What Are Dental Veneers?

If you have been thinking about perfecting your smile then you probably have heard of veneers. However, a quick search for veneers can result in several options and various uses. Veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures you will find. According to the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) veneers are "a thin piece of porcelain or composite material used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel." Veneers are custom made to the contours of each tooth and are generally used for whitening teeth that have become too stained to whiten or removing gaps between teeth. There are also two types of veneers; porcelain and composite. Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages and talking with your dentist or our well-trained staff at Jackson Family Dentistry can help with your decision.

Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite ones and will stay whiter longer than both composite and the natural tooth enamel, as porcelain is very hard to stain. They will also last longer than composite veneers. Proper dental care is still very important with veneers, as you can still have cavities. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is still necessary. The biggest downside to porcelain veneers is the cost, as they are typically more expensive than their composite veneer counterparts. Also, they normally require two office visits whereas composite veneers can be finished in one visit. This is because a mold is sent to a dental lab and the porcelain material is made there, where a composite material can be made and fitted in the dental office. Composite veneers are still very strong and long-lasting. They are a perfect option for someone who wants to change their smile while staying on a budget. Since composite material can be molded onsite, composite veneers also work great for repairing small chips in teeth. However, they do stain more easily than porcelain as the composite resin used is a more porous material.

In addition to teeth whitening, veneers are also used for fixing small gaps in between teeth instead of using braces. Veneers are minimally evasive compared to braces and the dentist can place the veneers in such a way as too close the gap between the teeth. When doing this, porcelain is generally required as composite will not be able to fill a large gap.

There are many options for veneers and each circumstance will be different. Talking with your dentist about your goals for the procedure is very important. This will also help you choose which type of veneer is best for you. Both of these options are great and depending on your exact requirement one might be better suited than the other. If you are thinking about veneers do not hesitate to call us for a consultation we will be more than happy to discuss your options with you.