Dental veneers can be an excellent option to restore your smile when faced with a smile suffering from discoloration, chips, and cracks. But did you know that there are multiple types of veneers? While porcelain veneers are considered the most common and popular type, patients who don’t qualify for porcelain can choose from various options to improve their smile’s appearance.
The Types of Dental Veneers Explained: What Options Do You Have?
Dental veneers are a type of restoration covering the teeth’ front portion, providing the teeth with a new material that protects your natural enamel from further damage. Dental veneers work by being permanently bonded to the enamel surface. Because of the tight bond, veneers cover and seal the enamel from bacteria to prevent problems such as tooth discoloration and eventual tooth decay. Veneers can be made from various materials and applied in many different ways. Here’s a complete list of the types of veneers:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are a highly popular treatment option, as porcelain is resistant to stains, can be shaded to the exact color of your teeth, and last decades. Porcelain veneers are considered comfortable to wear as they don’t damage the gums, making them an excellent option for tooth discoloration patients. However, porcelain veneers are expensive and require portions of your enamel to be removed before placement. If porcelain veneers are damaged, they can be difficult to repair due to their permanency.
- Composite veneers: While composite veneers are similar to porcelain, composite veneers are cheaper and just as durable as porcelain. Composite veneers are also considered less expensive, providing more quality and value for lower-income patients. However, composite veneers are considered less resistant to stains.
- Palatal veneers: Palatal veneers, also known as lingual veneers or palatal onlays, are custom-made veneers used to restore the anterior or back portions of the teeth. These veneers are long-lasting and durable, strengthening the mouth’s bite and gums. Still, these veneers are more often used to repair areas of damage rather than provide aesthetic value, as the success of the treatment depends on the damage done to your teeth.
- Lumineers: As a rising trend in veneer treatments, lumineers are considered an alternative to porcelain veneers because of their thinner design. Their thinner design makes them cheaper than porcelain veneers and is considered reversible because they do not require almost any enamel removal before placement. However, because lumineers are not as thick as other veneers, any signs of dark spots and discoloration can be visible beneath them.
- Temporary veneers: Although most veneers are permanent, some dentists can provide temporary veneers. These veneers work by snapping onto your teeth and act like a complete restoration. Temporary veneers are inexpensive, non-permanent, and provide more relief to patients seeking short-term treatments. However, these veneers are less popular because they only temporarily fix damaged teeth.
Speak with Your Dentist About Dental Veneers Today!
At South Hill Comprehensive Dentistry, our team can provide dental veneers to help reshape your smile and remove signs of discoloration to give you peace of mind. For more information about our veneer options and other restoration services, schedule an appointment today to learn more!
