What are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?
Dentists use different types of veneers to fix esthetically flawed and damaged teeth. Depending on their material there are two main types of veneers depending on their material: composite, porcelain, and ceramic veneers.
- Composite Veneers
These veneers are made of tooth-colored resins that can bond directly with the tooth structure. Composite veneers typically require a lesser tooth structure to be removed than porcelain veneers. That is why they need lesser time for preparation. Sometimes, they can also be prepared at the dental chairside, and the teeth can be restored in a single sitting.
What are the Steps for Getting Composite Veneers?
First, your dentist will remove the damaged tooth structure from the affected teeth. This step is known as tooth preparation. Afterward, they will wash the tooth and dry it thoroughly. Next, your dentist will apply the composite resins over the tooth. Each increment is shaped appropriately and then hardened using a special light. Next, your dentist will select a shade of composite resins that match precisely with your natural teeth. Once the veneers have been prepared, they will be polished to maximize their esthetics and reduce their chances of getting stained.
Pros and Cons of Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are not as strong and durable as porcelain veneers. On the other hand, composite veneers also possess some benefits over porcelain veneers. For example, they can be repaired in some cases. In addition, composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers.
- Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell made of dental porcelain that is custom-made to fit on a tooth. Porcelain veneers are prepared using milling technology in the laboratory. Hence, they are the strongest and more stain-resistant among all veneer types.
What are the Steps for Getting Porcelain Veneers?
The procedure for getting porcelain veneers is different than that of composite veneers. First, your dentist will remove a small amount of the outer enamel. This is done to create space for bonding the veneers. Afterward, they will make an impression on your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory, along with information regarding the desired shade and color of the restoration.
The dental laboratory may take a few days to prepare your veneers. In the meantime, your dentist will give you temporary veneers, so your smile is not affected. Once the prepared veneers are received from the laboratory, your dentist will remove your temporary veneers and attach the permanent veneers to your prepared teeth without bonding them. This is done to check their fit and aesthetics. If everything goes well, your dentist will use adhesive to bond veneers to your teeth. Minor modifications, if required, can be done at the dental chairside.
- Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers are made from thin shells made of dental ceramic materials such as zirconia that are bio-intert and resistant to bacterial infection. These veneers require less natural tooth removal and offer a better custom fit for individual patients than porcelain veneers. Unlike porcelain veneers that are prepared using milling technology, ceramic veneers are prepared using conventional lab-based procedures.
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Veneers
The pros of ceramic veneers include their excellent safety and antibacterial properties. On the other hand, ceramic veneers are more porous than porcelain veneers. As a result, they are less stain-resistant and do not last as long as porcelain veneers.
What are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are more durable and less stain-resistant than composite veneers. On the other hand, they also possess a few drawbacks. For example, they are more expensive than composite veneers. Furthermore, they require the removal of greater amounts of healthy tooth structure for their attachments.
Dental veneers are an excellent option when it comes to restoring damaged teeth. So if you have crooked or stained teeth affecting your self-confidence, visit your dentist today to get a complete smile makeover with veneers.
