What Are The Different Types of Veneers?
Are you dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of your teeth? Do you have minor misalignment, cracks, craze lines, intrinsic discoloration, gaps between your teeth, or problems with the size of your teeth? Do you want to permanently transform your smile and address all of these problems simultaneously? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for dental veneers, widely considered the most effective and instantaneous means of smile makeovers.
Dental veneers are ultra-thin teeth-shaped and teeth-colored wafers attached to the front face of your teeth. They can improve your smile and confidence by reshaping your teeth, filling in the gaps, and helping you achieve the perfect smile. Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile, helping you achieve the perfect set of pearly whites. However, all veneers aren’t the same.
We Introduce you to the five types of Veneers Available.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, also known as traditional veneers, are permanent dental veneers made of porcelain material. During this procedure, thin ceramic shells are attached to the front face of your teeth after shaving off some of the existing enamel. The dentist shaves off as much enamel as the size of the dental veneers, so the ceramic essentially replaces your natural enamel.
Porcelain has the same texture and properties as enamel, and it also reflects light similarly, so it looks indistinguishable from natural teeth. Furthermore, porcelain is a stain-resistant material, so it doesn’t get discolored after continued usage, which makes it even better than natural enamel in some ways. Porcelain veneers are the ideal means of transforming your smile.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a slightly less invasive means of transforming your smile. During this procedure, the dentist applies composite resin material to the front face of your teeth, thus transforming your smile. Composite veneers are then polished and smoothed to improve their appearance. Bonded veneers are more resistant to chipping and staining than porcelain veneers, but the dentist doesn’t have to remove your existing enamel. They last for 5 to 10 years.
Lumineers
Lumineers are currently the thinnest dental veneers available — they’re as thin as contact lenses. Lumineers look as natural and attractive as porcelain veneers, but they don’t involve dental modification — the dentist won’t have to shave the front face of your teeth. That means you can receive Lumineers without needing to shave off your enamel. The procedure is simple and pain-free, and it concludes within two visits. Lumineers are reversible, and they last for up to 20 years.
Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers aren’t used for cosmetic purposes, unlike most other dental veneers. They’re specifically made for the patient to minimize the risk of tooth wear and tear. They’re applied to the inside of the upper teeth, and they’re made of gold, porcelain, or composite materials. Your dentist may recommend palatal veneers if they notice that you have a high risk of tooth wear and tear because of teeth grinding.
Non-Permanent Veneers
Non-permanent veneers, as the name suggests, aren’t permanent, i.e., they can be removed at will. Made of a flexible type of plastic or resin, non-permanent veneers are generally worn before permanent veneers to determine if you truly want veneers. You may also receive non-permanent veneers after your teeth have been prepared for porcelain veneers, i.e., you can wear them during the interim period before receiving the final veneers.
What is the Procedure for Porcelain Veneers?
The entire porcelain veneers process usually concludes in two in-office dental visits. During the first dental visit, the dentist takes shades and impressions of your teeth. The dentist also discusses your goals and expectations, examines your facial anatomy, describes the various dental veneer shapes and colors, and curates the ideal treatment plan. The dentist selects the ideal dental veneer shapes for you, ensuring naturalized results that transform your smile.
During the procedure, the front face of your teeth is shaved down to eventually accommodate the dental veneers. The dentist may have to shave a few millimeters of your enamel. Once your teeth have been prepared, the dentist takes impressions that are sent to the dental laboratory. You receive temporary, non-permanent veneers for a few weeks until the permanent veneers are prepared. You may have to wait a week or two for the final veneers.
Once the final veneers are available, you have to visit the dentist again. The dentist will etch the surface of your teeth and attach the dental veneers. The veneers are bonded to the front face of your teeth using dental cement and a special curing light. Once the veneers are bonded properly, the dentist polishes them to ensure they’re smooth and attractive. The dentist makes some final adjustments, and then you can resume your daily activities and work.
How Long Does Veneer Last?
On average, dental veneers last for 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance and oral hygiene. If you want to extend your veneers’ longevity, you must brush and floss regularly, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash, go for regular dental cleanings, wear mouthguards while sleeping, and avoid biting hard objects that can chip the veneer.
Are Veneers Right For Me?
Porcelain veneers are the right option for you if you want to change the shape, size, alignment, color, or general appearance of your teeth. However, you should have generally good oral health — veneers can’t treat serious dental problems. Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers.
Schedule an Appointment for Veneers Today!
Dentist Veneers Houston is one of the most reliable dental clinics for porcelain ceramic veneers in Houston. You can find our dental clinic at 2400 Mid Ln. #350, Houston, a short drive from the Galleria shopping mall. If you want to transform your smile, please schedule an appointment at our dental clinic today.
