Madison Dentists Explain The 5 Types of Veneers
Are you dreaming of a flawless smile but have discolored, chipped or large gaps in your teeth? Veneers may be your answer. We’ve laid out the 5 types of veneers and explanations of each below.
Achieve a pearly white smile and added confidence with veneers, available at our dental clinic in Madison, WI.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry where a thin, custom-made shell is applied to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can solve various cosmetic-related dental issues, such as stained or discolored teeth, uneven teeth or gaps between teeth. They are bonded to your existing teeth using a dental adhesive and can be shaped and color-matched to surrounding teeth.
The 5 main veneers available on the market today:
- Porcelain
- Lumineers
- Composite
- Palatal
- Non-permanent veneers
The 5 Types of Veneers
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, also known as traditional veneers, originated as a temporary solution to enhance the smiles of actors in the 1930s. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front side of your teeth and are a popular and permanent solution for undesired smiles. Porcelain veneers will last between ten and twenty years with the right dental care and maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and long-lasting | Invasive procedure |
| Natural-looking | Cost |
| Resistant to staining | Required maintenance |
| Customizable | Not suitable for all patients |
| Improved oral health |
2. Dental Lumineers
Lumineers are a brand of veneers known as the thinnest and strongest dental veneer, about as thick as a contact lens. Lumineers take about two dentist visits to apply, are pain-free and do not require grinding. They will last for over 20 years and are completely reversible if desired.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive procedure | Cost |
| Pain-free installment | Required maintenance |
| Customizable | Limited color options |
| Resistance to staining | Not suitable for all patients |
| Improved oral health |
Common complaints about Lumineers include:
- Detachment shortly after treatment
- Translucency shows a dark tooth beneath instead of being pearly white
- Patients think the veneer is not thick enough
3. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers, also known as bonded veneers, are a cheaper and less destructive way to improve your smile. Bonded veneers use a composite material to cover your front teeth and are polished and smoothed to achieve a natural look. Composite veneers will help you achieve your dream smile, but are more prone to chipping and staining than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers can be easily repaired and last 5-10 years on average.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive procedure | Not as durable as porcelain |
| Cost-effective | More prone to staining |
| Fast, easy installment | Less precise color matching |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Improved oral health | Not suitable for all patients |
Composite veneers can be applied in one visit by TCD dentists. Total Care Dental has been flawlessly applying bonded veneers for years, giving patients a beautiful smile.
4. Palatal Veneers
Palatal veneers are typically constructed with gold, with porcelain or composite materials as additional options. Palatal veneers are designed specifically for the treatment and management of tooth wear and are applied to the inside of your upper teeth.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetic improvement | Invasive procedure |
| Long-lasting | Cost |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Improved oral health | Not suitable for all patients |
| Requires specialized expertise |
5. Non-Permanent Veneers
Non-permanent veneers, also called temporary veneers, are typically used before porcelain veneers are placed or when you want easily removable veneers. Non-permanent veneers are made from a flexible type of resin material or plastic. Removable veneers are often a temporary solution to shape your teeth until your permanent veneers are ready for fitment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimally invasive | Not as durable as permanent veneers |
| Cost-effective | More prone to staining |
| Fast, easy procedure | Less precise color matching |
| Customizable | Required maintenance |
| Temporary solution | May not be suitable for all cases |
Veneers Dentist in Madison, WI
Whether you want to improve your smile with porcelain veneers or bonded veneers, our Madison cosmetic dentistry service will help you achieve your dream smile. We’ll help you choose the most suitable type of veneer for your unique case. Get the smile you’ve always wanted and gain newfound confidence with veneers from our Madison area dental clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions on Veneers
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance. They correct issues like discoloration, chips, uneven spacing or worn enamel. Materials range from porcelain to composite, and the dentists at TCD Madison will recommend the best option for your needs.
Are veneers permanent or removable?
Most veneers are permanently bonded securely to the tooth surface. While some non-permanent options exist, such as snap-on veneers, they do not provide the same durability or natural look as porcelain or composite veneers.
What is the best type of veneer?
The best type of veneer depends on your goals, budget and oral health. Porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking and long-lasting. Lumineers are thinner and less invasive, while composite veneers are more affordable but less durable. The dentists at TCD Madison can guide you to the best choice for your case.
Which veneers look most natural?
Porcelain veneers look the most like real teeth. Their translucent quality and ability to match surrounding shades make them the top choice for patients seeking a seamless smile.
How much do veneers cost?
Veneers typically range from $800 to $2,500 per tooth depending on the material and number of teeth treated. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite, but both deliver lasting results. Schedule a consultation with TCD Madison to get a personalized estimate.
Does insurance cover veneers?
Most insurance plans do not cover veneers because they are cosmetic. In certain cases, like repairing damage from an accident, partial coverage may apply. TCD Madison can review your plan and explain your options.
What are alternatives to veneers?
If veneers are not right for you, alternatives include dental crowns, bonding, teeth whitening and contouring. Schedule an appointment at TCD Madison today to see which option is best for your situation.
