If you’ve been looking into dental veneers to achieve your smile goals, you may be aware that there are several different veneer types available to you. Each type will sit on top of your natural tooth in thin, wafer-like shells, correcting issues such as gaps, misalignment, discoloration or teeth worn with age.
The two most common materials for dental veneers are porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are created in a dental laboratory by a skilled technician. They are known as “indirect veneers.” Those veneers are then bonded to the surface of your natural teeth. Other veneers are created utilizing the composite resin directly onto your teeth while you’re in the dental chair. These veneer types are known as “direct veneers.” They require a level of artistry from the cosmetic dentist that is not as necessary as with indirect veneers.
Porcelain veneers can best correct extensive damage, discoloration, extremely worn teeth or very gapped or uneven teeth. Composite resin veneers are the best choice for small tooth issues like small cracks, chips or minor discoloration.
Porcelain veneers often require the permanent removal of some of the enamel of the tooth, a process known as enameloplasty. This is necessary in order to accommodate the bulk of the porcelain veneer on top of the tooth. If too little enamel is removed, a veneer can look puffy or artificial.
Some porcelain veneers are available that are so thin that they require only the smallest amount of enamel be ground away. These are called “no prep” veneers, and they are rising in popularity due to their ability to preserve more of the tooth’s enamel.
Talk to your cosmetic dentist to find out more about dental veneers and what type is the best one for you and your smile goals.