For many of us, a healthy, straight, and gleaming smile can ignite a confidence in us that lights up a room. However, chipped teeth, discolouration, or uneven spacing can hold us back from showing off a confident smile. This is where dental veneers come in, using thin shells of composite or porcelain resin custom-made to bond to your teeth. Veneers offer a transformative solution to your teeth, so you can show off that smile with confidence.

In this blog post, we’re exploring the types of veneers and the benefits of both, and why you might opt for dental veneers over teeth whitening to improve your smile.

The Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers to consider, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Porcelain Veneers

These are the more popular type due to the fact they are highly durable, stain resistant, and offer a natural look since the resin blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years if looked after properly, maintaining excellent dental hygiene.

So what is the downside to porcelain veneers? To place these onto your teeth, a small amount of enamel needs to be removed from the surface of your teeth. This means the procedure cannot be reversed.

Also, this type of veneer is typically more expensive than the other type, composite veneers.

Composite Veneers

Made from a tooth-coloured resin, composite veneers tend to be a less expensive option compared to porcelain. With very little preparation needed for the teeth, composite veneers can be placed in a single appointment, speeding up the process and your smile transformation.

Composite veneers, while may be the cheaper option, aren’t as stain resistant or durable compared to porcelain. This means your veneers may chip and wear over time, so they will need to be replaced much sooner. Composite veneers tend to last for 5-7 years.

Why Choose Veneers Over Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a popular choice for those looking for a brighter smile. However, dental veneers come with a host of benefits, such as:

• Dental concerns: Veneers can address a wide range of other cosmetic dental issues, other than discolouration. Composite and porcelain veneers are both brilliant for effectively resolving chipped or cracked teeth, gaps, and minor tooth misalignment for some.
• Long-lasting results: While teeth whitening results can fade quickly over time, veneers are designed to offer more permanent results for a brighter smile.
• Personalised solution: Veneers allow you to choose the shade of white, whether that’s a natural white or a beaming bright Hollywood smile!

As a team of expert dentists, we recommend opting for a shade that will give you a healthy, natural looking smile. Too white, and your newly-transformed smile will look unnatural!

If you are considering veneers, it’s important to consult with your dentist to understand first if this is the right cosmetic dental treatment for you. Your dentist can then assess your individual needs and provide a tailored treatment plan for veneers, so you can achieve the smile of your dreams!

By understanding the types of veneers and their unique advantages, and discussing with your dentist, you can make an informed decision about whether they are the right treatment for you.

For more information about dental veneers, and whether they could be the right option for you, contact us and our team can help answer all your questions.