Dental veneers are among the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. They are thin, semi-translucent shells bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth and are used to correct various cosmetic dental issues, including stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth. But what are veneers made of, and what’s best? Let’s see.
Custom-made from thin silvers of material, porcelain veneers are the traditional material. However, composite resin and other materials are now also available. You may be wondering which type is best for you. All have their advantages and disadvantages. The best kind for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Your dentist will discuss the options to enable you to make an informed choice, but here’s a summary of the options available to us.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve your smile, and they are made to last; but what are porcelain veneers made of?
They are made from a medical-grade ceramic material that is strong and durable. Customised to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, the result is a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Advantages of porcelain
Regarding dental veneers, porcelain is often seen as the gold standard. Porcelain veneers can correct various cosmetic dental concerns, including chipped, misshapen and discoloured teeth, as well as fix gaps and crooked teeth without orthodontic treatment.
One of the most significant advantages of porcelain veneers is that they look very natural. Porcelain is a translucent material, so it can be stain-resistant and mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
If you are considering porcelain veneers, you must consult a dentist to determine if they are the right choice for you.
Disadvantages of porcelain
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution, and although with good care, they last for many years (up to 15 years), once you have them, the procedure cannot be reversed. This is because a thin layer of enamel must be removed from the front of the tooth so that the veneer aligns with the other teeth. So, you must be prepared to replace porcelain veneers when needed.
Composite Veneers
A good budget choice, but what are these veneers made of?
Composite veneers (also known as bonded veneers) are usually made from a type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, they are also sometimes made from other materials, such as polycarbonate or polyurethane.
Advantages of composite dental veneers
Composite veneers are thinner than porcelain veneers and do not require any of the tooth structures to be altered. Therefore, the treatment is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is reversible.- Composite veneers can be colour-matched to blend in with your natural teeth.
- Composite veneers can be applied in a single office visit rather than the two it typically takes for porcelain veneers.
- Composite veneers are less expensive to produce than porcelain.
Disadvantages of composite veneers
- While composite veneers are less likely to chip or break than porcelain veneers, they are not as durable or long-lasting, with a lifespan of around 5 years.
Infinity Veneers
Infinity veneers are one of the newest innovations in the field of dental veneers, which we are proud to offer at Beyond Infinity Dental. Made from a proprietary formula of porcelain and adhesive cement, Infinity veneers resolve some problems with discolouration and staining that can be experienced with porcelain dental veneers.
As porcelain is so long-lasting, after 10 to 15 years, the colour of the veneers may change, depending on what type of cement was used to secure them.
Advantages of Infinity veneers
- The blend of materials used for Infinity veneers is designed to keep the colour stable for their entire life.
- Although porcelain is stain-resistant, it is not stainproof. With a different varnish applied to the surface of Infinity Veneers, they are smoother so that stains cannot adhere to them.
Considerations for Choosing your Dental Veneers
If you are considering getting dental veneers, there are a few things you should take into account before making your decision. Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can give you a beautiful white smile. However, they are also a major investment and are not suitable for everyone.
Before you get dental veneers, you should consider your budget, dental health and goals for your smile. You should also make sure to find a qualified, experienced dentist who can help determine what type of material for your veneers is the most suitable.
Can I see what my dental veneers will look like beforehand?
With the advent of the newest technologies and innovative materials, cosmetic dentistry has moved on in leaps and bounds over recent years. Using the latest computer and software technology, we can create a digital simulation of what your teeth will look like once the veneers have been applied.
So, it is now entirely possible to have a preview of what your dental veneers will look like beforehand and how amazing they will make your new smile look.
What are veneers made of: The takeaway
The materials that dental veneers are made from offer a range of temporary and permanent cosmetic dentistry solutions for anyone who is concerned with the appearance of their teeth and wants to improve their smile. At Beyond Infinity Dental, we have a highly experienced team who can help you to achieve your aesthetic goals and create an impressive smile with seamless integration of your dental veneers. Find out more and schedule an appointment with us today.
References
Colgate: What is orthodontics?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teen-oral-care/what-is-orthodontics
WebMD: Tooth enamel and erosion
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration#:~:text=enamel%20loss%20treated%3F-,What%20is%20tooth%20enamel%3F,can%20see%20light%20through%20it.
Wikipedia: Digital dentistry
