A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are quick and easy restorations. These thin shells can cover the front part of the teeth. Dental damage and discoloration can go away. You can even gain more strength from this extra layer of protection. Knowing which one can fit you the most can help you decide with your dentist on consultation day. Here is a comprehensive guide to the different types of dental veneers available.

Dental veneers by process

Dentists can now place these shells in different ways. This is a result of the increasing developments in cosmetic dental technology. Understanding these processes, as well as how each one affects the results of the procedure, is important in choosing the right dental veneers. Here are the types of dental veneers by process:

• Temporary veneers are for short-term wear. A dentist may use these shells for a period from the design to the final fitting. The shells are attractive, but these restorations are not lasting or strong. These dental veneers can last for one to three weeks. These veneers can last until traditional veneers are ready.
• Traditional veneers are permanent restorations. The dentist will shave off a thin layer of enamel from the front part of the teeth. This will prevent the treated teeth from having a bulky look. The dentist will take dental impressions of the teeth and send them to the dental lab. This information is important in creating the custom shells that the dentist will cement to the prepared teeth.
• No-prep veneers aim to remove the stage of preparation in the traditional veneer procedure by cementing the shells in front of the teeth right away. But no-prep veneers are often minimal prep veneers as there is still a small degree of preparation necessary.
• CAD/CAM dental veneers are same-day veneers because the process of getting these restorations completes in one day. Digital impressions can help complete the process by transferring the design to a computerized mill that can carve out the shells from a ceramic block.
• Premade veneers are not custom-fit shells. These veneers are available in many sizes. The individual will choose among the available sizes online. These shells may clip on the teeth or may have a boil-and-bite feature.
• Direct dental veneers are created on the target teeth. The dentist will place the dental bonding material on the natural tooth. The dentist will harden, shape, and then polish it. There could also be a mold around the tooth in which the dentist will inject a flowable composite.

Dental veneers by material

Along with the improving technologies in cosmetic dentistry is the increasing number of choices for dental veneer materials. Knowing about these materials can help the patient decide which one is right. The dentist can explain how each material can be good for the patient’s needs. Here are the three basic materials for dental veneers:

• Ceramic veneers are often made of white material that is like porcelain. That is why these dental veneers are also known as porcelain veneers. These dental veneers are the most durable and attractive veneers.
• Plastic veneers come in forms, such as temporary, costume, or removable ones. These restorations are made of acrylic.
• Composite dental veneers are a combination of ceramic and plastic materials. They are more flexible than ceramic and stronger than plastic.