What Are Veneers? An In-Depth Overview of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of dental material made of porcelain, plastic, or composite resin. They are custom-fitted by many dentists in dental clinic Toorak onto the front surfaces of teeth to cover any discoloration, chips, cracks, or structural defects such as misshapenness. Veneers are also quite popular because they get you a new smile without actually having to get braces or go through extensive cosmetic dental surgeries that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Veneers are also quite popular at this top dentist In pulaski because they get you a new smile without actually having to get braces or go through extensive cosmetic dental surgeries that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Let’s take a detailed look at what veneers are, the different types available, and some of the pros and cons of getting them.

What Are Dental Veneers?

As mentioned earlier, veneers are thin pieces of dental material custom-fitted by a dentist onto the front surfaces of teeth to cover any discoloration, chips, cracks, or structural defects such as misshapenness. 

Veneers are made of porcelain, plastic, or composite resin — the most popular being porcelain. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that has been used for veneers since the early 1970s because it matches tooth enamel in terms of colour, translucency, and durability. Composite resin is a modern material that is usually made of a mixture of filler materials or plastic resins which are added to powdered glassy ceramics. The composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers, but they’re much more cost-effective because they can be made in the dentist’s office. 

The downside to composite resin veneers is that they may not last as long as porcelain veneers and they may not look as natural. Plastic veneers are prone to staining and discoloration, while composite resin veneers may chip or fracture if they’re not properly cared for.  

There are different types of veneers available, each with its own set of pros and cons: 

1. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer and are made of ceramic. They are very thin and are custom-made to fit the colour and shape of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable and may last up to 10 or 15 years with proper care.  

The disadvantage to porcelain veneers is that they can be pretty expensive, costing anywhere from $800 to $1,200per tooth. They also require a considerate amount of preparation, including removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth.  

Pros: Durable, Resembles Natural Tooth Structure, Stain-Resistant 

Cons: More Expensive, Requires Tooth Preparation  

2. Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers are made of a mixture of plastic resins and powdered glass-ceramics. They are less durable than porcelain veneers, but they’re much more cost-effective because they can be made in the dentist’s office. Composite resin veneers also require less preparation than porcelain veneers and can usually be done in one visit 

The downside to composite resin veneers is that they may not last as long as porcelain veneers and may not look as natural. In addition, plastic veneers are prone to staining and discoloration, while composite resin veneers may chip or fracture if they’re not properly cared for . 

Pros: More Affordable, Can Be Done in One Visit, Less Preparation Needed 

Cons: May Not Last as Long as Porcelain Veneers, May not Look as Natural 

3. Plastic Veneers

Plastic veneers are made of plastic and are the least expensive veneer. They are very thin and can be custom-made to fit the colour and shape of your teeth. Plastic veneers are not as durable as porcelain or composite resin veneers and may last for up to 5 years with proper care 

The downside to plastic veneers is that they wear off quickly, which is why they are the least expensive of all options. They may chip or fracture easily and can also cause teeth to appear opaquer instead of natural-looking . 

Pros: Inexpensive, Can be Customized to Match Teeth, No Tooth Preparation Necessary 

Cons: Wears Off Quickly, May Chip or Fracture Easily, Can Cause Teeth to Appear More Opaque  

Instead of Natural-Looking.

Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer and are very thin and custom-made to fit the colour and shape of your teeth. This makes them durable and capable of lasting up to 15 years with proper care. Porcelain veneers require a significant amount of preparation which includes the removal of a small amount of enamel from the teeth.