Different Types Of Veneers: Advantages & Disadvantages

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? Or do you refrain from smiling to avoid showing your teeth?

You may want to consider getting dental veneers for your teeth, especially if teeth whitening treatment and bleaching haven’t worked with better results.

Veneers are a dental service that is used for cosmetic or non-cosmetic purposes. The dental problems that veneers can fix are damaged teeth, tooth decay, or cracked teeth caused by an injury, chipped and smaller than average teeth. Many people opt for this dental treatment because they want personal customisation when it comes to the shape and size and it changes the appearance of their teeth.

Veneers can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and composite resin. There are many different types of dental veneer treatments available today, depending on the severity of your teeth condition. This blog post will discuss the purpose and definition of dental veneers before getting them done and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dental veneer treatment.

What Are Dental Veneers?

A dental veneer is a custom-made, tooth-coloured shell that fits over the front of a tooth. The purpose of veneers is to change the shape, colour, size and appearance of natural teeth.

Cosmetic dental issues like chips, cracks, discolouration, crooked teeth and gaps between teeth can be better masked with properly applied veneers. Veneers are often used as a single tooth fix, but it is always highly advisable to cover the entire mouth for optimum results.

A dental professional will take an impression of your teeth and send them to a dental lab, where they will use porcelain or composite resin to create custom-coloured veneers. Veneers can be made in one visit, but some people need multiple visits for dental laboratory work and adjustments before their dentist can install them on the teeth.

All veneers are permanent, which means they are irreversible procedures. If you have cavities or gum disease, it is essential to seek restorative dental treatment rather than veneers.

Learn More: What Are Veneers: Everything You Need To Know

Different Types of Veneers

There are various options for dental veneers depending on your needs, the type of look you want, budget and other factors.

Dental veneers are a permanent solution and expensive, which makes them a significant investment. Be sure to research your options carefully and ask for your dentist’s advice before considering them. After all, your teeth have a substantial effect on your overall appearance and confidence.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most popular option for those who want a flawless smile and excellent resistance to stains, and they can mimic the natural lustre of healthy teeth.

Porcelain laminate veneers are very biocompatible, which means they rarely damage the gum tissue and surrounding soft tissues in your mouth. The best thing about porcelain veneers is that they provide a significant improvement in the appearance of your smile because porcelain is very natural-looking.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

bright and slightly translucent appearance of natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers can last longer, up to eight to fifteen years, with proper oral hygiene.
They have a significant resistance to stains.
They are made from solid materials, so they are durable.
low chance of breakage or chipping of teeth.
Porcelain veneers have a smooth texture, giving you natural-looking teeth and are not bulky.
Occasionally, they injure gum tissue or surrounding soft tissues.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

This type of cosmetic dentistry is irreversible because a layer of enamel must be removed during the procedure to place veneers. Therefore, it’s impossible to turn back once treatment begins.
A porcelain veneer can cost more than other types of veneers, ranging from $1000 to $2500 per tooth.
An essential part of the procedure is removing a small layer of your tooth enamel. As a result, your teeth will become sensitive as they come into contact with hot or cold foods and drinks.
Some people experience tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you may feel noticeable sensitivity after your procedure for a few days, but it usually goes away. Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can manage it with over-the-counter products.
The procedure for porcelain veneers may take longer and can be invasive.
A porcelain veneer is custom made; thus, a more invasive procedure is required.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are constructed out of composite resin. This is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials, including the initiator, the resin, and the coupling agent. The primary inorganic material within composite resin is filler.

Composite resin veneers share the same properties as tooth-coloured dental fillings, and they are strong but not as durable.

They are manufactured and applied in the dental clinic by the dentist. They require only one appointment to be completed and bring back your beautiful smile and hide any imperfections.

Advantages of Composite Veneers

Composite veneers compared to porcelain veneers are less expensive. Hence, they are a popular choice at a lower cost.
These veneers are less expensive, which may only require a single visit to the clinic.
They are less invasive because they only require less enamel removal.
They have a low chance of harming your gum tissue.
Just like porcelain, they can cover up misshapen teeth, any discolouration and other aesthetic problems.

Disadvantages of Composite Veneers

Resin composite veneers are cheaper and can be a good alternative, but they are not always long-lasting, unlike porcelain veneers. But with proper care, they can last five to seven years.
The materials used for composite veneers tend to be weaker and are more likely to chip.
They tend to be replaced or repaired more often than porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers are prone to stains.

Lumineers Veneers

Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer made out of ultra-thin porcelain laminate; they are thinner than standard veneers. Thus, they require minimal preparation before placement and can be used for patients who can not have any tooth reduction done to prepare their teeth. This protects the integrity of the tooth surface and is easier to apply, unlike other types of veneers, which may need more work done on the patient’s teeth for them to fit correctly with the new material.

Lumineers are smooth, and they serve to treat teeth with discolouration, tooth shape irregularities, or gaps. They can also be used as a cosmetic solution to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Advantages of Lumineers Veneers

Lumineers veneers are reversible compared to other traditional veneers since enamel removal is not necessary.
It only requires less tooth preparation before the placement and bonding.
They are slightly less expensive than porcelain veneers.
Lumineers are stain-resistant, giving you a dazzling smile from the start.

Disadvantages of Lumineers Veneers

Since lumineers are designed as no-prep veneers, they add to the actual structure of the tooth, which may cause a feeling and appearance of bulkiness in your mouth.
Lumineer veneers have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers.
They appear to be less natural-looking teeth.

