Dental veneers are a great way to get a beautiful smile, but the procedure has its own collection of terminology that can be confusing if you haven't done your research. Below are five terms to keep in mind when considering dental veneers.
- Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the two most common veneer materials. Veneers made of porcelain are typically more expensive, but they protect against stains better and last longer than other varieties. Additionally, most people find that porcelain veneers provide them with a much brighter smile than veneers made from another material.
- Composite Resin
Composite resin is another common dental veneer material. Composite resin is not as stain-resistant as porcelain, and these veneers will not last as long. However, composite veneers are less expensive, which makes them a viable option for people who can’t afford porcelain.
- Enamel
Enamel is the protective outer layer of the teeth. Before veneers can be applied, dentists must remove a small amount (roughly half a millimeter) of enamel to make room for them. This removal process can lead to some tooth sensitivity, but it typically lessens over time.
- Bonding
Bonding is the process by which a dentist secures veneers to a patient’s teeth. This normally begins with tooth etching, which creates a rough surface for the veneers to attach themselves to. After this, cement is applied to the back of the veneer and it is placed on the tooth. The dentist will then use a special light to activate the bonding agent in the cement, which causes it to quickly harden against the tooth.
- Lumineers
Lumineers are special type of veneer that are seen as an alternative to traditional porcelain or composite veneers. They are ultra-thin, which means that they don’t require any enamel removal. Because of this, they can also be removed at any time without any negative effects to your natural teeth. Lumineers are generally about as expensive as porcelain veneers.
