For many different reasons, people often have less-than-perfect teeth. Many sustain tooth damage that requires replacement such as crowns, implants, or dentures. However, some people have healthy teeth that show some slight imperfections. These included chipped, cracked, uneven, or discolored teeth. For these cases, veneers offer a more practical solution.
Veneers are a thin film created to cover damaged natural teeth. They provide a less intrusive option compared to crowns or implants. They can also serve to close gaps or correct misalignments. Appearance-wise, veneers immediately improve your smile as they cover small imperfections. As veneers are a cosmetic solution, they solve issues concerning damaged front teeth. Their function is to cover up the visibly damaged areas meaning they do not replace missing teeth.
Using a minimally invasive process, dentists simply install a veneer by cementing it to the front of the tooth for covering. Each one is custom-made for each patient, conforming to the color and contour of the patient’s natural teeth.
Veneer Types
Veneers come in several types, including porcelain, composite, removable, and Lumineers. They vary in terms of material, how they are applied, and how long they last.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the oldest and most common type. Using porcelain as the primary material provides both practical and aesthetic benefits. For one, porcelain is a very biocompatible substance, which means they’re very safe to use inside the mouth. They’re also very durable and can withstand the usual wear and tear. At the same time, porcelain veneers look very similar to natural teeth. As a result, they can significantly improve your smile as they blend in perfectly.
In addition, porcelain veneers are very stain-resistant. Subjected to regular and proper dental care, they won’t build up plaque. As a result, porcelain models can last between eight to fifteen years.
Composite Resin Veneers
Unlike porcelain veneers that consist of custom shells fitted to the teeth, composite veneers use composite resin material applied directly to the teeth. Composite resin is a blend of materials including an initiator, a resin, a coupling agent, and a filler. Mixed together and applied to the teeth, the mixture fills out the missing part or covers the surface of the teeth. A bonding material that resembles the color of natural teeth completes the veneer.
Applying a composite veneer just requires a single visit to the dental office. The dentist will simply prepare a batch of composite resin that matches the tooth color. Then, the dentist applies the resin directly to the teeth and shapes them accordingly. After allowing the resin to bond and cure, the dentist then polishes the covering to make it more natural-looking.
One advantage composite versions have over porcelain ones lies in reversibility. Porcelain requires reshaping natural teeth in order to fit the veneer. This involves removing some of the enamel. Composites require minimal or no reshaping to fit the veneer. This means that in case of damage to the veneer, the dentist can simply remove composite material and replace it as needed.
However, the drawback of composite over porcelain is overall durability. Despite the relative strength and durability of the resin, composite veneers wear out easier than porcelain ones. With proper care, composite veneers can last from four to five years.
Removable Veneers
This type of veneer is a bit more perplexing to the layperson. Previous definitions of veneers insist that they are permanent and will stay adhered to the teeth unless damaged or worn out. In contrast, removable veneers are an alternate option for those who want a less permanent commitment. Also known as snap-ons, removable veneers are temporary coverings that patients can put on and remove at any time. They also offer the utmost convenience for patients who do not want repeated visits to the dentists or pay a substantial amount of money for a permanent veneer.
Removable veneers come in two varieties:
Prefabricated Sets
These are the mass-produced, generic versions that all carry the same size and dimensions. They do not conform exactly to the shape or condition of your teeth and cannot guarantee a perfect fit. On the plus side, they are relatively inexpensive and readily available for purchase.
Custom Sets
Custom removable veneers can only be pre-ordered. A dental professional or a dental impression kit will get the specifics of your teeth to provide a personalized fit. Once they receive the impression, the laboratory will create a custom set that conforms exactly to your teeth. Expectedly, custom sets are far more expensive and can take some time to manufacture.
Most dental professionals do not recommend removable veneers. At present, the verdict is still out on whether removable veneers are a safe or effective option when covering teeth imperfections. Visit your oral care professional before making any decisions to try out removable veneers.
Lumineers
Once set, Lumineers are smooth to the touch, and look and feel like natural teeth. In addition, they’re relatively cheaper than porcelain models and take less time to apply. Like composite models, however, Lumineers don’t last as much as thicker porcelain models. The thinness also prevents them from effectively hiding discoloration from severely stained teeth.
Let ToothFeed Family Dental Help You
Unsure of which veneer to consider? Let ToothFeed Family Dental help. With our top-notch dental professionals and support staff, we can guide you through the consideration process. We’ll help you determine which veneer type is best for your needs and your budget. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you get all the information you need to know to make the best decisions for your smile.
ToothFeed Family Dental is fully equipped to provide you with a safe, modern, and comfortable environment where you can have your veneers installed. Simply call us or visit our website to set an appointment. Our customer relations officers are standing by to take your preferred schedule and refer you to our dentists.