Removable Veneers

Suppose you have not yet fully decided on long-term investment in permanent traditional veneers but want to experience a flawless and brighter set of teeth. In that case, you may be interested in trying out removable veneers.

This type of veneer is removable, just like dentures, although the difference is that, unlike removable false teeth, they are not full crowns but a layer of teeth cosmetic that you can insert over your broken teeth. Removable veneers are also known as snap-on smiles or snap-on veneers. These are new dental technologies constructed out of resin and are less expensive, which can only cost $60 to $70. There are two types of removable veneers; they are called instant veneers and custom clip-on veneers.

Instant Veneers

You can find instant veneers for only $20 to $50. You can wear these cosmetic teeth after putting them in hot water and pressing your teeth into the soft-fitting material.

Custom Clip-On Veneers

If you are looking for high-quality removable veneers, custom clip-on veneers are the right choice for you. The dentist will first take a mould of your teeth, and then your impression will be sent to a dental lab. The dental lab technician is responsible for the customisation set of veneers, making sure they perfectly fit your needs and specifications. When they’re done being manufactured, you receive them in the mail after completion or as soon as they’re ready.

With the convenience of being removable, it is understandable that some patients opt for temporary veneers. However, these do not look as natural as permanent solutions and are more likely to be prone to plaque buildup.

Advantages of Removable Veneers

The benefit of these veneers is that they are removable; you can wear them whenever you feel like it or on any special occasion for a perfect smile.
Temporary veneers are a less invasive procedure and have an easy application process.
Custom clip-on veneers are custom-fit. Meaning, you can still choose the shade of your teeth, size and shape that you prefer.
Removable veneers are way more affordable than other traditional veneers.
Through the use of removable veneers, you can experience what permanent veneers would look and feel like for you. This aesthetic dental treatment will help you decide before considering a long-term investment.
The dentist will be able to observe how you respond to veneers and measure the appropriate size.
It can provide instant coverage to your natural teeth and a perfect appearance.

Disadvantages of Removable Veneers

With the convenience of being removable, they are prone to a buildup of plaque which can lead to tooth decay and cavities that, if left untreated, may cause damage to the surface of the teeth.
They are not as thin as conventional veneers; you may feel uncomfortable when you eat or talk, especially for the first few days.
Temporary veneers are not considered a long-term solution for discoloured teeth, cracked, chipped or damaged teeth.
Unlike with other veneers, removable does not provide any gaps between your teeth.
They do not have resistance to stains, which makes them vulnerable to tooth discolouration.

Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are also known as onlays; they generally restore posterior teeth (the surface behind front teeth). They are called palatal because of the medical term behind the surface of a tooth. Damaged palatal teeth can also impact the anterior teeth. These dental problems are often caused by erosion, bruxism and deep bite. Patients with palatal damage of the anterior teeth usually do not display symptoms. One potential cause of tooth erosion is chronic vomiting or severe acid reflux.

Composite palatal onlays offer a great solution to only repair the affected part of the teeth. This preserves the entire tooth structure and improves oral health by strengthening it rather than using full veneers.

Palatal veneers come in two different chemical compositions: porcelain and resin. Porcelain is the most durable material, and dentists typically use it for this reason.

Advantages of Palatal Veneers

Palatal veneers are comfortable in the tooth.
They can come in two different types of materials: porcelain and resin. Both are permanent, durable, and last longer than dental crowns or fillings.
Palatal veneers also require tooth preparation by removing the damaged part of the tooth and then reshaping. The dentist will apply the palatal onlay to the tooth in the preservation of the tooth structure.
Palatal onlays serves as protection on the surface of your tooth.
For people who are concerned about aesthetics, onlays may be the best choice. They will match your natural teeth, and they are stain-resistant.
A set of veneers is unnecessary, especially if you only have a few teeth that need cover-up.
Every tooth is susceptible to dental problems like decay, cavities, and chips as we age or lifestyle. Onlay reduces the risk of severe damage.
This veneer is not only for cosmetic purposes but serves as a dental restoration for oral health problems.
Onlays allow patients to talk and eat more comfortably, decreasing the risk of bacteria seeping into teeth.

Disadvantages of Palatal Veneers

A dental filling is easier to maintain than a crown or palatal onlays because it only takes one visit. On the other hand, an onlay requires two appointments. In the first appointment, your dentist will prepare and take impressions of your teeth and place temporary restorations for you. At the same time, they wait until their next meeting with you, where they remove that temporary work before putting in an onlay.

Palatal veneer procedures tend to be more costly than traditional fillings because of the unique dental restoration tools that need to be constructed in a dental lab. However, it will cost less in the long run because the restoration stays in place longer.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that there are mainly two types of veneer materials: resin and porcelain. The decision on which type to use will depend primarily on preference and durability for the long-lasting use of veneers.

The procedure for placing Dental Veneers can be invasive. Dental appointments are necessary to check the condition and teeth preparation. Starting with a mould of your teeth, you can choose the desired shape and fit to personalise them.

One of the most common reasons people get dental veneers is to fix tooth discolouration, cracked or broken teeth that are sometimes caused by an injury or natural growth. Veneers can also be used for various other problems, such as teeth that are chipped or worn down and misaligned teeth. There are many different types and materials available depending on your needs, so you must explore all options before deciding what type will work best for you.

Dental veneers require a follow-up visit with your dentist to ensure their lifespan, of course, with proper dental hygiene as they are essential for your overall health, not only for the appearance of teeth.

When looking for a dental clinic, it is essential to find one that offers all the services and treatments that meet your needs. Burwood Dental Care provides high-quality care in general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry like veneers. If you have any questions, please contact us at 03 7034 0333 today!