What are the different types of dental veneers?

1. Composite Veneers
2. Porcelain Veneers
3. Zirconia Veneers

Dental veneers can fix discoloration, chipping, and minor misalignment in just a few visits, effectively and instantly transforming your smile. They’re a good alternative to other dental treatments — such as laser whitening, crowns, and even braces. But not all veneers are the same. Veneers come in a variety of materials such as composite resin, porcelain, and zirconia. But what are the differences? Keep on reading to learn about the different types of dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shell coverings that stick to the front of your teeth. The coverings are permanently bonded to your teeth, giving you a more beautiful smile that can last for a very long time. Compared to that, the treatment time will only take one to three visits, depending on the material that will be used for the veneers.

Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller than normal. It’s also suitable for minor misalignment, which means that you might not need braces. 

Types Of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are usually made of three types of materials— composite resin, porcelain, or zirconia. How do you know which one is for you? You’ll have to consider several factors, including your current dental issues, installation process, cost, appearance, and longevity. Your dentist can make recommendations based on these.

But if you want to have an idea what will fit your preferences and health, here are the different types of dental veneers:

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers, or also known as direct veneers, can be used to treat chipping, discoloration, and minor misalignment. From the name itself, the composite resin is directly sculpted and applied in layers to the tooth. A curing light is used to harden the resin, ensuring that your new smile will last for a long time. 

Composite resin veneers are made of the same material that is used for dental fillings and restorations. Some of its advantages are that it’s more affordable compared to other materials and can also be done in a single visit. It also requires less tooth preparation, too.

The only things you need to consider is that composite resin veneers are more porous, which means they tend to stain easily. But with proper care, can last between five to 10 years.

Porcelain Veneers

If you’re looking for something more durable, then porcelain veneers are a great choice. Porcelain is a very strong material, and is capable of lasting many years. If you take care of them properly, they can last up to 15 years. They have a much lower chance of chipping, fracture, and breakage too. Other than that, porcelain is able to resist staining too.

Treatment duration for porcelain veneers are slightly longer than composite resin veneers because they’re made in a laboratory. On your first visit, tooth reduction will be done on the front side of the teeth. This is usually minimal and more conservative than when you’re having crowns. A mold of your teeth will be sent to the laboratory for fabrication. On your next visit, the veneers will be bonded on your teeth if there are no modifications. 

Unlike composite resin veneers, porcelain veneers can treat gaps too — in addition to crooked, crowded, chipped, and discolored teeth. 

Zirconia Veneers

Known as the strongest type of veneers in the dental industry, zirconia veneers are resistant to chipping, cracking, and fractures. Zirconia veneers can last for decades when taken cared of, as its multiple times stronger than your natural enamel! Just like porcelain veneers, it’s also suitable for teeth gaps, stains, chipping, and misalignment. 

The procedure for zirconia veneers is very similar to porcelain veneers. First, minimal tooth reduction will be done. Then the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a laboratory for fabrication. When the veneers are ready, they will be bonded to your teeth. 

Key Takeaway

Dental veneers are effective at transforming your smile in just a few visits. All the materials mentioned above have their own advantages, so it’s important to know about each one before scheduling an appointment. 

If you’re looking for the different types of dental veneers, you can find them here at Elevate Dental! We have skilled dentists that can provide you with composite resin, porcelain, or zirconia veneers. They can explain the advantages of each one in a more detailed manner. This way, you can choose one that fits your current dental needs, budget, and preference! 

To schedule a consultation, you can send us a message here at the website. We have branches in Bonifacio Global City and Greenhills.