Veneers come in various types. To determine your best fit, learn the unique benefits and disadvantages of each below. 

Are you tired of looking at your stained teeth? Or perhaps you chipped a tooth, and your teeth now look crooked. For a solution, look no further than dental veneers, an affordable option to restore your teeth and give you back your smile. What’s more, you have several different types of veneers from which to choose, which we’ll discuss below.

What are the different types of veneers?

Dental veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures performed today to fix discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells most often placed on the top front eight teeth, which are most noticeable when you speak and smile. They differ in the types of material used:

Porcelain. For porcelain veneers, your dentist will grind down the tooth’s surface beyond the enamel. This may be a bit painful, so you may be given anesthesia. After making an impression of your teeth, your dentist will send the image to a lab where the permanent veneers are created. While you wait for your permanent veneers, you’ll wear temporary ones. Once the permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will cement them to your tooth.

Composite resin. Less of your tooth’s enamel needs to be removed for composite resin veneers. The material is layered on your tooth and then hardened with a special light.

No-prep veneers. Similar to porcelain veneers, no-prep veneers are custom-made to match your teeth.  

Which veneer is best for you?

Dental veneers are considered cosmetic procedures, so your insurance will likely not pay for them. Before deciding on veneers, ask yourself (or your dentist) these questions:

Which is less expensive? Composite resin veneers are less costly than porcelain ones.

Which will last longer? Porcelain veneers can last ten years or more. Composite resin veneers last between five to seven years. In the long run, porcelain veneers may be the more cost-effective option.

Which will look better? Both are solid options for improving the appearance of your teeth. One study concluded that porcelain veneers offered “excellent aesthetic results” and longevity. Porcelain veneers are also less likely to stain. However, the study noted that while composite resin veneers are slightly less durable than porcelain ones and can damage more easily, they are still undoubtedly an excellent conservative alternative for restoring teeth. 

Which takes longer to apply? If you don’t like spending time in a dentist’s chair, opt for composite veneers, which can be done during a single office visit. Porcelain veneers will take more than one appointment.

Which will my dentist recommend? That depends on your individual needs, such as how many veneers need to be placed and your budget. You should also consider your tolerance for dental work. For example, while no-prep veneers are a less invasive option, they may not be suitable for you. Your dentist will make the decision.

Taking care of your veneers

Once you have veneers, you’ll want to take care of them so they’ll last as long as possible. Here are some basic tips to make sure your veneers stay in tip-top shape:

• Brush with nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects and foods or opening packages with your teeth.
• Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play sports.

And always remember your semi-annual dental appointments and cleanings. Treat your veneers like you would your natural teeth, and they will brighten your smile for many years.

Need veneers? Come to Espire Dental

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley, CA, location today! Our highly trained dentists have years of experience placing veneers and will give you the smile you’ve dreamed of. Don’t live near our Mission Valley, CA, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Drive
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108