Choosing the Perfect Dental Veneers for Your Smile

Dental veneers are a popular smile makeover solution for restoring teeth that are dull, misshapen, or damaged. But did you know there are different types of dental veneers, each with their own unique characteristics?

Let’s dive into why veneers are so popular and which type might be the best choice for your smile goals.

What are dental veneers?

Most people know dental veneers as the quintessential smile makeover featured in dramatic before-and-afters. Drab smiles can quickly be revamped by adding brilliantly white, perfectly shaped veneers over a person’s natural teeth. Although veneers certainly accomplish this feat, there’s actually more going on than this simple description.

Dental veneers are quite versatile, and though they’re predominantly considered a cosmetic dentistry service, they can have functional advantages as well. They can repair damage like chips or cracks and even help patients with chronic tooth sensitivity caused by enamel erosion.

Most types of dental veneers form a facade. Just like a building’s facade, veneers create a beautiful aesthetic appearance while hiding the structure beneath. In this case, the structure would be your natural teeth. Veneers allow you to change how your smile looks, including the shape, size, and color of your teeth, while still maintaining your natural teeth under the surface.

Why would I want dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a great choice if you want to:

• Permanently whiten your smile and not worry about staining.
• Completely change the appearance of your visible smile.
• Straighten the look of your teeth without orthodontics.
• Cover widespread superficial damage or wear as efficiently as possible.
• Stop chronic teeth sensitivity without dental crowns.

Dental veneers are a valuable investment for anyone who wants a straighter, more attractive smile. Veneers can even help your current and future oral health by covering surface abnormalities and crowding between teeth that invite plaque buildup and decay.

Are there different types of dental veneers?

Yes! In fact, many people are surprised to learn there is more than one type of dental veneer available to them. The term dental veneer simply describes what the treatment does, just like the term dental filling refers to filling a cavity, but there are both composite and silver fillings.

Here are the five different types of dental veneers.

1. Porcelain Veneers

When most people think of veneers, it’s probably porcelain veneers that come to mind. They are the most popular type of veneer and also the one that’s been around the longest. These veneers are known as being exceptionally natural-looking, very durable, and capable of lasting 10 to 15 years or longer.

Porcelain veneers are completely customized in their design and can help you achieve a smile that’s well-balanced and even in appearance, even if your natural teeth are a bit crooked. They are a permanent decision, however. The application of porcelain veneers requires the removal of some of your natural tooth enamel to compensate for the width of each veneer shell. This means you’ll also need to continue wearing porcelain veneers, although you can certainly get a new set if your current one experiences damage or you decide you want a different look.

2. Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are a step up from dental bonding, which is the process of sculpting composite resin over the surface of teeth. Composite veneers are made of the same material but are applied as thin shells just like porcelain veneers. Composite veneers also require teeth to be prepped before application.

Composite veneers are typically recommended when a person wants the look of porcelain veneers but at a lower price. Composite veneers are less expensive and have the advantage of being repairable, unlike porcelain veneers. However, this comes at the cost of durability and longevity.

3. Lumineers

Lumineers is a brand of porcelain laminate veneers, but their unique design means they are fairly different from traditional porcelain veneers.

Lumineers are beautiful and very realistic in appearance since they are made of porcelain. The biggest difference with this type is they’re ultra-thin and aren’t permanent since minimal preparation is needed for the treated teeth. However, this thin nature can also be a possible drawback as it can’t cover heavy discoloration on natural teeth.

Another factor to consider is that Lumineers are typically more expensive than traditional porcelain veneers.

4. Removable Veneers

Removable veneers are also called temporary veneers or snap-on veneers. They are usually made of a flexible resin material that pops into place over your natural teeth. Removable veneers look like a mouthpiece rather than the typical shell-like construction of the previous three types.

Removable veneers are readily available as pre-made instant mouthpieces or they can be completely custom-made to fit your smile. They have the advantage of being affordable and easy to use, but they naturally lack the value of having permanent veneers. Some brands also lack realism due to the use of resin.

Removable veneers are typically recommended when a patient needs a very affordable option or they want a quick fix while they wait for future permanent veneers.

5. Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are a type of veneer, but quite different from the four other options. Also known as lingual veneers, these veneers are used to restore teeth that have experienced lingual enamel erosion.

Lingual enamel erosion is typically caused by acid reflux that wears away the inside surface of the teeth. Palatal veneers repair this damage and add a layer of protection from future damage. This makes them both restorative and cosmetic in nature and quite specialized in terms of when it’s used.

How do I pick the right veneers for my smile?

Deciding between the types of cosmetic veneers comes down to what you want from your them and what your dentist recommends based on your oral health needs.

If you want maximum coverage, a realistic finish, and the longest-lasting results possible, porcelain veneers are probably going to be the best choice for your smile.

Lumineers and composite veneers may be an alternative to porcelain if you’re looking for minimal change to your natural teeth. Last but not least, removable veneers are ideal for someone who wants to test-drive veneers for a while or someone who needs an affordable choice.

Beautiful Porcelain Veneers in Bee Cave and Lakeway, TX

If you’re interested in a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, Dr. Tomasik and his team can help you on your journey. Your first appointment with us will be a consultation where we’ll evaluate your smile, discuss porcelain veneers as a treatment option, and begin developing a treatment plan.

Schedule your porcelain veneer consultation today by calling our office or using our online request form.