When Should I Have Dental Veneers?

You may want to consider having veneers if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, misaligned, or crooked
• You are not happy with the color of your teeth
• You want to increase the number of available tooth surfaces for dental crowns and bridges
• You need a replacement for the missing tooth structure
• Your gums are receding, and you’re concerned about your smile’s appearance

Veneers can provide you with a beautiful, natural-looking smile. They will enhance the appearance of any mouth and contribute to a positive self-image. Veneers are also designed to improve chewing ability, eliminate tooth sensitivity and provide back support for dental implants.

Types of Dental Veneers

In the dental industry, both permanent and transitory veneers are obtainable. The veneers’ durability and aesthetic qualities are also affected by the veneer material. Each veneer type is best suited to specific circumstances and requirements.

It is essential to consider all of the available options when evaluating the different kinds of veneers. Porcelain veneers, composite veneers, ceramic veneers, Zirconium veneers, Lumineers, snap-on veneers, E-max veneers, palatal veneers, and same-day veneers will be explained below.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular veneer types that you can easily get from a dentist office near you. They are composed of feldspar, a naturally occurring glass-ceramic. The very natural appearance of feldspathic porcelain is due to its translucent and fragile characteristics. Moreover, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to fractures, stains, and discoloration. They are also more durable than other types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are the best options for a patient who desires natural-looking permanent teeth that will last between 8 to 15 years and are stain-resistant, too.

Porcelain Veneers Pros

• Natural looking
• Last 8-15 years
• Durable
• Strong
• Stain-resistant

Porcelain Veneers Cons

• Tooth prep needed
• Irreversible
• Long application procedure
• Costly

CERAMIC VENEERS

A minimally invasive procedure, ceramic veneers, also referred to as veneers, are attached to the teeth. They are used to repair fractured, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Dentists can transform a single tooth, an existing fissure, or even the entire set of teeth into a work of art by enhancing their appearance with ceramic veneers. Ceramic veneers are perfect options for a patient who desires less expensive and less invasive veneers with a natural appearance than porcelain veneers.

Ceramic Veneers Pros

• Natural looking
• Affordable than porcelain veneers
• Less enamel needs to be removed
• Less invasive than porcelain veneers

Ceramic Veneers Cons

• Long application procedure
• Tooth prep needed
• Irreversible

COMPOSITE VENEERS

Composite veneers can be used as a substitute to porcelain veneers because they can be made more swiftly and affordable. Composite veneers are primarily composed of resin, a tooth-colored component used for dental repair. Due to the fragility of the posterior teeth, the success rate of composite veneers is higher when used to the front teeth. Composite veneers have a limited lifespan and are more susceptible to staining, cracking, and abrasion than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are ideal for a patient who desires a temporary, cost-effective procedure.

Composite Veneers Pros

• Same-day application
• Affordable
• Easily modified

Composite Veneers Cons

• Stains easily
• Fragile
• Not as natural
• Not long-lasting

LUMINEERS

Lumineers are one-visit veneer procedures that require minimal tooth preparation. Also referred to as non-prep veneers, they are tiny, compact shells that are gently attached to the teeth to improve the dilapidated surface of the teeth. Lumineers are considered a temporary remedy for chipped, malformed, or discolored teeth. Lumineers are excellent for those who want veneers but would rather avoid invasive procedures. You can compare Lumineers vs porcelain veneers to determine if this is for you.

Lumineers Pros

• Non-invasive
• Removable
• Same-day application
• Easy to modify

Lumineers Cons

• Possible gum problems
• Easy to break
• Not ideal for dark stains

ZIRCONIUM VENEERS

One of the most resilient veneers is Zirconium veneers. They are the perfect dental treatment for severe tooth decay, broken teeth, and cracked teeth. They are also an option for resolving teeth discoloration because of their opaque look. Their superior quality and durability make them to often outlast the majority of other veneer varieties. Consequently, Zirconium veneers are ideal for a patient who desires stronger teeth due to dental decay, chipped teeth, or bruxism (teeth grinding).

Zirconium Veneers Pros

• Chipping-resistant
• Strongest type of veneers
• Strengthens teeth
• Bite alignment
• Good for bruxism

Zirconium Veneers Cons

• Slightly opaque -may look less natural
• Hard to modify

E-MAX VENEERS

Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic is used to construct E-max veneers. One of the most commonly used veneer types, E-max veneers are currently among the finest due to their natural beauty, durability, and sturdiness. With their transparent characteristic, they are able to merge in with your natural teeth. E-max veneers can be used for a patient who desires long-lasting, stain-resistant teeth with a natural appearance.

E-max Veneers Pros

• Natural looking
• Irreversible
• Accurate shape
• Don’t stain easily
• Long-lasting

E-max Veneers Cons

• Strong but not the strongest
• Pricier than other veneers
• Fairly long application process

SNAP-ON VENEERS

Snap-on veneers are removable and do not alter the appearance of the natural teeth. Snap-on veneers, also known as clip-on veneers, are the optimal alternative to dental implants, traditional porcelain veneers, and clear orthodontics. These impermanent veneers, compared to other dental procedures, require less invasive techniques. This means that they do not require disagreeable or invasive procedures, such as scraping the teeth, for application. Snap-on veneers can be used for a patient who desires inexpensive, removable veneers that are easy to apply.

