Types of Dental Veneers

Everyone wants a smile that is not only healthy, but that looks attractive as well. Thanks to advances in cosmetic dentistry, there is a variety of treatments available to give patients a smile they’ll love. One treatment that stands out is dental veneers. These are paper-thin, custom-made shells that are fixed to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance.

Veneers can be used to address issues such as:

• Tooth discoloration
• Uneven coloring
• Broken/chipped teeth
• Alignment problems
• Uneven shape or size
• Gaps between teeth

There are several types of veneers available to suit different needs.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers consist of a thin layer of high-quality ceramic. They are durable and are available in various shades that can be matched with the color of the natural teeth. Additionally, this material reflects light in a way that looks the most natural. Porcelain veneers are used to individually customize the teeth to achieve the best results. They require minimum preparation time and a fairly simple procedure.

Composite Resin

This type of veneer offers the same benefits as porcelain veneers, helping to conceal cracks, chips, gaps, or discoloration. They also do not require lengthy preparation. The difference is that composite resin veneers are more affordable, but may not last as long as porcelain veneers.

Zirconia

Zirconia veneers are used on teeth that are majorly damaged or decayed, often to fix the back teeth. They are stronger than both traditional porcelain and composite resin veneers. For that reason, zirconia is also used to make dental crowns and implants.

The procedure for placing the veneer will depend on what it’s being used to treat. If you are considering improving the appearance of your smile, book an appointment with your dentist. Together, you can decide on the type of veneer that best suits your needs.