Types of dental veneers and the materials they are made from
Types of Dental Veneers
Composite and porcelain (ceramic) are the most commonly used materials on today’s market.
Porcelain veneers: dental veneers most commonly used by dentists are made of porcelain, or ceramic. Also known as traditional veneers, porcelain veneers are strong, thin shells placed on the front and sides of the teeth. To bond them to the enamel, the dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure they do not appear bulky and maintain a natural look.
Traditional veneers are usually matched to the natural color of the teeth for a uniform appearance. The strength and durability of porcelain veneers are very similar to natural tooth enamel. This type of veneer is most suitable for individuals with teeth that are in poor condition, broken, and/or discolored. Porcelain veneers can solve issues for patients whose teeth are resistant to whitening.
Composite veneers: composite veneers are very similar to porcelain veneers, but they are more affordable and require less enamel removal. In some cases, no enamel removal is needed at all. They are easier to replace than porcelain veneers in case of damage, as the procedure is performed directly in the mouth using filling materials.
Also known as no-prep veneers, they are made of composite resin and are suitable for cases involving damaged front tooth surfaces. They are popular among patients whose teeth are resistant to whitening. However, they are more prone to issues such as chipping or staining, which may result in more frequent dental visits compared to porcelain veneers. Although they are of lower quality than porcelain veneers, they are a significantly more affordable option and are sometimes chosen for financial reasons.
What problems do dental veneers solve?
- Tooth discoloration that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth smaller than average
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Irregular teeth
Preparation and Placement of Dental Veneers
- Before the procedure, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth.
- The teeth will be shaped and a small amount of enamel will be removed to prepare them for veneer placement.
- The dentist will then take an impression of the teeth where the veneers will be placed.
- Finally, the impression will be sent to a dental laboratory for the design and fabrication of the veneers.
Veneer Placement
At your final appointment, the dentist will evaluate the “fit” of the veneers.
- The color is checked before the dentist bonds the veneers to your teeth.
- The dentist will shape and adjust your veneers if needed. Your teeth will also be cleaned and polished before the bonding procedure.
- A special dental cement is used to bond the veneers to the teeth.
- To speed up the bonding process, the dentist will use a special light. Any excess cement will be removed, and the fit will be checked multiple times to allow final adjustments before completing the procedure.
Dental Veneers Rijeka: The Process of Placing a Single Veneer
Dental Veneers Rijeka: The Process of Placing Six Veneers on Front Teeth
