The Best of the Best. Veneers Have Come a Long Way.
Ever wonder why it seems like everyone in Hollywood has the best teeth? For the most part, it’s because their teeth are fake – in the best way possible. If you have the materials to give you a better smile and make you more confident, why wouldn’t you do it? Veneers have come a long way in the past few years and, unless you’re in the business of teeth, you’re probably not going to be able to tell the difference between them and natural teeth – the only tip-off maybe that veneers usually look even better.
So what has changed to make veneers so great? The answer is high-tech materials. Here are 3 materials used in today’s veneers:
1. Composites: There are a ton of advantages to composites, but the main ones are that they are easy to remove and replace, and they are cheaper than some of the alternatives. Composites are normally half the cost of porcelain veneers (more to come on that below) and still create satisfying results for patients. The more good news? With composite veneers, there is little tooth reduction, so you’re not affecting your natural teeth as much as you would with some other options. They are also usually built at the office, meaning you can walk in with your current teeth and walk out with new ones on the same day. And composites are durable, lasting anywhere from four to eight years with regular maintenance.
2. Ultra-Thin Porcelain: The best part about porcelain veneers is how natural they look. While they are more expensive than composites, they are also more durable and can last longer than 15 years if properly maintained! With porcelain veneers, you don’t have to worry about stains or chips because they’re built to last. The reason they look so natural? When you get veneers, your dentist will remove a layer of your tooth’s enamel and then strongly bonds the veneers to it. The quality of porcelain is similar to tooth enamel so the result is a very natural look.
These types of veneers are normally made in dental labs, so they will need to be sized and ordered, and you will have to make a few trips to the dentist. Porcelain veneers are usually the method of choice for those who are less worried about cost. They can’t be repaired if they break and thus must be replaced, but if your budget allows it, they look the most like natural teeth.
3. Advanced Bonding: With cosmetic bonding, composite resin (a material that is the same color as teeth) is bonded to the tooth. This approach is often used to repair teeth that have been damaged or are discolored, but it can also be used to close spaces between teeth, as well as change shape and color. Like composites, bonding can be done in just one single visit and last several years with maintenance.
When it comes to veneers, make sure you do your research. The materials may be there, but that doesn’t always mean the doctor is up to par. And given the fact that the dentist makes veneers, they can be an art form – and you don’t want bad art in your mouth. Do your homework to find the right dentist and get the smile of your dreams.
