What is a Veneer?

In dental terms, a veneer is a tool that is used to disguise tooth imperfections, such as misalignment or discolouration, and to create a flawless, white smile. Veneers are very popular among adults in the UK, particularly in today’s image-conscious society, where we are often judged by the condition of our teeth when we first meet someone. There are various types of veneers, which differ in price and performance, but they all work towards the aim of fixing smiles and giving patients back the confidence to interact with others in social situations.

There are two basic types of veneers, but these versions can vary slightly, according to which company they are manufactured by and how much they cost. The most popular type of veneers are made out of porcelain, and they work by shaping an individual shell for each tooth, to cover every problem. Composite bonding material is also used, but less commonly, as it takes a lot more skill to properly place veneers like this than it does with the porcelain variety.

What sort of veneers should I get, porcelain or composite?

That decision is dependent on several factors; your own personal opinion, the recommendation of your dentist, and any budgetary constraints you might be under. Veneers don’t last forever, but they are considered a permanent addition to the teeth, so you have to consider your options carefully before making a final decision. Let’s take a look at the difference between porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

Porcelain – As mentioned earlier, these are the most popular veneers in the world of dentistry, simply because they are very hard-wearing and can help with numerous dental problems. If you are looking for a long-lasting product, you should go some type of porcelain veneer, as they can last for a decade or more, without needing too much upkeep. However, you should be aware that there the process of fitting porcelains is slightly more invasive than with composite veneers, because the shells have to be individually sculpted to fit over each tooth; this means that some sections of the hard enamel layer have to be removed, so that the veneers don’t appear too bulky. This procedure is done under local anaesthetic, using specialist drilling and shaping tools, and it leaves the natural teeth looking much smaller and with a peg-like appearance. Remodelling the teeth is an irreversible process, so you have to be sure that you are making the right choice before you go ahead. Furthermore, if too much of the enamel is shaved away, this could lead to problems with sensitivity, as the inner pulp chamber has less protection from outside elements.

It normally takes at least two appointments to fit porcelain veneers; one to reshape the natural teeth, and one to fit the new laminates – although, it could take longer if there is a lot of restructuring to be done, or you are having all of your teeth treated.

Composite – When compared to the porcelain variety, veneers that are made from composite bonding material are considered to be less durable, not as natural-looking, and definitely the cheaper alternative. However, if your dental condition means you are not suitable for porcelain veneers, you can still find an experienced dentist who could provide you with a beautiful set of composite teeth. It takes a little bit more skill to properly build a set of veneers using filler material, simply because the fitting process is very different to other products; composite is a malleable substance, which has to be applied in layers, and then smoothed out to create a desirable tooth shape. Porcelain shells are sent away to a laboratory to be manufactured, whereas composite ones can me mixed on-site by your dentist, and although this does mean the treatment can normally be completed in one sitting, it also makes it harder to find a decent provider, who has the artistic flare necessary to give you a desirable outcome.

If you can’t afford an expensive set of porcelain veneers, by all means, invest in some composite ones, but you should be aware that they will only last for around five years in their original condition, and they are often prone to damage and staining, so you need to be careful what you eat.

Lumineers/Emax – These could be considered a more advanced version of porcelain veneers; they are created using specially treated ceramic, which is designed to be much more hard-wearing, and to closely resemble the natural enamel of your teeth, in colour, texture, and performance. Lumineers and Emax veneers do cost more than their counterparts, but most dentists would agree that the extra investment is worth it for a new set of teeth that could last for decades. In addition, because the material is stronger, the porcelain shells can be cut much thinner than they would be with traditional veneers; this means the dentist can avoid cutting back a substantial amount of the enamel, and they can reverse the procedure if necessary, because the condition of the natural teeth has not been significantly altered.

Temporary veneers – If you are having porcelain veneers fitted, it’s likely that you will need some sort of temporary device between your appointments, which is used to protect the reshaped teeth, and to keep them functioning as normal – they can also give a good idea of what the ultimate outcome will be. Temporary veneers are normally made from strong acrylic resin, which is moulded on-site and then fixed over the remodelled teeth. If you are having Lumineers, or you just didn’t need very much reshaping done, you might not be given a temporary device – your dentist may deem it unnecessary, judging by the condition of your teeth. These veneers will not look or feel the same as the permanent veneers, but they often play a vital part in the protection and performance of your natural teeth.

If you are thinking about getting some type of veneers fitted, you should book with the best; The Pearl Dental Clinic can provide you with various restorative treatments, and a member of staff is always available to speak to you about your current condition, or to schedule a consultation.