Dental Veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to change your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their colour, shape, size, or length.

Since its introduction more than two decades ago, etched ceramic veneer restoration has proven to be a durable and aesthetic modality of treatment. The clinical success that the technique has found can be attributed to great attention to detail in a set of procedures, including planning the case, with the correct indication; conservative preparation of the teeth; proper selection of ceramics to use; proper selection of the materials and methods of cementation; and proper planning for the ongoing maintenance of these restorations

Types of Veneers

Veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. You can discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.

Lumineers vs. veneers

Lumineers are a kind of porcelain veneer that are much thinner than standard veneers and less durable.

You may need to replace them more often than regular veneers. Unlike other types, Lumineers do not require much (if any) prep work. To apply other types of veneers, the dentist has to remove some of the enamel on the front of your teeth.

Pop-on veneers

Pop-on veneers – also known as removable or snap-on veneers – cover your natural teeth to hide any issues. Pop-on veneers:

• Instantly change the look of your smile
• Are one of the least expensive veneer options 
• Can be taken out at any time

Pop-Ons can make it hard to eat, and they can change the way you talk.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers can help fix small issues, such as a cracked tooth or a small gap in your teeth. Your dentist applies a composite resin – made of plastic and ceramic – directly to your teeth. In many cases, the entire treatment can be finished in one visit. Composite veneers are one of the most common treatment options.

No-prep veneers

While no-prep veneers are much less involved than other types, they still require the removal of some enamel. This treatment is great for fixing small gaps in your teeth. Check with your dentist to see whether no-prep is right for you.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers. They have more of the light-reflecting features of natural teeth. Your dentist will remove some enamel from your teeth and custom-fit the veneers to them. The enamel removal makes the surface of your teeth rough and helps keep the veneers in place.

Who Gets Veneers?

Veneers are often used on teeth that:

• Are discolored because of:
  • Root canal treatment 
  • Stains from tetracycline or other drugs
  • Excessive fluoride
  • Large resin fillings 
  • Other causes
• Are worn down
• Are chipped or broken
• Are crooked, uneven, or oddly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Have gaps between them (to close the space)

Dental Veneer Benefits

Veneers offer these advantages:

• They look like a natural tooth.
• Gums usually aren’t sensitive to porcelain.
• Porcelain veneers are not easily stained.
• A color can be selected to make darker teeth appear brighter.
• They generally don’t require as much shaping as crowns do, and they are stronger and look better.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Generally, veneers last several years. They would need to be replaced if they come off or get damaged.

Are veneers permanent?

Most veneers are physically joined to your teeth, so they are permanent and cannot be reversed once they are put on. Some types of veneers – such as no-prep or pop-on – are reversible.

How long do composite veneers last?

Composite veneers last 5 to 7 years. They’re made from a combination of plastic and ceramic, so they’re not as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years, often making the higher price tag worth it. They’re strong, less prone to getting stained or changing color, and will protect your teeth from further damage.

Dental Veneer Aftercare

Dental veneers do not require any special care. Keep up your good oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would.

Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea, or red wine). And they might tell you to avoid hard, crunchy foods.

Takeaways

If you want to change the look of your teeth, you and your dentist might talk about veneers. 

• Different kinds of veneers last from 5 to as long as 20 years, depending on what they’re made of. Porcelain veneers last the longest.
• Porcelain also costs the most. Composite veneers are less expensive and are not quite as strong and long-lasting as porcelain. 
• Veneers are usually done because you want your teeth to look better, so they’re considered “cosmetic” and aren’t usually covered by insurance.