Snap-on Veneers Pros

• Quick application process
• Removable
• Affordable

Snap-on Veneers Cons

• Susceptible to breaking
• Unnatural looking

SAME-DAY VENEERS

Same-day veneers are manufactured, planned, and administered on the same day. Also referred to as ready-made veneers, they are made in a dental facility using a milling machine equipped with CAD/CAM technology compared to

traditional porcelain veneers. The procedure includes dental preparation, digital scanning, and veneer fabrication. Same-day veneers can be used for a patient who desires an immediate and cost-effective veneer option. Compare same day veneers vs traditional veneers to determine if this type of veneers is for you.

Same-Day Veneers Pros

• Same-day procedure
• Low-cost

Same-Day Veneers Cons

• Fragile

PALATAL VENEERS

Palatal veneers are also referred to as palatal onlays and lingual veneers. These veneers have been created to restore anterior teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay or similar circumstances. Due to the fact that patients frequently disregard this concern, palatal veneers are not a common form of veneer. Palatal veneers are ideal for a patient who desires to rectify the back teeth.

Palatal Veneers Pros

• Fixes anterior teeth
• Corrects and enhances bite
• Protects gums
• Strong
• Durable and resilient

Palatal Veneers Cons

• Intricate procedure
• Generally expensive

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry compared the survival rate of 2 varieties of veneers over a 2 ½-year period. This study compared porcelain veneers vs. composite veneers and revealed that porcelain veneers had the highest overall survival rate. This is the reason why porcelain veneers continue to be the finest veneers on the market.

Help choosing which Veneers

Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist:

The first step in choosing the right veneer type is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and recommend suitable veneer options based on your specific needs. A professional assessment will help you understand which veneer type aligns best with your dental condition.

Budget Considerations:

Different veneer types come with varying costs, and it’s essential to consider your budget when making a decision. Porcelain veneers and Emax veneers, for example, are usually more expensive than composite veneers. However, they also tend to last longer and offer superior aesthetics. Discuss pricing and payment options with your dentist to find a solution that fits your budget while still achieving satisfactory results.

Aesthetic Preferences:

Each veneer type has distinct aesthetic qualities. If achieving the most natural-looking result is your priority, porcelain veneers, Emax veneers, or ultrathin veneers might be the best options to consider. On the other hand, if you prefer a same-day transformation or have budget constraints, composite veneers could be the most suitable choice. Look at before-and-after photos of each veneer type to get a better idea of the final appearance.

Longevity and Durability:

Consider the longevity and durability of each veneer type. Porcelain and Emax veneers are known for their strength and resilience, lasting up to 10-15 years or even more with proper care. On the other hand, composite veneers might need replacement or touch-ups more frequently. Understanding the maintenance requirements and potential lifespan of each veneer type will help you make an informed decision.

Sensitivity and Oral Health:

Some individuals may have heightened tooth sensitivity or specific oral health conditions that could influence the choice of veneer type. Discuss any concerns you have about sensitivity or existing dental issues with your dentist to ensure the selected veneer type is compatible with your oral health.

How to achieve natural-looking veneers:

Choosing the most natural-looking veneers involves a combination of not only selecting the right materials but also relying on the expertise of a skilled dentist and engaging in thorough communication about your desired outcome. By carefully considering these factors, you can achieve a radiant smile that appears beautifully natural and perfectly complements your facial features.

Bespoke Colour Matching:

A skilled cosmetic dentist will take the time to match the colour, translucency, and surface texture of the veneers to your natural teeth. This personalised approach ensures that the veneers seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile, making it challenging for anyone to distinguish between the veneered and natural teeth.

Surface Texture and Contouring:

The texture and contouring of veneers play a vital role in creating a natural appearance. Natural teeth have slight imperfections, irregularities, and variations in surface texture. Expert cosmetic dentists can replicate these characteristics in the veneers, adding to their authenticity and making them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.

Smile Design:

Before proceeding with the permanent veneers, some dentists offer mock-ups or use digital smile design technology to create a preview of the final result. This allows you to visualise how the veneers will look on your teeth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the most natural and flattering outcome.

Dental Veneers Surgery



When you decide that dental veneers would be appropriate for you, your dentist will first have to prepare your existing tooth structure to be suitable for receiving a cosmetic dentistry restoration. Next, your dentist will need to remove some enamel from the front surface of your teeth to accommodate their thickness and ensure that they bond properly with your natural tooth enamel beneath. Once this has been completed and any remaining decay has been properly treated, the dentist will bond your new veneers in place using special dental cement.

Dental veneers are an excellent way to get a better smile without requiring major reconstructive dental work. They can be used on both front and back teeth and come in a wide variety of colors, allowing dental veneers to match the natural color of your teeth. To get started with a consultation, contact your local dentist.

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