidates for porcelain veneers. Porcelain is a great option if you have healthy gums and no history of gum disease. It’s also possible to receive restorative porcelain veneers that can hide poorly fitting crowns and bridges caused by tooth decay or previous injuries.
2. Porcelain-Fused to Metal Veneers
These veneers are typically used for a more natural appearance but require more durability than porcelain veneers alone. These can be made from gold alloys and ceramics that will give your teeth a greater degree of strength and longer lifespan. In addition, the process is accelerated with these types of veneers since they use layers of materials instead of just one material like the other two options.
3. Resin Veneers
These are the most durable type of veneer. They can handle high-stress situations like grinding and clenching. They do not require as much preparation time as porcelain veneers, but they are very similar to the appearance of natural teeth.
4. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a good choice if you have existing dental work or want to improve the look of your teeth without changing their color. Composite veneers are often used after cosmetic bonding treatments because they can get more tooth-colored material with these than with porcelain veneers. In addition, composite veneers don’t require any modifications to your natural teeth and can generally be completed in fewer office visits. Composite veneers are also less costly when compared with porcelain veneers.
5. Zirconia Veneers
If you have a tooth that is too damaged to effectively restore using porcelain or composite veneers, zirconia veneers are a great alternative. They’re made of a strong ceramic material that can replace teeth with extensive decay, cracks, and chips. In addition, zirconia will last longer than other types of porcelain veneers because they’re less susceptible to damage from acidic foods and drinks. They also look extremely natural, making them ideal for anyone who wants to correct the appearance of their smile without major changes required in the dental work already present.
6. Lumineers Veneers
If you’re interested in veneers to get a better smile, Lumineers are a great choice. These are made with a new type of composite resin that is stronger than traditional porcelain and allows for thinner layers to be used for a natural-looking veneer. This makes them an ideal solution if you have one or more teeth that require some minor fix-ups before they look their best. They’re also the preferred choice if you have gingival recession, as it’s possible to retain as much gum tissue around your tooth while receiving this treatment.
There is still no substitute for good oral hygiene when it comes to protecting healthy teeth and keeping them free of unwanted stains or discoloration. Professional teeth whitening can have an immediate impact on the appearance of your smile. However, with cosmetic dentistry today, you can love the way your smile looks.
7. Removable Veneers
If the extent of your dental problems makes you not a candidate for permanent porcelain veneers, it’s possible to have removable options. These can be made from a composite resin and are attached over your teeth with tiny metal posts that fit into the grooves on your bite. Removable veneers effectively improve minor cosmetic flaws like gaps or chips but aren’t long-lasting and should be removed before brushing or eating. However, if you’re interested in making small changes that can immediately impact how you look and feel about your smile, many types of dental veneer options are available.
8. Palatal Veneers
These are a great choice for people who want porcelain veneers but do not have enough tooth structure left to hold them effectively. In addition, palatal veneers are often used in conjunction with other dental work and use the surrounding teeth as anchors, making them viable options even if you have missing teeth or an inability to make room for conventional porcelain veneers through bonding.
9. Cantilever Veneers
A cantilever is a type of dental bridge that is used in cases where there isn’t enough tooth remaining on either side of an area that needs restoration. This type of arrangement makes it possible to move both teeth closer together after receiving your new veneer, which often results in a much more natural appearance than was possible before veneers were used.
Dental Veneers Surgery
When you decide that dental veneers would be appropriate for you, your dentist will first have to prepare your existing tooth structure to be suitable for receiving a cosmetic dentistry restoration. Next, your dentist will need to remove some enamel from the front surface of your teeth to accommodate their thickness and ensure that they bond properly with your natural tooth enamel beneath. Once this has been completed and any remaining decay has been properly treated, the dentist will bond your new veneers in place using special dental cement.
Dental veneers are an excellent way to get a better smile without requiring major reconstructive dental work. They can be used on both front and back teeth and come in a wide variety of colors, allowing dental veneers to match the natural color of your teeth. To get started with a consultation, contact your local dentist.
