Dental veneers are excellent for repairing cracked, chipped, crooked, or stained teeth and reinforcing damaged ones. However, many dental patients don’t know that there are a few different types of veneers. The different types of veneers come with their own unique pros and cons, so understanding the difference means you can choose the best one for your needs.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a type of dental restorations consisting of a thin piece of material fixed to a tooth, creating a new surface with an improved appearance and shape. Because they act as covers for teeth, they can also help worn or damaged teeth last much longer.
Different Types of Veneers
Patients can choose between five types of veneers: porcelain veneers, composite veneers, Lumineers, removable/snap-on veneers, and palatal veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, also referred to as ceramic veneers, are the most durable veneer option with the longest lifespan. Because of porcelain’s qualities, these veneers are stain-resistant and resemble natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are permanent because the tooth can’t be returned to its previous state after the procedure.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made of a special type of resin that a dentist can quickly apply to a patient’s teeth in one appointment. After preparing the tooth, the dentist applies and shapes the composite resin for a custom fit that matches the patient’s needs before curing the resin using UV light.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a specific brand of dental veneers. They consist of ultra-thin porcelain laminate that looks and feels identical to natural teeth. Because these veneers are much thinner, dentists don’t need to remove as much of the natural tooth’s surface for them to fit well. Lumineers are, therefore, reversible, while porcelain veneers are not.
Removable or Snap-On Veneers
Removable veneers are a temporary option mainly used while a patient waits for their permanent veneers or they want to see if veneers are right for them. There are two types of removable/snap-on veneers: custom snap-ons and instant veneers.
Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers, also called onlays, differ from the other types on this list as they restore the surface behind your front teeth. These veneers can be made from various materials, including porcelain, composite resin, and metals like gold.
Pros and Cons of Each Veneer Type
As well as there being pros and cons to getting dental veneers, there are pros and cons between the different types too.
- Porcelain veneers look and feel the most like teeth and are the most durable option, with an expected lifespan of 8-15 years. They also are not prone to stains. The cons are that they are more expensive, permanent, and involve a more invasive procedure.
- Composite veneers are cheaper and can be inserted quickly with minimal damage to teeth and surrounding gums. While they also resemble natural teeth, they can stain with time, are more prone to cracking, and have a shorter lifespan of 5-7 years when cared for properly.
- Lumineers don’t require as much removal of the tooth’s surface, making them reversible. They are also slightly cheaper than porcelain veneers but are not as strong, Nor do they have as long a lifespan or the same natural look as porcelain.
- Removable veneers are significantly cheaper than other types and great for trialling veneers before committing to a more permanent option or if you only want to wear them on special occasions. You can’t wear removable dentures daily, though.
- Palatal veneers are a great long-term option for repairing dental problems that make talking and eating uncomfortable. They also look and feel like natural teeth, do a better job of protecting your teeth than standard fillings, and are stain-resistant. They are, however, more expensive and require more time than fillings.
Tips to Choose the Best Types of Veneers
Consider the following three tips when choosing the best type of veneer for your needs.
Think about Shape and Colour
Are your new veneers going to cover all of your teeth or just a couple? If you only plan to get a couple of veneers, they should match the colour and shape of your existing teeth.
Material
Do you need a more permanent, stain-proof material like porcelain? Or are composite or Lumineer options more appropriate as they are less invasive?
Budget
Because different veneer options come with varying prices, consider which ones are within your price range while still meeting your needs.
Ready for the Next Step Towards a Healthier, Complete Smile?
Dental veneers help cover damaged or stained teeth, providing additional protection and an improved appearance. They can also help close gaps between teeth when braces are not an option. When choosing between the five types of veneer, remember to balance the pros and cons of each to find the one that matches your personal needs and budget.
Ready to make an appointment or want more information? Contact the Boon Dental team today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest dental tips and information.
