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A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health

Which Type Of Veneers Are Right For You?

27 May 2021

Bella Snyder

If you have teeth that are crooked, discolored, or chipped, you may be looking at veneers. Veneers can be a great option for people who don't want to undergo extensive orthodontic work and for people who want to fix many cosmetic problems in one go. There are different veneer types that you can get depending on your preferences, oral health needs, and so on. Each type has its pros and cons; read on to see which type of veneer would best suit your needs.

Traditional Veneers

With traditional veneers, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel on your teeth so that the veneer shells can fit snugly around each tooth. With traditional veneers, you can get either resin-based veneers or porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are aesthetically pleasing, can last a long time, and are resistant to staining. The downside is that they can be incredibly expensive. Composite veneers can look natural as well, but they can stain over time and tend to not last as long as their porcelain counterparts.

If your dental health is good and you want a high-quality product, then traditional veneers may be the way to go. If you have sensitive teeth or thin enamel, then traditional veneers may not be a good option.

Laminates

Some people prefer laminates because less enamel needs to be removed during the preparatory stage. In fact, some laminates are so thin, that your dentist may not need to remove any enamel beforehand. Since there is no enamel removal, laminates can often be placed more quickly and easily than other veneer options. Laminates in general are also much more affordable than other veneer options. Although traditional veneers are high-end in terms of aesthetics, some patients may be just as happy with laminates since the thin ceramic is more translucent than porcelain and can reflect light like natural enamel. The downside of laminates is that they are more prone to cracking than traditional veneers — especially if you suffer from bruxism. Laminates are also not a good option if you prone to recurrent cavities.

Snap-on Veneers

Snap-on veneers are a great option for people who want a less permanent solution to traditional veneers or laminates. Snap-on veneers look a little like Invisalign trays, in that they fit snuggly over your natural teeth. Instead of being clear like Invisalign trays, however, snap-on veneers are made of a colored resin. Like laminates, you will not need to have any enamel removed beforehand to wear snap-on veneers. Snap-on veneers are usually the most affordable option out there, which can be great for people on a budget who want to correct many teeth. Snap-on veneers can be a good option for people who struggle with dental health, since the veneers can be removed each day for a thorough cleaning. The main downside of snap-on veneers is that their appearance may not be as nice as traditional veneers or laminates. Snap-on veneers can also wear down quickly; for example, the resin can warp if exposed to hot liquids.

As you can see, there are pros and cons of each category, but your dentist can help you find the veneer type that works best for your needs and cosmetic goals. For more information on dental veneers, talk with a dentist.

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