Dental veneers are custom-designed shells that are about as thick as a fingernail. These are applied on the surface of your tooth, giving a perfectly white and smooth finish. Dental veneers are usually of two types: composite resin and porcelain veneers.
The difference between composite resin and porcelain veneers is that composite resin is made of plastic, which means it is porous, weaker, and has a shorter lifespan. Composite resin is also more susceptible to chips and stains and can only fill in smaller spaces. It is applied in layers without any translucency so the teeth tend to look lifeless or dull.
Porcelain veneers are more resistant to chips and stains (the colour is stable because the veneers are glazed). These qualities ensure that porcelain veneers will last much longer. These thin porcelain shields are cemented onto the teeth and can mimic the natural translucency of enamel, making them appear more lifelike. Whats more, porcelain veneers can fill in larger spaces compared to composite resin. If you have big spaces between the teeth, you cant go wrong with porcelain veneers.
Dental veneers or porcelain veneers are often a better option than teeth whitening if the problem is mainly stained teeth. Taking antibiotics like tetracycline can discolour the teeth and tetracycline stains are the hardest to treat among all types of discolourations. With porcelain veneers, the teeth whitening results are instant, superior, and less damaging to the sensitive tooth enamel.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, porcelain veneers also help protect the surface of damaged teeth from further breakage. They may even eliminate the need for a dental crown, providing a less invasive method for teeth restorations.
Since porcelain veneers are the most versatile restorations for a multitude of dental flaws, they are highly in-demand. Still, these ceramic veneers are not invincible. Although very thin, porcelain veneers are relatively strong once they are bonded into place, but extra care must be taken to ensure that the shells do not break. Your dentist will advise you of certain dietary and dental hygiene habits to make your porcelain veneers last for many years to come. .