If you are interested in porcelain veneers, you may have discovered that traditional and ultra-thin veneers are available. How can you determine which type is appropriate for you? We will compare veneers and factors to help you decide which is best for your oral health and smile.
Ultra-Thin Porcelain Veneers
Consult with an advanced cosmetic dentist about porcelain veneers
Ultra-thin porcelain veneers are half the thickness of traditional veneers. Manufacturers market some brands as requiring no preparation, meaning a dentist can apply them to your teeth without removing any tooth enamel. Nevertheless, sometimes failure to remove s small amount of tooth enamel can make your teeth look bulky.
Features of ultra-thin porcelain veneers
- Thickness – Ultra-thin porcelain veneers can measure 0.2 mm, while traditional veneers are 0.5 mm
- Tooth preparation – A cosmetic dentist will remove a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel.
- Limitations – Ultra-thin veneers are ideal for patients requiring slight tooth color, shape, or alignment adjustments.
- Aesthetics – They look natural and allow natural tooth color to show through. Many patients choose to replace old dental bonding with ultra-thin veneers.
Traditional Porcelain Veneers
Traditional porcelain veneers are thin but thicker than ultra-thin types and require more tooth preparation. Still, a skilled cosmetic dentist collaborates with a dental ceramist to skillfully craft customized, natural-looking veneers for each patient.
Features of traditional porcelain veneers
- Thickness – Traditional porcelain veneers are about 0.5 mm
- Tooth preparation – While remaining conservative with tooth preparation, a cosmetic dentist must remove more tooth enamel than ultra-thin veneers.
- Limitations – They are well-suited for more complex tooth discoloration, misshape, and alignment cases.
- Aesthetics – A skilled cosmetic dentist and expert ceramist create beautiful smiles with traditional veneers.
Should You Choose Ultra-Thin or Traditional Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers vary in thickness. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend ultra-thin veneers slightly thicker than 0.2 mm but not as thick as 0.5 mm.
Whether you choose ultra-thin or traditional veneers depends on several factors, including:
- Your smile goals
- The condition of your teeth
- Your teeth alignment
- Your cosmetic dentist’s recommendation
High-quality dental ceramics are dense and virtually stain resistant. Your cosmetic dentist will explain the results you can expect with each type of veneer that may suit your case.
Schedule a Porcelain Veneers Consultation
Look for accredited cosmetic dentists or advanced cosmetic dentists with extensive post-graduate training. Schedule consultations with at least two dentists to discuss your smile goals and treatment options.
Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.