Madison Dentists Explain The 5 Types of Veneers
Are you dreaming of a flawless smile but have discolored, chipped or large gaps in your teeth? Veneers may be your answer. Luckily, we’ve laid out the 5 types of veneers and explanations of each below.
Achieve a pearly white smile and added confidence with veneers, available at our dental clinic in Madison, WI.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry where a thin, custom-made shell is applied to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can solve various cosmetic-related dental issues, such as stained or discolored teeth, uneven teeth or gaps between teeth. They are bonded to your existing teeth using a dental adhesive and can be shaped and color-matched to surrounding teeth.
The 5 main veneers available on the market today:
- Porcelain
- Lumineers
- Composite
- Palatal
- Non-permanent veneers
The 5 Types of Veneers
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, or traditional veneers, started as a temporary fix to improve the smiles of actors in the 1930s. These veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front side of your teeth and have since become a popular and permanent solution for undesired smiles. Porcelain veneers will last for at least ten years, and with the right dental care and maintenance, can last for over 20 years.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and long-lasting | Invasive procedure |
| Natural-looking | Cost |
| Resistant to staining | Required maintenance |
| Customizable | Not suitable for all patients |
| Improved oral health |
2. Dental Lumineers
Lumineers are a brand of veneers and are known as the thinnest and strongest dental veneer, about as thick as a contact lens. Lumineers take about two dentist visits to apply, are pain-free and do not require grinding. They will last for over 20 years and are completely reversible if desired.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive procedure | Cost |
| Pain-free installment | Required maintenance |
| Customizable | Limited color options |
| Resistance to staining | Not suitable for all patients |
| Improved oral health |
Common complaints about Lumineers include:
- Detachment shortly after treatment
- Translucency shows a dark tooth beneath instead of being pearly white
- Patients think the veneer is not thick enough
3. Composite Veneers
Also known as bonded veneers, composite veneers are a cheaper and less destructive way to improve your smile. Bonded veneers use a composite material to cover your front teeth and are polished and smoothed to achieve the look of regular teeth. Composite veneers will help you achieve your dream smile, but are more prone to chipping and staining than porcelain veneers. Though a large disadvantage, composite veneers can be easily repaired and last on average 5-10 years.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive procedure | Not as durable as porcelain |
| Cost-effective | More prone to staining |
| Fast, easy installment | Less precise color matching |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Improved oral health | Not suitable for all patients |
Composite veneers can be applied in one visit by TCD dentists. Total Care Dental has been flawlessly applying bonded veneers for years, giving patients a beautiful smile.
4. Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are generally constructed out of gold, but you can also get them manufactured out of porcelain or composite materials. These veneers are designed specifically for the treatment and management of tooth wear and are applied to the inside of your upper teeth.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetic improvement | Invasive procedure |
| Long-lasting | Cost |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Improved oral health | Not suitable for all patients |
| Requires specialized expertise |
5. Non-Permanent Veneers
Non-permanent veneers, also called temporary veneers, are typically used before porcelain veneers are placed or when you want easily removable veneers when needed. Non-permanent veneers are made from a flexible type of resin material or plastic. This veneer is often used as a temporary solution to shape your teeth until your permanent veneers are ready for fitment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive | Not as durable as permanent veneers |
| Cost-effective | More prone to staining |
| Fast, easy procedure | Less precise color matching |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Temporary solution | May not be suitable for all cases |
Veneers Dentist in Madison, WI
Whether you want to improve your smile with porcelain veneers or bonded veneers, our Madison cosmetic dentistry service will help you achieve your dream smile. We’ll go over and help you choose which type of veneer is best suitable for your unique case. Get the smile you’ve always wanted and gain newfound confidence with veneers from our Madison area dental clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Veneers
Q: Are veneers permanent or removable?
A: Most veneers are designed to be permanent and cannot be removed without a dentist. They usually last between 10-20 years depending on your oral health and the material used.
Some veneers are removable, in the form of snap-on veneers. You can get them prefabricated or custom-made. Although this may be an option for some, we recommend permanent veneers for a long-lasting, natural look.
Q: Can veneers be reshaped?
A: Minor adjustments to your veneers can be made. It will depend on how much material is left on the surface of the veneer to reshape. Your porcelain veneers can be reshaped by your dentist but will leave your tooth with a rough unglazed surface. Most of the time, your dentist will show you the veneer in your mouth and have it approved by you before bonding it to your teeth.
Q: What is the best type of veneer?
A: The best type of veneer for you will depend on your specific case and goals. Factors you should consider before choosing a type of veneer are the dental issues are you trying to address (cracks, chips, gaps, or discoloration), your budget, maintenance frequency preferences and aesthetic goals.
Q: Which veneers look most natural?
A: Porcelain veneers look the most natural to unmodified teeth. Porcelain has a similar translucency and color to natural teeth and can be best customized to match your exact shade of surrounding teeth.
Q: Does insurance cover veneers?
A: Since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance companies typically do not cover them. Some dental insurance policies may cover the cost of veneers. This will depend on your specific dental insurance plan and the reason you need the procedure. If you have suffered damage from an accident, your insurance may cover the cost of repairing your teeth with veneers.
Q: What are similar to veneers?
A: If veneers are not the right dental option for you, three additional cosmetic options to improve your smile include crowns, in-office teeth whitening and dental contouring. These methods will still give your teeth a bright, natural look and they may be less invasive and pricey than choosing veneers.
Contact our Madison veneer dentists when you’re ready for a sparkling smile you can’t wait to show off.
