How Veneers Compare to Other Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Veneers are one of the most well-known cosmetic dental treatments. This is partially due to the fact that various Hollywood celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus and Ben Affleck, have used veneers to achieve their stunning smiles. Therefore, when considering cosmetic dentistry, many people automatically decide they want veneers. 

In some cases, veneers are the ideal cosmetic dental treatment, while in other cases another cosmetic dental treatment may be a better option. This is why it is so important to discuss your concerns with a cosmetic dentist who can steer you in the right direction. Nevertheless, it can still be beneficial to do your own research on how veneers compare to other cosmetic dental treatments. At a glance, here is how veneers compare to other cosmetic dental treatments: 

Veneers vs. Bonding 

Cosmetic bonding is the process of applying composite resin to the teeth in order to correct structural problems or improve their overall appearance. Cosmetic bonding can also be used to fabricate resin veneers that require little to no enamel removal. However, composite resin lacks the same strength, stain resistance, and aesthetics as veneers fabricated from porcelain. 

Veneers vs. Braces

One thing that both veneers and braces can remedy is mildly crooked teeth. However, veneers “fix” crooked teeth by covering them so they appear straight, while braces actually move the teeth so that they are properly aligned. For teeth that are mildly crooked and not affecting function, veneers provide a quick fix. For teeth that are moderately crooked or if their alignment is impairing proper function, braces may be a better option. 

Veneers vs. Crowns

Both veneers and dental crowns can correct a variety of cosmetic concerns in a single dental treatment. They are also both applied to the natural tooth structure. However, veneers are adhered to the front surface of the teeth and only require minimal enamel removal, while crowns are applied over the entire top of the tooth and require a significant reduction in the natural tooth structure. With that being said, cosmetic concerns towards the back of the mouth are better corrected with dental crowns since veneers are primarily recommended for the front of the mouth.  

Veneers vs. Dentures

Veneers and dentures are very different treatments. For starters, veneers require the presence of healthy natural tooth structure, while dentures are used to replace missing teeth. In cases where a partial denture is being used to restore a few missing teeth, veneers may be able to be applied to the natural teeth around the partial. Other than that, veneers vs. dentures are often a choice simply made by whether or not there are natural teeth. 

Veneers vs. Implants

Just like with dentures, veneers and dental implants are two different treatments designed for different purposes. Either you have natural teeth that can have veneers applied to them or you are looking to replace missing teeth. Veneers cannot be used to replace missing teeth and can only be applied to natural teeth. They cannot be applied to a dental implant and can only be used on the natural teeth surrounding the implant. 

Veneers vs. Lumineers

Lumineers are a special type of veneer called minimal or no-prep veneers. What this means is that they are similar to resin veneers in that they don’t require the removal of enamel before being placed. This is because their shells are thinner than those of traditional porcelain veneers. While they don’t require enamel removal, they also don’t last as long and are not ideal to treat stained or damaged teeth. 

As you can see, there are various cosmetic dental treatments out there that can be compared to veneers. While this is only a brief glimpse of how veneers compare to other cosmetic dental treatments, hopefully, it provided some insight on which treatment would work best for you. Ultimately, however, the best advice is to speak with a cosmetic dentist about your treatment goals, budget, and cosmetic concerns so they can help you determine the best cosmetic dental treatment plan. 

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