Types of Veneers: Which is Best for You?

Whether you’re interested in getting veneers for chipped teeth, to cover up stains, or just to enhance the overall appearance and balance of your smile, you may be wondering what type of veneers are right for you.

Should you go with porcelain veneers? Resin composite veneers? Are there any removable veneer options that you can wear temporarily to enhance your smile? You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. In this guide from Walnut Creek Dental, we’ll discuss the most popular types of veneers, explain the pros and cons of each one, and help you make the right decision for your cosmetic treatment.

Explaining The Most Common Types Of Veneers

Not sure what your options are for enhancing your smile with veneers? Here’s a quick overview of the most popular types of veneers offered at modern dental offices.

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• Porcelain veneers – Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer. They are made from ceramic materials that are very similar to enamel in color, strength, and translucence. Porcelain is very strong, stain-resistant, and has a very long lifespan, which is why porcelain veneers are so popular among patients who want to transform their smiles with cosmetic dentistry.
• Minimal or “no-prep” veneers – Sometimes called “no-prep,” veneers, minimal prep veneers are made of a very strong yet thin porcelain material that’s usually only 0.2mm thick. Since they're so thin, they do not require as much enamel to be removed from your teeth, and sometimes can be placed without removing any tooth material at all. Although there are some others, Lumineers are the most popular brand of minimal prep veneers on the market today.
• Composite veneers – Composite veneers are made of a mixture of dental resin and glass. This is similar to the material used for dental bonding and fillings. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers, but they do not last as long and aren’t quite as strong.
• Removable “snap-on” veneers – Removable veneers are made of plastic. They're meant to snap over your existing teeth, temporarily covering them up. Snap-On Smile is the most commonly used brand of removable veneers at dental offices. 

Comparing Porcelain Vs. Resin Veneers – What’s Better?

If you want to permanently enhance your smile with veneers in Groveport, OH, your two main options are porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. What’s the best type of veneers? It depends on your smile goals, your budget, and a few other factors. In the below comparison, you can learn a little bit more about the pros and cons of both types of veneers.

Aesthetic results

Overall, porcelain veneers are the winner when it comes to overall aesthetic results. When designing your smile, Dr. Pappas and our team can choose a ceramic material that matches your existing teeth perfectly. Compared to composite veneers, porcelain veneers are more detailed, with more realistic grooves and texture compared to resin material. 

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That’s not to say that resin veneers don’t look good. Composite veneers can look very lifelike, and are a great option for enhancing your smile. But if you want the most realistic results, porcelain veneers are a better option.

Enamel removal

In general, composite resin veneers require less enamel removal compared to porcelain veneers. Your teeth typically will still have to be trimmed, but you can keep more of your natural tooth structure with composite veneers, which is always a good thing.

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This also means that resin veneers are a better option for patients with sensitive teeth. Since less natural tooth structure has to be removed, there’s a lower risk of sensitivity after veneer placement.

Durability

Overall, porcelain veneers have the edge when it comes to durability. Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care, and some patients keep their veneers for 20 years or longer.

In contrast, composite veneers usually last between 5-7 years, though they can last up to 10 years in some cases. This means they will need to be replaced sooner than porcelain veneers.

Stain resistance

Because porcelain is completely non-porous, it cannot be stained by coffee, tea, wine, berries, curry, or any other foods or drinks. This means that your porcelain veneers will continue to shine brightly for years to come.

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Composite veneers are stain-resistant, and can stay quite bright with good oral hygiene. However, it is possible for them to become stained and discolored over time, unlike with porcelain veneers.

Treatment cost

When it comes to overall treatment cost, composite resin veneers are more affordable. They usually cost between $600-$2000 per tooth, while porcelain veneers cost between $1000-$2500 per tooth. 

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However, the initial treatment cost is only part of the equation. Since porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers, they can still be a better long-term investment if you keep your smile in great shape. 

Veneers Vs. Bonding – What You Should Know

Porcelain and resin veneers aren’t your only options for enhancing your smile. Dental bonding is also a great way to transform your teeth. Also sometimes called “direct composite veneers,” dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to reshape and enhance your teeth.

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Your dentist will apply this tooth-colored material directly to each tooth, then shape, harden, and sculpt it to enhance your smile. Compared to veneers, bonding offers faster results, is more affordable, and typically requires no enamel removal.

However, dental bonding is also more prone to staining, doesn’t last as long, and is not quite as versatile as veneers. Still, it’s a great option if you want a more beautiful smile, especially if you don’t have the budget for other cosmetic treatments like veneers.

Maintaining Your New Veneers – What You Should Know

Whether you choose composite veneers or porcelain veneers, there are a few things that you should do to keep your new smile in great shape. By following these steps, you can keep smiling proudly for years to come.

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• Take good care of your smile – Make sure that you brush at least twice per day and floss once per day to keep your veneers and your natural teeth in great shape. Tooth decay and gum disease can damage the underlying tooth structure and cause premature veneer failure.
• Avoid biting super hard foods with front teeth – Veneers are super strong, but biting directly into hard foods like apples or crusty bread can put more stress on them. We recommend chewing and biting tough, hard, and crusty foods with your back teeth as much as you can.
  
  
• Don’t chew non-food objects – You should not chew ice, bite your nails, chew pens, or chew any other non-food objects. Over time, these habits can damage your veneers and your natural teeth, too!
• Never use your teeth as tools – Your teeth are meant for chewing, not for ripping open packages, tearing tape, opening bottles, or anything else. Use the right tool for the job to keep your new smile in great shape.

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• Make sure you see your dentist for six-month checkups – Six-month teeth cleanings and oral exams are just as important for your dental health after you get veneers. Make sure you come into Walnut Creek Dental every six months for a checkup with Dr. Pappas and our dental team!

Explore Your Options For Veneers In Groveport, OH

If you’d like a brighter, straighter, and more appealing smile, Dr. Michael Pappas and the team at Walnut Creek Dental are here to help. We offer porcelain veneers in Groveport, OH, as well as a variety of other cosmetic dentistry options including dental bonding, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and more.

Together with our team, you can develop a cosmetic dentistry plan that works for your budget, your schedule, and your smile goals. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (614) 864-2466 to set up your first visit. We’re always accepting new patients, and we look forward to meeting you soon.