Veneers for teeth work pretty much like any other kind of veneer, which is a term that collectively refers to several different types of thin covering used on top of another surface. So aside from stone or wood veneers, we have porcelain or composite resin veneers known as dentistry veneers. These are thin layers of composite resin or porcelain, depending on which material the patient prefers, that are attached on the surface of a tooth. This is done to restore the white, polished appearance of a discolored, stained, chipped, or damaged tooth, making teeth look good as new and as beautiful as teeth can be.
It’s not surprising, judging by the promised effects of veneers, that it is a pretty popular dental procedure. Veneers don’t just fix tooth problems; they brighten up your smile.
Dental Veneer Facts for the Interested Patient
- Porcelain Veneers – The Pros
- Composite Resin Veneers – The Pros
- Dental Problems Solved by Dentistry Veneers
1. Porcelain Veneers – The Pros
There is quite a battle going on in the dental veneer front, that between porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers have successfully won its place as the top-of-mind product, the veneer type that people usually refer to when they talk about veneers. So what’s the difference?
Porcelain veneers cost more dough than composite resin veneers. The price difference, however, is pretty worth it since porcelain veneers last longer and boasts of an expected life span of 10 to 15 years, especially if they are taken good care of.
Porcelain veneers also look more natural and realistic than composite resin veneers; the porcelain material has an extra luster that gives teeth a sense of depth, thus making it look more real. And more than just looking real, porcelain veneers really add a nice sheen to teeth that composite resin veneers can’t achieve.
Porcelain veneers are also able to resist most stains. Lastly, the procedure of attaching the porcelain veneers also requires the dentist to remove only a very small amount of the tooth structure and sometimes none at all.
2. Composite Resin Veneers – The Pros
Composite resin veneers are less expensive, but they do make more significant changes to your tooth structure than porcelain veneers. Also, composite resin veneers can be completed in one visit, so they’re great if your teeth need an instant revamp. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, require at least two visits. In the first visit, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and then apply the veneers in the second visit. There is no need for such hassle and preparation for composite veneers.
Another advantage of composite resin veneers is that they are more durable and can even withstand a repair process if they get damaged, unlike porcelain veneers that have to be completely replaced.
3. Dental Problems Solved by Dentistry Veneers
Veneers for teeth are well-known dental treatment materials, following closely behind dentures and braces, primarily because they can solve a variety of dental problems. Veneers are sometimes dubbed as instant orthodontics because they can solve most of the problems that braces also address, except that they simply cover the problem up instead of take the long way.
Dental veneers are recommended for patients who have gaps between teeth, broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth (both extrinsic and intrinsic stains), stained fillings, improperly shaped teeth, and crooked teeth.
When Veneers for Teeth Are Not Recommended
There are some situations, however, where veneers for teeth are inappropriate. First, if you have unhealthy teeth based on your dentist’s evaluation, dental veneers should not be applied without first addressing the issue ot decaying tooth or gum disease. Aside from that, if you have weak tooth structure, it’s not a good idea to use veneers because the tooth will not be able to hold the veneer firmly in place. And since veneers are bonded onto the enamel of the tooth, if the tooth does not have enough enamel due to wear and tear or other reasons, veneers are again a bad idea. Severe misalignment of teeth may also disqualify you for the veneer procedure, unless the misalignment is first fixed with braces.
There are also some external factors that affect your chances of being able to get veneers. Patients who are used to clenching or grinding their teeth or those who tend to bite hard may easily damage their veneers.