Porcelain veneers have become very popular these days. One of the best things is Porcelain veneers can be whitened.
Even so, some people are not eligible for the treatment. And others can’t afford porcelains. There’s where the alternatives for porcelain veneers enter the game.
Today, we’re reviewing both alternatives on veneers – made from distinct materials – and other types of treatments for those looking for a different dental solution.
Stay tuned and find out what’s the best alternative to porcelain veneers for you!
Alternative for porcelain veneers: Veneers made out of other materials
Bruxism and price are some of the reasons why some people just can’t get veneers.
If any of these is your case, don’t worry!
You still have some options available if you want veneers without the inconveniences of porcelain:
Composite veneers
More affordable than porcelain, they provide a similar -but a bit less durable- finish.
Both allow you to improve the imperfections in your teeth and design a beautiful smile. The advantage of composite veneers is they are cheaper, and the installation process is less aggressive for the patient.
The useful life of composite veneers is around ten years. They tend to fracture and discolouration more than porcelain veneers. In this sense, these are not recommended for people with bruxism and require higher maintenance.
Zirconium veneers
Zirconium veneers are a long-term alternative to porcelain for those who can afford them.
They are made of 100% zirconium ceramic with durability between 10 and 20 years. The exact duration will depend on each patient, that is, their eating habits and oral hygiene.
Their appearance is absolutely natural, and they can endure wear without cracking or chipping. This sturdiness makes them suitable even for people with bruxism.
Even so, getting the treatment by the hand of a professional is crucial. A misplaced veneer can cause oral health problems such as cavities or severe gingivitis.
Alternative to porcelain veneers: other cosmetic treatments
In case veneers are not your weapon of choice, you can pick a different type of treatment for improving your smile without affecting your natural teeth.
Crowns
Unlike veneers, crowns can be placed on top of one or more teeth, and they can work on both frontal and back teeth.
Crowns are cheaper and more durable than veneers and can fix tooth chips or cracks. But they do not always look as natural as veneers and may generate tooth sensitivity.
If you just need to fix one or two teeth, they’re more affordable. If you need to treat many teeth, the cost can significantly ascend.
Dental bonding
Less durable and more high-maintenance, the benefit of dental bonding comes in its price and the little –if any- damage to the enamel they require.
They can also help re-shaping your teeth, and the composite material for the bonding is tooth-coloured. It’s a great alternative to porcelain veneers if you just have some minor chips on your teeth.
Plus, the procedure is quick and can be done in one in-office session.
In-office whitening
If porcelain veneers are just a cosmetic choice -and you don’t have cracked teeth- professional whitening may be a better option for you.
This process will give the shine back to your smile without affecting your enamel in the way veneers do. Plus, you can always retouch it if discolouration appears again.
It may cause teeth sensitivity, but a professional will pre-treat your teeth for this condition a week before the appointment.
As you can see, there’s more than one way to have a beautiful smile. While veneers can be a more definite solution, they also bring a few downsides like costs and enamel damage that not everybody wants to face.
Now that you know what your alternatives to porcelain veneer are… The next step is talking to your dentists in Hornsby and getting the smile you always dreamed of!
