Are you looking for one simple solution to transform your smile?
Your smile is such an important personal asset, and it undoubtedly plays a significant role in your level of confidence and self-esteem.
Imagine if you felt comfortable with your smile every day… How would that change your well-being, your confidence, and your life?
Well, the good news is there’s one smile-enhancing procedure that can help you with some cosmetic dental issues all at once.
If you want to reduce the appearance of stained, cracked, or misaligned teeth, porcelain veneers are a great all-in-one option for you.
Table of Contents
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates, are transformative shells of ceramic that cover any tooth or teeth you want to enhance. These artificial outer layers are made with advanced medical materials and look very similar to the enamel of a real tooth.
While there are various styles of veneers, porcelain veneers are one of the most durable, longest-lasting types.
Plus, every porcelain veneer is custom created to match the appearance of the patient’s tooth or teeth. With the right cosmetic dentist, your veneers will look completely natural. People may not notice them at all.
Porcelain veneers are used to help you…
- Reduce stains and discoloration
- Hide cracks and chips in your teeth
- Correct uneven, gapped, or crooked teeth
- Conceal the appearance of weakened enamel
And much, much more…
No other dental treatment can address such a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Keep reading to find out even more benefits of porcelain veneers.
Key Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
As you now know, porcelain veneers can cover up:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains
- Discoloration
- Gaps between teeth
- Minorly misaligned teeth
And more!
As you can see, porcelain veneers have the power to deliver aesthetically beautiful results for many dental imperfections. But the benefits of porcelain veneers don’t stop at aesthetics.
They can also boost your overall dental health. For instance, porcelain veneers fortify sensitive or damaged teeth by providing a protective shield. They can also help with various orthodontic issues.
You may benefit from porcelain veneers if you…
- Grind your teeth in your sleep
- Have gaps or spaces in your teeth
- Smoke cigarettes, drink coffee or wine
- Want to feel even better about your smile
The best part about porcelain veneers?
When applied properly, they can last a long time. In some cases, you can continue to benefit from porcelain veneers for up to 30 years.
Are porcelain veneers right for you? Read on to find out now.
The Main Types of Veneers (and Which One is Right for YOU)
As previously stated, there are many different types of veneers.
While porcelain veneers are usually the strongest, most natural-looking, your dentist may recommend a different type of veneer depending on your teeth.
Here Are the 4 Main Types of Dental Veneers:
- Palatal
- Porcelain
- Composite resin
- Removable veneers
Palatal Veneers
While most veneers are applied to the front of your smile, there are some cases when they are located behind the teeth. These are called palatal veneers. This type of veneer comes in various materials: gold, porcelain, composite and more.
So, why would you enhance a part of the tooth that nobody can see?
When teeth are weak or damaged, your dentist may recommend palatal veneers. Palatal veneers help fight against tooth erosion and provide structure behind weakening teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
As you learned earlier in this article, porcelain veneers are made of strong ceramic material. They’re custom-crafted into thin shells that sit on the front of your teeth, posing as enamel.
Because of their strength, durability, and natural aesthetics, dentists often recommend porcelain veneers to their patients.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin is a bonding material traditionally used for fillings. This material is significantly softer than porcelain. Dentists usually use it as a mold, applying it to chipped or cracked teeth so your smile appears whole.
This is often a relatively quick process; you can leave with an even better smile after just one session.
Removable Veneers
Removable veneers are a great option for you if you’re looking for a less permanent option. Also known as snap-on veneers or a snap-on smile, these are thin shells of dental resin that you can wear as you see fit.
The best part is that you can eat and drink while wearing them. All you need to do is clean them when you put them on and take them off.
Which Types of Veneers Are the Most Popular?
Of all the types and materials of veneers out there, the two most popular options are porcelain and composite resin.
So, which one is better?
Keep reading to find out the key differences between porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers and which is the best option.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Resin Veneers: The Pros and Cons
As you’ll see, there are pros and cons of both porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers.
Now it’s time to deep dive into the main differences between the two.
While composite resin veneers can cost significantly less, they don’t last nearly as long as porcelain veneers.
Because porcelain veneers are custom created to fit your smile, they can cost anywhere between $900 to $2500 per tooth.
But the plus side is that veneers last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Plus, porcelain veneers are by far the strongest type of veneer available today, and they are also the most recommended form of veneer for stained teeth.
On the flip side, veneers made of composite resin only cost a fraction of what porcelain veneers do. Composite veneers cost anywhere between $250 to $1200 per tooth.
The downside is that they only last five to seven years at most. Composite resin veneers serve as a nice temporary solution for cracked or chipped teeth but don’t expect them to last as long as the more durable option.
Now that you know the differences between these two types of veneers let’s talk about why, more often than not, porcelain veneers are the right way to go.
Why Porcelain Veneers Are Your Best Route?
When it comes to dental veneers, there is little doubt that porcelain veneers are the best route to take.
Not only is porcelain the strongest, longest lasting material for veneers, but it is also the most natural. Dentists often recommend porcelain veneers because their appearance is so aesthetically similar to a real tooth.
Like enamel, porcelain has a semitransparent nature. With porcelain veneers, your teeth still look glossy and healthy. On top of that, porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant.
If you want something that will last the longest and look the best, then porcelain veneers are the way to go.
Types of Porcelain Veneers and Popular Brands
Now that you know why porcelain veneers are the best choice for your smile makeover let’s talk about the different types that are available to you.
Types of Porcelain Veneers
- Stacked ceramic – handcrafted in a lab for optimal aesthetics
- Pressed ceramic – a relatively new way to fabricate ceramic so that it’s twice as strong
- Lithium disilicate – a computer-printed ceramic that helps resolve the effects of grinding
Porcelain Veneer Brands:
- daVinci
- IPS Empress
- Lumineers
Important Note: Be sure to do your research and consult your family dentist to find the best brand for you.
Are you ready to get your porcelain veneers?
Keep reading to find out what to expect before, during and after your porcelain veneer procedure.
The Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers
Congratulations! You’re ready for your brand-new smile.
Now what?
First, you’ll have to visit your dentist to confirm that porcelain veneers are right for you. If your dentist believes you’re a good candidate, they may take x-rays or impressions of your teeth.
After that, it’s time for your dentist to start prepping your teeth for your new veneers.
During this process, your dentist will remove roughly ½ millimeters of enamel from the tooth or teeth in question. Depending on your case, your dentist may decide to use a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain.
Next, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth or teeth. Because porcelain veneers are made to fit each unique smile precisely, your impressions will be sent to a lab for custom creation. This usually takes 2-4 weeks.
In the meantime, your dentist may give you temporary veneers to wear until your porcelain veneer procedure.
Once your new veneers return from the lab, it’s time to enhance your smile.
First, your dentist will clean and polish your teeth. Once the shape and colors look right, your dentist will carefully bond the veneer to your tooth.
Finally, they will use a curing light to activate the chemicals in the ceramic, hardening the material to your teeth. After the procedure, you can return to your normal routine that same day.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You and Your Smile?
Do you think you may be a strong candidate for porcelain veneers?
Apple Springs Family Dentistry provides stunning smile makeovers for Leander, Texas, and the surrounding area. You will walk in with one smile and leave the office with a dramatically different one!
Don’t wait any longer to smile wider.
Contact us or call (512) 212-9711 to schedule your porcelain veneer consultation today.
Resources:
https://www.docshop.com/education/dental/cosmetic-dentistry/porcelain-veneers
https://www.docshop.com/education/dental/procedures/veneers/cost
