Veneers are effective at improving your smile. These thin shells fit over the front of your teeth as false fingernails fit over your nails. They improve their appearance by changing the shape, color, and position of your teeth. They can also close small gaps where braces are not suitable. Veneers give you a pearly white smile while protecting your teeth from damage.

The procedure of installing veneers is minimally invasive. You can get them in different shades and styles that give you your desired outcome. Here are some of the different veneer styles.

Porcelain Veneers

These are the most common style. Porcelain veneers are versatile and can last for 10 to 15 years. Porcelain veneers consist of ceramic materials that resist stains better than composite veneers. They also need minimal preparation, unlike dental crowns.

When getting porcelain veneers, you will first choose the tooth shade that matches the neighboring teeth. The dentist will then reshape the teeth and take an impression so that they can make the veneer. They may also place a temporary one on your tooth that they will remove and replace with the porcelain veneer.

Composite Veneers

These are an alternative to porcelain veneers. They consist of resin, the same material that makes tooth-colored cavity fillings. They require tooth contouring before their placement. But unlike porcelain veneers, they take one appointment. That means you can get them on the same day. The dentist sculpts them directly onto your teeth rather than making them in the dental laboratory.

Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers. They also do not last as long as porcelain veneers. They will protect your teeth and give you a beautiful smile for about five to seven years. The convenience of composite veneers is that they are more conservative than porcelain veneers. That means they are easier to repair than the porcelain version. When porcelain veneers chip, you must replace them. However, you can redo the chipped area of composite veneers.

Lumineers®

These are a brand of veneers that is ultra-thin and translucent. It replicates the color and shape of your teeth more than porcelain veneers. Lumineers® do not require the re-contouring or reduction of your teeth because they are so thin. Therefore, they save you pain and discomfort.

Although they are strong, their ultra-thin nature causes them to have a greater chance of chipping than traditional veneers. The translucent property of Lumineers can also show a dark tooth instead of making all your teeth pearly white. Lumineers can last for over 20 years if you take good care of them and avoid chipping.

Palatal Veneers

These veneers are suitable for people suffering from bruxism, severe acid reflux, and vomiting. They are specifically for the treatment and management of tooth wear. The dentist can apply them to the inside of your upper teeth. You can also use them to restore only the compromised part of your teeth without touching the rest.

Removable Veneers

These are not permanent since they are removable. Therefore, removable cost less than traditional veneers. They do not require tooth reduction, and the process is reversible. Removable veneers are uncomfortable since they do not blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. You may also need to replace them often.

You can choose the style of veneer you want. It depends on the severity of your situation and your budget. However, remember what you may consider cheap may cost you more.

For more on veneers, visit bty DENTAL at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can call (907) 333-6666 today to schedule an appointment.