Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that dentists use to enhance the appearance of teeth. Veneers may conceal discoloured, chipped, or uneven teeth. They’re generally made of porcelain or resin composite materials and are bonded to your teeth permanently.
Some people only need one veneer, but most people get six to eight veneers to achieve an even, symmetrical smile.
Types of Veneers
There are two types of veneers: porcelain (or traditional veneers) and resin-based composite (or no-prep veneers). Traditional dental veneers need more prep work than alternatives, which are often referred to as “no-prep veneers.” These no-prep veneers — which include options like Lumineers — take less time and are less invasive to apply
Traditional dental veneers require grinding down the tooth structure and, in some cases, even scraping some of the teeth beyond the enamel. This allows for proper positioning and optimal esthetics. Sometimes veneers will require local anesthesia before the procedure for patient comfort.
Resin-based composite veneers, such as Lumineers, are similar to porcelain veneers, but they tend to be less expensive and require less enamel removal. Sometimes, a dentist may not have to remove any enamel before placing the composite veneer.
Veneers VS Crowns
Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration methods that can improve the look and function of your teeth. The biggest difference between a veneer and a crown is that a veneer just covers the front of your tooth while a crown covers the whole tooth.
Essentially, dentists use crowns to build up teeth that are badly damaged, whereas veneers improve the appearance of teeth that are mostly still intact.
If you live or work in Downtown Toronto and have any questions regarding your oral health, give us a call at 416 366 0777 and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions! Or you can book an appointment online.