Dental veneers as we know them today have taken the world of dentistry by storm since their introduction in the early 1960s. Dental veneers are wafer-thin tooth-colored custom shells that are placed on the front surface of your teeth with the help of dental cement. Dental veneers are used to improve your smile’s appearance, correct misshapen teeth, and hide extensively discolored teeth.
Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, and rightfully so. However, one question that commonly rotates around the minds of people hoping to opt for veneers happens to be – What material are dental veneers made of?
If this sounds like you, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will discuss the different materials used to make dental veneers.
What are dental veneers made of?
Dental veneers can be made for porcelain, also known as ceramic, and another material is dental composite resins. These two types of materials can be beautifully manipulated to match natural teeth shade and give your smile a dazzling glow. So, the question lies, which one should you opt for? Let’s discuss the key difference between the two.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Also known as traditional veneers, these are made from one of the most robust and most aesthetically pleasing materials in dentistry, that is porcelain or ceramic.
Porcelain can be efficiently manipulated to match one’s natural teeth shade. Porcelain veneers have excellent strength and are resistant to chipping and breakage. However, their placement does require a small amount of tooth preparation. Your cosmetic dentist will first shave off a tiny amount of your teeth’s front surface- if needed and take a dental impression. The impression and desired color for the veneers are then sent to the laboratory, where your veneers will be custom fabricated. Once done, you will be called for an appointment to do the placement, it could be a 5-6 hours treatment. Dental cement will be used to bond veneers to the teeth, and this completes the procedure.
Porcelain veneers have better strength and a longer lifespan. They can last anywhere from 15-20 years with good maintenance and proper oral hygiene. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to staining, which ensures you have a dazzling smile for a longer time.
Composite Dental Veneers
Composite dental veneers, commonly known as bonded veneers, are made from composite resins that cover a tooth’s front end. These veneers do not need any tooth preparation and can be directly bonded to the tooth surface. First, a composite resin of the desired color is placed and contoured according to the tooth shape. Next, they are polished to ensure a natural sheen to your smile. These veneers are less invasive, and the procedure is fairly quick and straightforward. They have an excellent aesthetic appeal and give stunning results. Composite veneers are popular choices for covering discolored teeth that are resistant to teeth whitening procedures. They can also be used to reshape broken or cracked teeth.
However, they have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional porcelain veneers and lack appropriate strength. They are also more prone to chipping, breakage, and stain easily. Arguably although they tend to be a little cheaper than porcelain veneers, they have a high maintenance cost as they require frequent trips to the dental office in case of repair. The average lifespan for composite dental veneers could be around 5-8 years, depending on your oral hygiene and maintenance.
So, what are you waiting for? Get the smile of your dream at The Elegant Smile. If you have any more questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us. Our team of excellent dental professionals will be there to assist you.