Different Types of Dental Veneers

Different Types of Teeth Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made covers that are placed over teeth to improve their appearance and produce a dazzling smile. As a result, veneers are frequently known as a “smile makeover.” Despite the fact that veneers can change a tooth’s structure, color, size, and function, they are predominantly considered cosmetic dental procedures.

Porcelain and composite resin veneers are the 2 most popular choices within the dental industry. However, the current market offers numerous other types of veneers. Several factors, including your budget, dental health, and level of comfort will influence your choice of veneer.

Porcelain veneers are medical quality ceramic shells that cover the outer surface of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers enhance your smile by addressing tooth size and shape, spacing and alignment, and discoloration issues.

Composite veneers are composed of tooth-colored resin and are used to enhance the look of teeth. Composite veneers are used to rectify the appearance of teeth and repair minor chips or fractures.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth Veneers?

In the dental industry, both permanent and transitory veneers are obtainable.  The veneers’ durability and aesthetic qualities are also affected by the veneer material. Each veneer type is best suited to specific circumstances and requirements.

It is essential to consider all of the available options when evaluating the different kinds of veneers. Porcelain veneers, composite veneers, ceramic veneers, Zirconium veneers, Lumineers, snap-on veneers, E-max veneers, palatal veneers, and same-day veneers will be explained below.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular veneer types that you can easily get from a dentist office near you. They are composed of feldspar, a naturally occurring glass-ceramic. The very natural appearance of feldspathic porcelain is due to its translucent and fragile characteristics. Moreover, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to fractures, stains, and discoloration. They are also more durable than other types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are the best options for a patient who desires natural-looking permanent teeth that will last between 8 to 15 years and are stain-resistant, too.

Porcelain Veneers ProsPorcelain Veneers Cons
  • Natural looking
  • Tooth prep needed
  • Durable
  • Irreversible
  • Strong
  • Long application procedure
  • Stain-resistant
  • Costly
  • Last 8-15 years

 

Ceramic Veneers

A minimally invasive procedure, ceramic veneers, also referred to as veneers, are attached to the teeth. They are used to repair fractured, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Dentists can transform a single tooth, an existing fissure, or even the entire set of teeth into a work of art by enhancing their appearance with ceramic veneers. Ceramic veneers are perfect options for a patient who desires less expensive and less invasive veneers with a natural appearance than porcelain veneers.

Ceramic Veneers ProsCeramic Veneers Cons
  • Natural looking
  • Tooth prep needed
  • Affordable than porcelain veneers
  • Long application procedure
  • Less enamel needs to be removed
  • Irreversible
  • Less invasive than porcelain veneers

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers can be used as a substitute to porcelain veneers because they can be made more swiftly and affordable. Composite veneers are primarily composed of resin, a tooth-colored component used for dental repair. Due to the fragility of the posterior teeth, the success rate of composite veneers is higher when used to the front teeth. Composite veneers have a limited lifespan and are more susceptible to staining, cracking, and abrasion than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are ideal for a patient who desires a temporary, cost-effective procedure.

Composite Veneers ProsComposite Veneers Cons
  • Same-day application
  • Unnatural
  • Affordable
  • Not long-lasting
  • Easily modified
  • Stains easily
  • Fragile

 

Lumineers

Lumineers are one-visit veneer procedures that require minimal tooth preparation. Also referred to as non-prep veneers, they are tiny, compact shells that are gently attached to the teeth to improve the dilapidated surface of the teeth. Lumineers are considered a temporary remedy for chipped, malformed, or discolored teeth. Lumineers are excellent for those who want veneers but would rather avoid invasive procedures. You can compare Lumineers vs porcelain veneers to determine if this is for you.

Lumineers ProsLumineers Cons
  • Non-invasive
  • Possible gum problems
  • Removable
  • Easy to break
  • Same-day application
  • Not ideal for dark stains
  • Easy to modify

 

Zirconium Veneers

One of the most resilient veneers is Zirconium veneers. They are the perfect dental treatment for severe tooth decay, broken teeth, and cracked teeth. They are also an option for resolving teeth discoloration because of their opaque look.  Their superior quality and durability make them to often outlast the majority of other veneer varieties. Consequently, Zirconium veneers are ideal for a patient who desires stronger teeth due to dental decay, chipped teeth, or bruxism (teeth grinding).

