Veneer Dentistry: 4 Types Of Dental Veneers And What They Entail
Veneers are thin tooth covers that adhere to a tooth's surface to cover up a deformity or issue. Common types of problems that veneers cover include discoloration, chips or cracks, gaps, misalignment, and uneven teeth.
However, veneers do not rectify any of the above issues. Instead, veneers conceal them and provide a person with the appearance of a perfect smile. Hence, veneers are an alternative option to getting braces or replacing damaged teeth with dental implants and crowns. Here are four common types of veneers and what you should know about each option.
1. Porcelain Veneers
As the name suggests, this type of veneer comprises a thin, but sturdy porcelain material. Due to the sturdy nature of porcelain veneers, they can withstand the force exerted by biting without chipping. As a result, they do not incur damages easily. Furthermore, porcelain veneers have the most extended life span, lasting up to 20 years. However, porcelain veneers are the most expensive veneer option you can get. On average, porcelain veneers will cost you $900 to $2500 per tooth.
2. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are comprised of a mixed resin of organic or inorganic materials. Though they are an ideal alternative to the more expensive porcelain veneers, they are less sturdy than the latter. As a result, composite veneers are more susceptible to damage and have a much lower life span than porcelain veneers. On average, composite veneers last up to 3 years with proper maintenance. Hence, you will replace composite veneers more frequently than porcelain veneers. Nonetheless, composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers. For a single tooth, you can expect a porcelain veneer to cost between $400 and $1500.
3. Lumineers
Lumineers veneers comprise an ultra-thin, but sturdy porcelain laminate material. They are an ideal substitute for porcelain veneers because they are slightly cheaper and can last as long as a porcelain veneer. On average, lumineers cost you between $900 and $2000 per tooth. Nonetheless, due to their ultra-thin nature, lumineers need less tooth preparation than other types of veneers. Hence, a dentist doesn't need to remove a lot of tooth enamel before installing lumineers.
4. Palatal Veneers
Unlike other types of veneers, palatal veneers cover up tooth damage behind the teeth. For instance, if you have a crack or chip behind a tooth that keeps cutting or scratching your tongue, a palatal veneer is an ideal option. You can get palatal veneers in various materials, including porcelain and composite. Nonetheless, because palatal veneers only cover the rear part of a tooth, they are much more affordable. Palatal veneer will cost you between $650 and $1200 per tooth, depending on the build material.
Contact your dentist to learn more about veneer dentistry.
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