Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option designed to help enhance the appearance of your smile by improving the shape, size, and colour of your teeth. These thin shells, typically made from porcelain or composite materials, are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing result. Here we focus on the different types of veneers but you can learn more from our comprehensive guide to dental veneers.
If you’re considering dental veneers to achieve a flawless smile, we offer specialist dental services that include a variety of dental veneer treatments. Here, we will focus on understanding the different types available, their unique characteristics as well as the benefits and limitations of each.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers treatments are among the most sought-after options due to their durability and lifelike appearance. These veneers are crafted from high-quality porcelain material, which mimics the translucency and sheen of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and are known for their ability to resist wear and tear, making them a long-lasting choice for achieving that perfect smile! Learn from our more detailed guide: What are porcelain veneers?
Composite Veneers:
Composite veneers treatments are an alternative to porcelain veneers and are composed of a tooth-coloured resin material. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are directly applied to the teeth in layers, sculpted, and polished by the dentist. This process serves as a good choice for those looking for same-day veneers and can be a more budget-friendly option for improving the appearance of your smile. Learn from our more detailed guide: What are composite veneers?
Emax Veneers:
Emax veneers treatments are carried out with veneers crafted from lithium disilicate ceramic, a material known for its strength and aesthetic qualities. These veneers offer excellent durability and are highly translucent, creating a natural and vibrant smile. Emax veneers are suitable for those seeking a combination of beauty and resilience for their dental restorations. Learn from our more detailed guide: What are emax veneers?
Ultra thin Veneers:
Ultra thin veneers treatments are a conservative option for enhancing your smile. As the name suggests, these veneers are exceptionally thin, requiring minimal preparation of the natural tooth structure. This preservation of tooth enamel makes them a reversible choice while providing a beautiful transformation to your smile. Learn from our more detailed guide: What are ultra thin veneers?
Laminate Veneers:
Laminate veneers are a versatile option that can address a wide range of dental imperfections, such as discolouration, misalignment, and chipped teeth. These veneers are custom-made and bonded to the front surface of the teeth, offering a significant cosmetic improvement with minimal invasiveness. Learn more
Lumineers:
Lumineers are a specific brand of ultra-thin veneers that are known for their no-prep and minimal-prep characteristics. Like other ultrathin veneers, Lumineers require little to no enamel removal, making them a reversible and conservative choice for achieving a dazzling smile. Learn more
Trial Smile Veneers:
Trial smile veneers, also known as provisional or temporary teeth veneers, are a way for patients to preview their potential smile makeover. These veneers are created using a temporary material and allow patients to “test-drive” their new smile before committing to a permanent option. Learn more about how we design a smile that suits you through our trial smile veneers to ensure a long lasting and beautiful smile.
Each type of dental veneer offers unique benefits and is suitable for specific dental conditions and patient preferences. To determine the most appropriate option for your smile makeover, speak to one of our experienced dentists who can assess your oral health and discuss your smile goals.
What are the most natural-looking veneers?
When it comes to enhancing your smile with dental veneers, achieving a natural look is the top priority. Natural-looking veneers are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, creating a beautiful and harmonious smile.
If you’re seeking veneers that closely resemble your natural teeth, consider the following types of veneers, and features that contribute to natural looking veneers:
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers are renowned for their ability to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The material used in porcelain veneers is translucent, which allows light to pass through, just like natural tooth enamel. This translucency, combined with the skillful layering of shades by the dental technician, results in veneers that reflect light in a similar manner to real teeth.
Emax Veneers:
Emax veneers are another excellent option for achieving a natural-looking smile. This material offers superior strength while maintaining exceptional translucency. The advanced technology used in Emax veneers allows for a precise and detailed customisation process, ensuring that each veneer seamlessly blends with the surrounding natural teeth.
Ultrathin Veneers:
Ultrathin veneers, such as Lumineers and other minimal-prep brands, are well-regarded for their ability to provide a remarkably natural result. These veneers require minimal tooth preparation, preserving most of the natural tooth structure. As a result, the transition from natural teeth to veneers is smoother, and the overall appearance is incredibly lifelike.
How to achieve natural-looking veneers:
Choosing the most natural-looking veneers involves a combination of not only selecting the right materials but also relying on the expertise of a skilled dentist and engaging in thorough communication about your desired outcome. By carefully considering these factors, you can achieve a radiant smile that appears beautifully natural and perfectly complements your facial features.
Bespoke Colour Matching:
A skilled cosmetic dentist will take the time to match the colour, translucency, and surface texture of the veneers to your natural teeth. This personalised approach ensures that the veneers seamlessly blend with the rest of your smile, making it challenging for anyone to distinguish between the veneered and natural teeth.
Surface Texture and Contouring:
The texture and contouring of veneers play a vital role in creating a natural appearance. Natural teeth have slight imperfections, irregularities, and variations in surface texture. Expert cosmetic dentists can replicate these characteristics in the veneers, adding to their authenticity and making them virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.
Smile Design:
Before proceeding with the permanent veneers, some dentists offer mock-ups or use digital smile design technology to create a preview of the final result. This allows you to visualise how the veneers will look on your teeth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the most natural and flattering outcome.
At Bespoke Smile, we offer Dr Sam Jethwa’s bespoke handmade Trial Smile process to allow our patients to try out their new look before committing to a permanent option.
How to choose the best veneers that suit you
Choosing the right type of dental veneer is crucial in your journey to achieve the perfect smile. Each veneer type offers unique advantages and is suitable for different dental conditions and personal preferences.
To make an informed choice, consider the following factors and explore the various options available:
Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist:
The first step in choosing the right veneer type is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and recommend suitable veneer options based on your specific needs. A professional assessment will help you understand which veneer type aligns best with your dental condition.
Budget Considerations:
Different veneer types come with varying costs, and it’s essential to consider your budget when making a decision. Porcelain veneers and Emax veneers, for example, are usually more expensive than composite veneers. However, they also tend to last longer and offer superior aesthetics. Discuss pricing and payment options with your dentist to find a solution that fits your budget while still achieving satisfactory results. At Bespoke Smile we offer we offer a variety of finance options for dental treatments where possible.
Aesthetic Preferences:
Each veneer type has distinct aesthetic qualities. If achieving the most natural-looking result is your priority, porcelain veneers, Emax veneers, or ultrathin veneers might be the best options to consider. On the other hand, if you prefer a same-day transformation or have budget constraints, composite veneers could be the most suitable choice. Look at before-and-after photos of each veneer type to get a better idea of the final appearance.
Longevity and Durability:
Consider the longevity and durability of each veneer type. Porcelain and Emax veneers are known for their strength and resilience, lasting up to 10-15 years or even more with proper care. On the other hand, composite veneers might need replacement or touch-ups more frequently. Understanding the maintenance requirements and potential lifespan of each veneer type will help you make an informed decision.
Sensitivity and Oral Health:
Some individuals may have heightened tooth sensitivity or specific oral health conditions that could influence the choice of veneer type. Discuss any concerns you have about sensitivity or existing dental issues with your dentist to ensure the selected veneer type is compatible with your oral health.
When it comes to deciding which veneers are most suitable for you, we take a case-specific approach. Veneers are a versatile treatment option and we believe that the most suitable veneers for you will be dependent on your specific needs, teeth and facial structure.
The easiest way to decipher what style, material, size and colour works best for you is to book an appointment with one of our dentists to examine your teeth and jaw function. After this initial appointment, we can plan a design for you allowing you to suggest any changes if you are not fully happy with the suggested look.
