Are you suffering from a lack of confidence in your smile? Do you have chipped, discolored or crooked teeth? If you’re unhappy with the way your natural teeth affect your appearance, you may consider porcelain veneers in Birmingham, MI. Damaged teeth can happen to anyone, and veneers are one of the most common solutions available.
What are veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or other material that is custom-made to fit over a damaged or stained tooth. The material is artistically crafted into the right shape and color to match your teeth, and firmly bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They are designed to have a natural, attractive appearance and enhance the look and feel of your mouth. It is different from a crown in that it only covers the front part of your tooth as opposed to the whole thing.
People opt for veneers to help them with chipped or worn teeth, gaps, discoloration or crooked appearance. They can help people feel attractive and confident in their smile while also allowing the patient control over how the finished product looks.
Although porcelain is generally considered the best quality material when it comes to veneers, there are several other types. Here is a quick rundown of the most frequently used types of veneer and their advantages.
Porcelain
It is no wonder that porcelain is most patients’ first choice for their veneers. It offers the best match for the natural look and feel of real teeth. It has the highest durability of the bunch, lasting up to 10 to 20 years and unlike natural teeth it doesn’t stain. No amount of red wine or black coffee you can drink will dull its whiteness, although the same can’t be said for your natural teeth! Porcelain also provides the best option when it comes to strength, as it is less likely to break than other material and can even give extra stability to teeth that may have slight levels of damage.
Composite
For a cheaper and more efficient option, composite veneers are a popular choice. Made from a composite resin material, they cost much less than porcelain and the dentist can even make them for you while you are still in the chair. You can leave with your new veneers on your first visit. The downside is that they are less natural-looking than porcelain alternatives and will not last as long. A composite veneer will usually have to be replaced within roughly five years as the material is more susceptible to chipping, wearing away and staining.
Lumineers
A more recent innovation, lumineers are ultra-thin veneers made using a special type of porcelain. They share the same strength and durability of porcelain but at less than half the thickness. This gives them a slightly more natural appearance, without having to remove enamel from the tooth surface for the procedure. This means that lumineers are fully reversible, allowing you to go back to your original teeth if you so desire. They are usually the most expensive option.
Each option has its pros and cons, and it can be a difficult decision to make. If you are considering porcelain veneers in Birmingham, MI or other cosmetic dentistry work, give us a call at Birmingham Dental Center. We will be delighted to help you transform your smile.
