Need a quick yet effective and aesthetic fix for your smile? Veneers are what you need! Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are cemented or attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their structure and appearance. They can address cosmetic concerns such as chipped, broken, or discoloured teeth. Veneers are also used to correct smaller-than-normal teeth, like a peg lateral.
Dental veneers are usually made from resin-based materials or porcelain and are permanently bonded to the teeth using a strong cement. They are a popular aesthetic dental treatment performed by trained and experienced cosmetic dentists.
Importance of Choosing the Right Veneer
When choosing dental veneers, it is essential to select a trained cosmetic dentist. There are different types of veneers, namely:
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite veneers
- Lumineers
- Snap-on veneers
- Prepless veneers
With this range of veneers, choosing the right type, colour, and shape is important to achieve a natural and aesthetic smile.
Let’s walk you through the two most common and popular dental veneers and when they are recommended.
What are Feldspathic Veneers?
Feldspathic veneers are made from feldspar, a type of glass ceramic. They are prepared by painting very thin layers of porcelain and baking them in the oven. This intensive process can take several attempts to get the right veneer colour and contour. These veneers are an excellent choice for masking discolouration and other imperfections on teeth.
Getting feldspathic veneers has a lot of advantages:
- Most natural-looking veneers
- The translucent material matches the colour of the rest of the tooth, blending perfectly.
- Since these veneers are very thin, your dentist needs to remove very little enamel to make space for them.
- If done well by an experienced cosmetic dentist, once bonded, feldspathic veneers can last upto 10 years.
Feldspathic veneers are an ideal choice for people who have cosmetic issues with the shade, shape or form of teeth, such as:
- Discolouration
- Uneven wear around the edges
- Chips
What are Emax Veneers?
Emax veneers are made from lithium disilicate, a stronger form of ceramic glass material used to make crowns. This type of veneer is produced by bonding layers under pressure. Compared to feldspar veneers, the process of fabricating Emax veneers is faster. Though these veneers are also translucent, they are a bit opaque compared to the feldspar type. Since Emax veneers need to be thicker, more enamel is removed to make room for them.
Here are some benefits of the Emax veneers:
- They are stronger, which gives them a longer life compared to feldspathic veneers (upto 15 years) if cared for properly.
- They are more durable and resistant to chips and cracks.
- Their durability and strength make them ideal for people prone to tooth damage.
- A longer lifespan also reduces the cost of repeating the treatment in a short duration.
- They are easier and faster to produce
If your cosmetic dentist considers you an ideal candidate for veneers, they may recommend Emax veneers for their strength. While veneers are not recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth, your cosmetic dentist may recommend Emax veneers as they are strong and do not break or chip off easily.
These veneers are suitable for people looking for natural-looking veneers that last long.
Comparing Feldspathic and Emax Veneers
After knowing the basics of feldspathic and Emax veneers, let’s compare them on various parameters:
- Feldspathic veneers are highly translucent and more natural-looking, making them a closer match to natural teeth.
- Emax veneers are translucent but more opaque than feldspathic veneers. This makes them not just aesthetic but also ideal for masking tooth discolouration.
- Feldspathic veneers are fragile and more prone to chipping, making them unsuitable for people with habits like teeth grinding.
- Emax veneers are stronger and more durable, making them prone to chipping and fractures.
- The feldspathic veneers are hand-layered by lab technicians, giving you a more personalised result. However, they take longer to fabricate. Feldspathic veneers require minimal enamel preparation, therefore reducing the chair-side time.
- Emax veneers are milled from a solid block of ceramic using CAD/CAM technology, ensuring precision and consistency. Due to their thickness, these veneers require more tooth preparation, slightly increasing the chairside time.
Which Veneer is Right for You?
Selecting the right veneer is important to achieve a natural, aesthetic smile that compliments your facial features. When selecting the right veneer, you must consider a few factors, such as:
Choose a veneer colour and shade that complement your skin tone.
The colour of the veneer must be chosen based on the colour of adjacent teeth.
Your natural teeth' shade varies from yellow to brown and grey. Consider this when choosing the shade of the veneers.
While you consider professional advice, you must also voice and discuss your personal preferences.
Teeth darken with age and due to lifestyle factors like staining, thinning enamel, foods and smoking. Consider these factors when selecting the right veneer.
Other factors to consider when choosing the right shape of dental veneers include:
- Facial structure
- Tooth symmetry
- Dental issues
- Functional habits
Care and Maintenance of Veneers
To keep your veneers looking their best, here are a few tips:
- Practice daily care by brushing twice and flossing once to remove plaque buildup.
- Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to protect the veneer surface.
- Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to monitor the fit and health of your veneers.
Key Takeaway!
Veneers offer a durable, natural-looking way to enhance your smile. While there are different types of veneers, feldspathic veneers and Emax are the most popular ones. Feldspathic veneers are crafted by hand for a more delicate, custom look, while Emax veneers provide strength and durability with a lifelike finish. Consulting with an experienced cosmetic dentist or a dental professional is essential to choose the right veneer option.
Want a quick yet effective aesthetic fix for your smile? Contact our experts at Hortman Clinics, Dubai, to schedule a personalised veneer consultation!
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