
Top 7 Types of Veneers (Spoiler Alert: They’re Not All Created Equal)
When most people think of veneers, they think of Hollywood celebrities with perfect teeth. And while veneers are a great way to achieve a perfect Hollywood Smile, there are a few things you should know before you decide to get them. When it comes to veneers, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. There are different types of veneers, and not all of them are created equal. So, how do you know which kind of veneer is right for you? Here's a rundown of the most popular variations of veneers.
What Are Veneers and What Teeth Problems Can They Fix?
Before we get into the different options for veneers, let's first take a step back and answer the question: what are veneers? Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth.
They are a very popular option for improving a smile because of their natural appearance, durability, and strength.
The translucent characteristics and uniformity make veneers a great option to mimic the look of natural tooth enamel. In fact, each veneer will be explicitly designed to match the look, texture, size, shape, and color of your existing teeth.
Dental veneers are most commonly used to fix the following dental problems:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- White spots, brown spots, discolored and yellow teeth that can't be fixed with whitening treatments
- Tetracycline teeth stains
- Gaps and crevices between teeth
- Small or misshapen teeth
- A gummy smile
Due to the wide variety of issues that a veneer procedure can effectively treat, there are many options for patients to choose from.
Here's A Quick Rundown Of The 7 Most Popular Types Of Veneers and the Pros and Cons of Each:
1. Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of thin, translucent slices of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They're often used to correct stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth.
Porcelain Veneers Pros:
Porcelain veneers are among the most popular choices and are a permanent solution designed to last up to 15 years or longer with proper care. They are made out of a natural material known as feldspathic porcelain that looks very similar to natural tooth enamel. Many patients find that porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining and damage as well. They also look more like your natural teeth than other kinds of veneers do.
Porcelain Veneers Cons:
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than other variations of veneers, but they're also the most durable. They require a small amount of enamel to be removed from your natural teeth, which is irreversible.
2. Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are made of a plastic material that is bonded to your teeth. They're often used to correct chipped, stained, or gapped teeth.
Composite Veneers Pros:
Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers and can be done in one office visit. They're also reversible, which means that if you don't like the way they look, your dentist can simply remove them and your natural teeth will be unharmed.
Composite Veneers Cons:
Composite veneers are not as durable as porcelain veneers and usually only last for around 3-5 years. They're also more are more susceptible to damage, cracks, and stains, and they discolor over time.
3. Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers are custom-designed to fit over your natural tooth, which means they require less preparation and enamel removal than other options. Using ceramic materials like zirconia means they are extremely durable and are a great option for repairing decay, fractures, cracks, and chips. They can also be a great option for discoloration and stains, especially when teeth whitening doesn't work.
Ceramic Veneers Pros:
Ceramic veneers are strong and durable, making them a good choice for people who have an active lifestyle. They're also less likely to stain than other kinds of veneers.
Ceramic Veneers Cons:
Ceramic veneers require more preparation than composite veneers and are more expensive. Zirconia does not offer the translucent features of other dental veneer types, so they can look more fake.
4. Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of ceramic veneer that is very thin and doesn't require any preparation or enamel removal. Because of the innovative materials, lumineer veneers offer instant placement without prior dental work. They're bonded to your natural teeth with a special adhesive and can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems.
Lumineers Pros:
Lumineers are much thinner than other categories of veneers, so they require less preparation. They're also reversible, which means that if you don't like the way they look, your dentist can simply remove them and your natural teeth will be unharmed. Lumineers can also be affixed the same day after a consultation with your dentist.
Lumineers Cons:
Lumineers are less durable than other kinds of veneers and usually only last for around 3-5 years. They're also more vulnerable to chipping and fractures. Another downside is that lumineers are very thin and may not completely hide teeth stains or discoloration.
5. Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are different from other options because they are used to treat the back portion of the tooth instead of the front part. For this reason, they are often used for damage caused by teeth grinding, a misaligned bite, or tooth erosion. This is an option your dentist will recommend for certain issues that affect the rear of your teeth.
Palatal Veneers Pros
Palatal veneers are a good option for people who have damage to the back of their teeth. These veneers can be made of many different materials like porcelain, composite, and gold. They can also be used to treat a misaligned bite or tooth erosion.
Palatal Veneers Cons:
Palatal veneers are not as common as other variations of veneers and can be more expensive. They're also not as effective for hiding stains or discoloration.
6. Snap-On, Pop-On, and Clip-On Veneers
Snap-On or Pop-On veneers are removable veneers similar to a retainer but look like your natural teeth. Snap-On veneers are also very affordable and non-invasive with nearly instant results. In fact, it usually won't even involve any needles or dental anesthesia.
Snap-On, Pop-On, and Clip-On Veneers Pros
Snap-On veneers are often referred to as cheap veneers because they are more affordable than other types, and the procedure is non-invasive. They're also removable veneers, so you can take them out whenever you want.
Snap-On, Pop-On, and Clip-On Veneers Cons:
Because Pop-On/Clip-On veneers are not permanently attached to your teeth, they may come off while you're eating or talking. They're also not as durable as other kinds of veneers and will need to be replaced more often. When it comes to looking like your natural teeth, Snap-On veneers may not be the best option because they can be large, very noticeable, and not look as natural as other veneer options.
7. Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers, often called trial veneers, are used to show you an idea of what your new smile may look like. While you can also get a free smile simulation to see what veneers will look like, temporary veneers can be adjusted to suit your goals for future permanent veneer procedures.
Temporary Veneers Pros:
Temporary veneers are a great option if you're not ready to commit to permanent veneers or if you want to try out the look before making a decision.
Temporary Veneers Cons:
Temporary veneers are just that, temporary. So, while they're a great way to try out the look of veneers, they're not a permanent solution.
Permanent veneers are considered a better investment than temporary veneers because they are made to last and can give you the smile you've always wanted. With proper care, permanent veneers can last for up to 20 years.
When it comes to getting veneers, there are a lot of options available. The type of veneer you choose will be based on your individual needs and goals. It's important to consult with your cosmetic dentist to find the best option for you.
What Type Of Veneers Does "The Queen of Smiles", Dr. Catrise Austin Use?
Dr. Catrise Austin uses porcelain veneers in New York and in her Flint, Mi offices because they are not only a permanent cosmetic and restorative dentistry solution, but have visual qualities that look nearly identical to natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can hide stains, chips, gaps, discoloration, and more!
One of the most important aspects is that they retain the function of natural teeth. This means they don't only look natural, but also feel natural. Dr. Catrise Austin always ensures a collaborative process for a whiter smile, comfortable bite, and durable long-lasting cosmetic dentistry procedure.
In fact, celebrities often choose porcelain veneers because the shape and color look natural and they are fitted to perfectly fit a person's facial structure, existing teeth, mouth shape, and other aspects of appearance.
To improve your smile, boost your confidence, and enhance your appearance, schedule a porcelain veneer consultation with Dr. Austin today!
FAQs About Veneer Types:
Which Veneer Looks Most Natural?
Porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking option on the market because they offer translucent properties that simulate the appearance and texture of natural teeth.
What Veneers Last The Longest?
While any permanent veneers should last years with proper care, porcelain veneers are known as the option with the longest lifespan. In most cases, they can last 10-15 years or longer.
Do Veneers Hurt?
No, veneer procedures will not hurt and should not cause more than mild discomfort. The preparation and process for veneers are not very invasive but may require numbing. After that, you should not feel anything during the remainder of this cosmetic dentistry procedure.
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