What Are Dental Veneers Made Of?
If you’ve struggled with dental issues for a long time and want to restore your smile to its former glory, dental veneers could be a great option. This cosmetic treatment has come a long way since its inception in the early 1900s.
If you want to learn more about veneers and the multiple materials they can be made of to customize your treatment, continue reading.
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of dental-grade material that are placed over the outside of your teeth, restoring their natural appearance. Veneers can be used to hide or correct multiple dental imperfections at once, making them a great solution for patients who need a lot of work done, but may not have time or money to go through multiple treatments.
What are Veneers Made Of?
The earliest veneers were made from acrylic and affixed temporarily to disguise the teeth of actors on movie sets. Today, they can be made from many different materials depending on your needs. The three most common materials are below:
Zirconium
Made of zirconium dioxide, these veneers are one of the toughest available. These veneers are ideal if you’re trying to rebuild your teeth and not just cover them. They are highly stain-resistant as well, making them a great option if you’re big on coffee or tea.
The biggest downside to these is their naturally opaque appearance. Natural teeth are slightly translucent, so zirconium veneers can appear less natural.
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are possibly the most common type. This makes it easy to find them at dentists near Memorial. This material is made from a naturally occurring element called feldspar. It is a semi-translucent type of stone which makes veneers fabricated from it both sturdy and natural looking.
Composite Resin
This material is perfect for people who want to change the look of their teeth on a budget. Composite veneers are made from a dental-grade resin that is shaped and cured over the teeth. Most treatments with composite resin are same-day procedures that are quick and less invasive than other veneer types.
With their convenience and low cost comes a shorter shelf life. Resin veneers are prone to breaking and are much less resistant to stains and scratches. The average success rate is around 80 percent after five years.
What Veneer Should I Choose?
The decision about what material to use ultimately depends on your smile goals and the recommendations of your dentist.
If you’re trying to recover from severe decay and broken teeth, zirconium or porcelain may be your best bet.
If you’re just trying to cover up some dental imperfections and don’t have much time or money to spend on the procedure, composite resin is perfect.
Veneers, no matter what they’re made of, can be a life-changing treatment. If you’re thinking about receiving dental veneer treatment, schedule a consultation with your dentist. Their guidance is important for the longevity and feel of your new smile.
About the Author
Dr. Roman Kotlarek loves everything about being a dentist. From the artistic aspect of creating beautiful smiles to the happy faces of his patients, Dr. Kotlarek is always pleased to come to work. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio. Since then, he has continued to build an environment where patients can feel comfortable and get the care they need. To schedule a veneer consultation at Roman Dental near Memorial Drive, call (281) 920-4200 or visit the website to explore other services.
