5 Types of Dental Veneers in Hollywood Smile

Why Do People Get Veneers?

Veneers are used in 26 percent of cosmetic dental procedures. Some of the reasons why people choose dental veneers over the other types of treatments are:

• Changing the color, size, or length of teeth
• Fixing cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• Fixing worn down teeth
• Fixing white spots or streaks on teeth
• Improving stains and discoloration of teeth
• Covering large resin fillings that discolor teeth
• Covering discolored teeth because of root canal treatment

5 Types of Veneers

There are five types of veneers including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, palatal veneers, lumineers, and removable veneers. Among the five of them, the porcelain veneer is the most expensive type, which has natural-looking. The cheapest and the least natural-looking option is a removable veneer. We will discuss all of them below.

1. Porcelain Veneers

The most common material, which is used for veneers, is porcelain. Veneers are tooth-colored, completely custom, and they often last 10 to 15 years. Porcelain veneers are made of ceramic and they resist stains more than composite veneers. The primary advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are minimally invasive and minimal preparation is needed for shell placement.

There are more than 15 different shades of white color that dentists and patients can choose one of the shades. Before starting the porcelain veneer procedure, the dentist shapes the tooth structure and places the porcelain shell on the tooth. If the tooth has a dark discoloration, the dentist may use opaque color.

2. Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are often the alternative to porcelain veneers. They typically last 5 to 7 years and are used for cavity fillings that need to be tooth-colored. Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are the same-day treatment and the procedure is quicker when they are used. Composite bonding does not need to be made in a dental laboratory and they are sculpted on teeth during the procedure.

Just like porcelain veneers, teeth re-contouring is required before placement. Composite veneers can also be placed on uncut enamel. The positive point of using composite in comparison to porcelain is that when composite chips, the chipped area can be fixed. But when porcelain chips, the entire veneer needs to be replaced.

3. Palatal Veneers (Onlays)

Today, palatal veneers which are also known as Onlays are used for restoring the posterior teeth and anterior teeth. Common reasons for palatal damage to anterior teeth are deep bite, bruxism, and dental erosion. Dental erosion can happen due to chronic vomiting and severe acid reflux. Palatal veneers are a great way of restoring compromised parts of teeth without touching the other parts.

4. Lumineers

Lumineers are a brand of veneers that can last for over 20 years. They are ultra-thin and have a translucent appearance. They copy the color and shape of a natural tooth enamel even better than porcelain veneers. Lumineers do not need tooth reduction and recontouring because they are so thin. Although they generally have a longer lifespan, they have a greater chance of chipping than traditional kinds of veneers.

5. Removable Veneers

Although removable veneers are non-permanent, they are less invasive and cheaper than traditional veneers. Permanent veneers are irreversible because they need to remove some parts of the tooth’s enamel. Non-permanent veneers do not require the removal of enamel. However, they may be uncomfortable and not blend with your own teeth, and most of the time they need to be replaced.

How are Veneers Placed on Teeth?

The process of veneer placement is done in two different appointments and it often consists of five stages. The veneers can take a couple of weeks to be prepared and ready to be placed on the patient’s teeth. The typical five steps of veneer placement are explained below:

• Dentist removes parts of enamel from the front and sides of your teeth in order to make some space for the veneer. Dentists skip this stage if you are going to get lumineers.
• Dentist makes a mold of the desired teeth structure.
• You and your dentist choose the best veneer shade that fits your face and looks natural.
• The teeth mold will be sent to a dental laboratory to be custom-made. This stage can take a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, your dentist covers the teeth with temporary veneers.
• At the last appointment, your dentist removes the temporary veneers, and cleans your teeth before bonding the veneer. Finally, the permanent veneer will be replaced on your teeth.

Author: Leila Nazari

Publisher and SEO specialist: Mohamad Gerami