Modern dental practices now offer many different types of veneers, from composite veneers to porcelain, inlays and onlays- it’s hard to know what exactly the difference is!
This guide aims to break down the types of veneers available, and what result each treatment offers.
What is a dental veneer?
A veneer is an ultra-thin “shell”, which is permanently bonded to the front surface of the tooth.
Veneers can be an effective way to improve the cosmetic appearance of uneven, discoloured or worn teeth.
What types of veneers are available?
The most common type of veneer used is a porcelain veneer (sometimes referred to as a ceramic veneer).
These veneers are made using a thin layer of porcelain, used for its durability and translucent nature. This translucency, along with custom shade-matching, allows porcelain veneers to mimic the look of your natural teeth, blending in seamlessly with your existing dentition.
Sometimes veneers are made using composite resin, similar to composite bonding- however unlike composite bonding which is usually only used to fill chips and gaps around the tooth’s edges, composite veneers involve placing a thin layer of composite resin over the entire front surface of the tooth.
While both porcelain and composite veneers are generally used to address the same issues, porcelain is a much more durable material and is less likely to chip compared to composite resin- which is why porcelain veneers are more commonly used.
What are dental veneers used for?
Dental veneers can be used to:
-Improve the appearance of worn, chipped or damaged teeth.
-Change the appearance of short/small/misshapen teeth.
-Close a gap (diastema) between two teeth.
-Improve the shade of severely discoloured or darkened teeth (in combination with teeth whitening).
What does veneer treatment involve?
Once you have had your initial consultation and the appropriate treatment plan has been decided, having a dental veneer placed usually involves two separate appointments; one appointment during which the tooth is prepared to receive the veneer, and a second appointment to permanently fit the veneer.
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin- however, the tooth receiving the veneer will still need to be adjusted slightly to ensure the veneer fits properly and looks as natural as possible beside other teeth. This is why during veneer preparation, the dentist will remove a very thin layer of the tooth’s outer enamel.
Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will then take a digital scan of your dentition, and send this information to a high-quality dental lab, where they will custom-make a dental veneer to the exact specifications needed, creating the perfect shape and shade to match your natural teeth.
While the veneer is being created, a temporary veneer will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent one is fitted. Once the final veneer returns from the lab, a second appointment is needed to permanently bond it to the tooth’s prepared surface, creating a durable and long-lasting result.
How long do dental veneers last?
Just like a natural tooth, veneers can stain and chip over time- that being said, porcelain is an extremely durable material, and provided your veneer is cared for correctly and an excellent oral hygiene routine is maintained, a veneer can last for many years and provide a long-term solution to chipped, worn, or discoloured teeth.
What are inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are used for restoring a damaged or decayed tooth, where a filling may not be successful. Similar to a veneer, inlays/onlays are usually made of porcelain, providing great durability and strength while maintaining the tooth’s natural appearance.
Unlike a veneer which covers the entire tooth surface, inlays/onlays only cover a certain section of the tooth- such as the chewing surfaces of a molar. Sometimes an inlay/onlay might be used instead of a full coverage dental crown, as they are a more conservative restoration and less of the tooth structure has to be removed in order to bond them.
Your clinician will always advise which type of restoration is best for your particular treatment needs.
How much do dental veneers cost?
The cost of dental veneers can vary depending on the tooth type and complexity of the work involved, but as a general guide porcelain veneers start from €950.00 per tooth. Dental veneers are also eligible for 20% tax relief under the Med2 scheme, which can be claimed from Revenue following completion of treatment.
How do I know if I am suitable for dental veneers?
It is essential that you have a full consultation prior to any dental veneer treatment, so that the dentist can create a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you and your smile.
To organise a consultation with one of our clinicians, contact our patient care team on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie for more information.
A list of all treatments we offer at the practice can be found in our treatment section.
