Have you ever dreamed of having a picture-perfect smile? Just imagine how it would improve your appearance, not to mention your self-esteem and self-confidence! If you’re one of the countless people throughout the Austin, TX, area that have wanted a perfect smile but never believed it would be possible, we have some good news! Thanks to dental veneers, almost anyone can have an absolutely gorgeous smile in no time at all. And there’s even more good news: the process involved in getting new veneers is quick and virtually pain-free!
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Not only do veneers create a stunningly beautiful smile; they are also an effective way to protect the patient’s natural teeth. For that reason, veneers are often an excellent choice for people with minor dental imperfections, including the following:
- Chips or small cracks in teeth
- Teeth with wide gaps in between
- Misshapen teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Teeth that are badly stained and can’t be whitened (such as patients with eroded enamel, for example)
You’ll need to be in good overall oral health before your dentist will fit you with new veneers. That means that whatever oral health issues you may have – such as tooth decay or gum disease, for example – will need to be resolved through the appropriate dental treatment methods before your dentist can apply your new veneers. There are several different types of veneers available, so you should discuss the options with your dentist to find out which one is best for you. Current dental technology provides patients with their choice of these six different types of veneers: porcelain, composite resin, palatal, Lumineers®, non-permanent veneers, and CEREC® veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental porcelain isn’t exactly the same as the porcelain used in fine china. In fact, the porcelain used in veneers and other dental restorations is extremely strong and durable, typically lasting for several years. But that’s not the only advantage that this ceramic material provides; it can also be crafted to look exactly like a patient’s natural teeth. It’s for these reasons – strength, durability, and its appearance – that porcelain veneers are one of the most popular choices for patients and dentists alike.
Composite Resin
Another contemporary dental material that is commonly used in veneers is composite resin. This material is the same as that used in tooth-colored fillings. It presents several advantages for both patient and dentist, since it is quite versatile and can be made to very closely match the patient’s natural teeth. Composite resin veneers are also somewhat more affordable than other types, although they typically don’t last quite as long as some other veneers and are more easily damaged. Still, composite resin veneers are a good choice for some patients.
Palatal Veneers
For people suffering from severely worn front teeth – damage that is typically caused by teeth grinding, eroded enamel or a deep bite, for example – applying veneers to the inside surface of the teeth is often an excellent way to restore good oral health and make the patient’s teeth once again fully functional. These veneers are called palatal veneers, and they are applied to only the damaged portion of each tooth. They come in a variety of different materials, including composite resin, porcelain, and gold.
Lumineers®
For people suffering from severely worn front teeth – damage that is typically caused by teeth grinding, eroded enamel or a deep bite, for example – applying veneers to the inside surface of the teeth is often an excellent way to restore good oral health and make the patient’s teeth once again fully functional. These veneers are called palatal veneers, and they are applied to only the damaged portion of each tooth. They come in a variety of different materials, including composite resin, porcelain, and gold.
Non-Permanent Veneers
Some dental patients are looking for veneers that they can apply and remove on their own, or to wear for limited periods of time either for special occasions or while they wait for permanent veneers to be created in a dental lab. In these instances, non-permanent veneers can be a good choice. This type of veneer is usually made from either a plastic or a resin material, and are often available for the patient in a take-home kit.
CEREC® Veneers
One of the most innovative dental technologies of recent years has been CEREC®, or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This cutting-edge technique is typically used by dentists to create permanent crowns right in the dentist’s office while the patient waits. This same-day crown procedure eliminates the need for multiple trips to the dentist’s office, as well as the waiting time involved when an outside dental lab creates the crown. Now, CEREC® can also be used to create custom-made ceramic veneers right in the dentist office, without the need for an outside lab. The material is quite strong and long-lasting, and looks very much like the patient’s natural teeth. That, combined with the convenience of getting new permanent veneers in a single visit to the dentist’s office, makes CEREC® veneers a popular choice for many dental patients.
If you’ve ever wanted a more attractive smile, talk to your dentist about the different types of veneers. This remarkable dental technology allows even the most dentally challenged patient to enjoy all the benefits of a fully functional set of teeth – not to mention the beautiful smile that goes along with it! Which type of veneer you choose will depend on what type of dental issues you need to have resolved, as well as your lifestyle and budget considerations. Fortunately, modern dental technology offers dental patients a wide variety of types of veneers, so there’s truly something for everyone. To find out more information about the different veneers, and to determine which type is right for you, schedule an appointment with your Austin, TX, dentist today!
