Veneers – Which Type Is Right for You?

When your teeth are stained or discolored past the point that whitening will make enough difference, veneers provide a solution that will take care of the problem permanently. These are cosmetic dental coverings that are permanently adhered to your teeth, giving them a beautiful look once again. Most of the time they are applied by a cosmetic dentist. There are two main types: porcelain and composite.

Porcelain veneers are the most common type used today. These are thin coverings made out of porcelain and applied to the front of your teeth with a permanent bonding solution. In order to get them to stick, your dentist will have to remove much of your enamel. This means they are a permanent cosmetic dental solution to your discolored teeth.

In order to make the porcelain coverings the right size, you will need to have an impression made of your teeth. The dentist will then send this impression to the lab to create the coverings customized for your teeth. 

Composite veneers are a little bit cheaper, because they do not require the impression and custom-made coverings. Instead, your dentist will create the new surface of your teeth while you are in the office to fit your teeth. It also does not require as much of the enamel to be removed. Instead, the dentist will scratch the surface of the teeth to help improve the strength of the bond. Then, a composite material is placed on the teeth. Once it is dry, your teeth will once again be sparkling white.

Of the two types, composite is easier to repair should you have a problem in the future. Chips can easily be filled in with more of the composite material, whereas a chip or crack of a porcelain veneer requires it to be removed and replaced.

So which are best for you? The answer depends largely on how bad your teeth are and what your dentist thinks. The best way to decide is to talk to a dentist about your options. He will then be able to explain the benefits and downsides of both types of veneers.

Once your teeth are properly covered, you will want to take care of them carefully to ensure that they remain bright and shiny for many years. Be prepared for your teeth to be a bit sensitive right after application. You will want to avoid hot or cold foods and use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. After a couple of weeks, you should be able to resume your normal eating habits. However, you may be advised to avoid biting into excessively hard foods that could damage the coverings.

Other than that, care for veneers is not much different than the care for your normal teeth. You need to brush your teeth after every meal, and then floss at least once per day. If you notice any problems, like a veneer that is not attached to your teeth or has twisted, contact your dentist. Maintain your regular six-month cleanings to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong underneath their shining new coverings.