Zirconium Veneers ProsZirconium Veneers Cons
  • Chipping-resistant
  • Slightly opaque
  • Strongest type of veneers
  • May look unnatural due to opaqueness
  • Strengthens teeth Good for bruxism
  • Hard to modify
  • Bite alignment
  • Good for bruxism

 

E-Max Veneers

Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is used to construct E-max veneers. One of the most commonly used veneer types, E-max veneers are currently among the finest due to their natural beauty, durability, and sturdiness. With their transparent characteristic, they are able to merge in with your natural teeth. E-max veneers can be used for a patient who desires long-lasting, stain-resistant teeth with a natural appearance.

E-max Veneers ProsE-max Veneers Cons
  • Natural looking
  • Irreversible
  • Accurate shape
  • Fairly long application process
  • Don’t stain easily
  • Pricey than other veneers
  • Long-lasting
  • Not the strongest

 

Snap-on Veneers

Snap-on veneers are removable and do not alter the appearance of the natural teeth. Snap-on veneers, also known as clip-on veneers, are the optimal alternative to dental implants, traditional porcelain veneers, and clear orthodontics. These impermanent veneers, compared to other dental procedures, require less invasive techniques. This means that they do not require disagreeable or invasive procedures, such as scraping the teeth, for application. Snap-on veneers can be used for a patient who desires inexpensive, removable veneers that are easy to apply.

Snap-on Veneers ProsSnap-on Veneers Cons
  • Removable
  • Unnatural looking
  • Affordable
  • Susceptible to breaking
  • Quick application process

Same-Day Veneers

Same-day veneers are manufactured, planned, and administered on the same day. Also referred to as ready-made veneers, they are made in a dental facility using a milling machine equipped with CAD/CAM technology compared to

traditional porcelain veneers. The procedure includes dental preparation, digital scanning, and veneer fabrication. Same-day veneers can be used for a patient who desires an immediate and cost-effective veneer option. Compare same day veneers vs traditional veneers to determine if this type of veneers is for you.

Same-Day Veneers ProsSame-Day Veneers Cons
  • Same-day procedure
  • Fragile
  • Low-cost

 

Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are also referred to as palatal onlays and lingual veneers. These veneers have been created to restore anterior teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay or similar circumstances. Due to the fact that patients frequently disregard this concern, palatal veneers are not a common form of veneer. Palatal veneers are ideal for a patient who desires to rectify the back teeth.

Palatal Veneers ProsPalatal Veneers Cons
  • Fixes anterior teeth
  • Intricate procedure
  • Corrects and enhances bite
  • Generally expensive
  • Protects gums
  • Strong
  • Durable and resilient

 

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry compared the survival rate of 2 varieties of veneers over a 2 ½-year period. This study compared porcelain veneers vs. composite veneers and revealed that porcelain veneers had the highest overall survival rate. This is the reason why porcelain veneers continue to be the finest veneers on the market. Learn more about How to care for Veneers?

How Do You Choose the Right Type of Dental Veneer for You?

It can be difficult to select the correct type of dental veneer, but there is a simple breakdown based on type of veneer, cost, and versatility that can help you decide.

Type of Veneer

The kind of veneer to use is determined by the type of tooth that requires veneer. Conventional porcelain veneer is the best choice for a molar. Lumineers dental veneers, however, are great options if you have an exposed tooth near the front of your mouth. Both types of veneers are made of porcelain and are extremely durable and resilient. Aside from being equally attractive, both of them allow you to have a beautiful, radiant smile.

Cost

Porcelain is the most frequently used veneer because it has a natural  appearance and resists stains. They are also the most expensive type of veneer. Composite veneers may be the best option for patients who are worried about the cost. Composite veneers are less resilient than porcelain veneers, despite being more affordable. Remember that veneers are typically not covered by insurance because they are considered a cosmetic procedure.

Versatility

Porcelain veneers are available in a range of colors, allowing you to choose the one that most closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Although composite veneers are available in fewer hues, you may be able to have the color that matches your real teeth.

What are Prep and No-Prep Veneers?

To prepare a patient’s tooth or teeth for prep veneers, only a small amount of enamel is taken off. In contrast, minimal to no enamel removal is required for no-prep veneers.

What other information would be helpful to know about veneers besides its types?

There are several other pieces of information that could be helpful to know about veneers besides their types. Learn more about dental veneers treatment procedure, lifespan, care, alternatives, candidacy and the dental veneers cost with insurance or without insurance. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether veneers are the right choice for your dental needs and goals.

 

Can You Eat With Removable Veneers?

Yes, eating while wearing removable veneers is possible, but you should avoid hot, hard, and crunchy foods. You should also avoid beverages such as coffee and tea that can discolor your teeth.

There are different types of veneers. To find the one that suits your needs and budget, contact Dr. Peter S. Young at Premier Dental Esthetics.