A Guide to the Most Common Materials for Dental Veneers

A Guide to the Most Common Materials for Dental Veneers

Apr 01, 2023

Do you wish you had a brighter, straighter, or flawless smile? Whether you’re dealing with dental chips, stains, teeth gaps, or a gummy smile, dental veneers can help you regain your perfect smile and self-confidence.

What are dental veneers?

A tooth veneer refers to a thin shell or coating placed on the front of a tooth to hide or repair the damage. The veneer matches your natural tooth’s size and color, offering an incredibly natural and beautiful smile.

Common reasons for needing a dental veneer include:

  • To camouflage teeth stains or discoloration
  • To repair minor teeth damage like chips and cracks
  • To close improper teeth gaps
  • To improve the size and shape of misshapen and uneven teeth
  • To correct minor teeth misalignments

It’s worth noting that tooth veneers are only ideal for minor dental imperfections. Significant damages like breaks may need more complex treatments like dental fillings, crowns, root canals, tooth extraction, and dental implants. Visit our office to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental veneers near you.

Understanding the different types of veneers materials

There are several types of materials used to prepare dental veneers. The right material for your dental needs depends mainly on your condition, aesthetic goals, preferences, and budget. Common types of veneers include:

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain is the most popular and common material for dental restorations like veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin and blend perfectly with natural teeth for an incredibly natural and bright smile. Similarly, porcelain is strong, durable, and resists damage stains better than natural teeth.

Pros

  • Excellent aesthetics
  • Highly resistant to damage and stains
  • Strong and durable

Cons

  • Irreversible (the dentist must shave a part of the tooth’s enamel to place the porcelain veneers)
  • Requires multiple appointments
  • Expensive than other materials like composite

E-max veneers

E-Max veneers have a highly strong, esthetically appealing, and durable lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. They are slightly translucent and very thin. With proper care, they can last for about 10 – 15 years. E-max veneers require minor tooth shaving for a custom and natural fit like porcelain veneers.

Pros

  • Provide natural results
  • Resistant to stains
  • Strong and durable

Cons

  • Irreversible
  • It can easily chip or break
  • Fairly lengthy procedure

Zirconium veneers

Zirconium veneers are an excellent solution for significant teeth chips, staining, fractures, or erosion. The veneers contain zirconium dioxide, which poses exceptional strengths and durability. It has an opaque appearance and thus blends well with your natural teeth.

Pros

  • Excellent strength and durability
  • Highly resistant to fractures and stains
  • Good aesthetics

Cons

  • Complex to modify
  • Less natural appearance due to its opaque color

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are another common but less invasive and cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers. The veneers are placed directly on the teeth. They offer less natural results than porcelain and E-max veneers. They also tend to chip, stain, and break easily. For this reason, they are best suited for temporary use or front tooth restoration. While cheaper, they are less durable and last only 5 – 7 years.

Pros

  • Same-day placement
  • Cheaper than other veneers
  • Less tooth trimming
  • Easy to modify

Cons

  • More susceptible to stains and damage
  • Less natural results
  • Less durable

Which dental veneers are the best?

Each type of veneer comes with benefits and disadvantages. Therefore, the best material for you will depend on factors like your imperfections and budget. Porcelain and E-max veneers are excellent options if you’re looking for the most aesthetically appealing materials.

Zirconium veneers might be ideal if you have significant tooth damage. In terms of budget, composite veneers are the cheapest. However, you would have to sacrifice strength and durability. Our dentist can guide you in choosing the right veneer material for your teeth.

Are You Interested in Dental Veneers in Plymouth, NH?

Are you ready to transform your smile with dental veneers? Do you need more information about the role of veneers in cosmetic dentistry? Contact Dental Arts of Plymouth to book your appointment today.

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