Veneer Variety: The Diverse Materials of Dental Veneers

When it comes to enhancing your smile with dental veneers, porcelain is often the go-to material. This is an excellent material known for its durability and natural appearance. However, did you know that there are alternative materials available that may better fit your needs or your budget?

Continue reading to learn more about dental veneers and the various materials they can be crafted from.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Why do materials matter? What is a veneer exactly? Dental veneers are thin shells of customized material that are adhered to the front of your teeth. This creates a facade that can not only make your smile look great but can also correct some bite issues.

Ceramic Veneers

Ceramic veneers, although similar in appearance to porcelain, are distinctly different. Crafted from ceramic materials, these veneers aren’t as durable as porcelain, but they are more customizable.

Ceramic veneers offer a balance between aesthetics and longevity like porcelain but are generally a cheaper material. This makes them a viable option for patients who want the best of both worlds for less.

Composite Veneers

Dental veneers can also be made from a tooth-colored resin material. These “composite” veneers are a far cheaper alternative to porcelain. This creates an option for smile transformation that may be a little more in reach for patients on a budget. These veneers are also faster—often able to be directly applied to the teeth in a single visit.

However, you’ll need to be more careful with composite veneers as they usually don’t last as long as porcelain and are more prone to staining.

Zirconia Veneers

Zirconia veneers are the superheroes of the veneer material world. They are one of the most durable materials available, even surpassing porcelain. However, what zirconia offers in strength is made up for in its appearance. This material is less transparent than porcelain, meaning that they won’t look as natural. If durability matters more to you than looks, zirconia could be your ideal material.

When considering veneers, talk with your dentist to see the materials they have available. If they offer multiple types, you can discuss which aligns best with your smile goals and your budget. No matter what you choose, your new smile will be a source of pride, allowing you to smile with confidence.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Koenitzer has been voted Best Dentist in Petaluma six years in a row. With his commitment to excellence and education, it’s no wonder. He received his dental doctorate from the University of California at San Francisco, the top-rated dental school in the US. He also has the honor of being the youngest faculty member at UCSF. If you want a complete smile makeover with dental veneers, you won’t find a better dentist. Call (707) 766-6666 to schedule a veneer consultation at Bob Koenitzer DDS Austin Hartford DMD, or visit the website to learn more.