Dentures and veneers help to ensure that those experiencing oral health issues can lead normal, functioning, and satisfying lives. Millions of people around the United States have either dentures or veneers, so the likelihood that you may need them sometime in your life is not all that low. Understanding the importance of frequent (at least two a year) visits to the dentist is crucial for maintaining strong oral health, and avoiding the need for dentures and/or veneers. If you suspect you may need them, however, knowing the different types that you might receive can help to ease your mind. To do just this, here are nine of the most common types of dentures and veneers:
1. Traditional Dentures
Complete dentures (also known as traditional dentures) are used to replace all of a patient’s teeth. When you think of the types of dentures you see on TV, this is the type of denture you’re thinking of. They are placed on top of your gums and help those without teeth to lead healthy, normal lives. Staying on top of your current oral health becomes crucial in preventing the need for dentures.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is the most commonly used material to build veneers. These veneers are typically tooth-colored, customized, versatile, and long-lasting (with many lasting as long as 10 to 15 years). Porcelain veneers are made of ceramic materials and can more easily resist stains than composite veneers. For these reasons, many people have benefited from porcelain veneers.
3. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used for people who have only lost some of their teeth, or who are needing dentures due to a more complex array of other oral diseases. Partial dentures often have a pink-colored base that’s then attached to a metal piece to complete the dentures. The combination of these two pieces helps to hold the dentures in place for patients who still have some of their natural teeth.
4. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are often sought out as a more cosmetically satisfying and customizable alternative to traditional porcelain veneers. Tooth-colored cavity fillings and composite veneers are made from the same types of complex materials, making them fairly unique amongst many different types of veneers and dentures. These veneers are typically sculpted onto teeth, or between them to create the appearance of them being normal, healthy teeth.
5. Custom Dentures
For those willing to spend more money to achieve a more cosmetically convincing smile, custom dentures are made using more expensive materials and even actual human teeth in some cases. You can see these dentures before they are completed, and intensely customize them to meet your needs. Those looking for a naturally fitting, self-esteem-boosting smile often prefer custom dentures.
6. Palatal Veneers
Also known as palatal onlays, palatal veneers are a specially made type of onlay invented to restore the anterior section of a tooth. Deep bites, bruxism, dental erosion, and other conditions can lead to the types of palatal damage that harm your anterior teeth. Erosion can be caused by a wide variety of things, including severe acid reflux, chronic vomiting, and other oral health issues as well. However, palatal veneers are one of the least used versions of veneers in the oral health field.
7. Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures refer to any form of denture that is partially implanted into the frame of the mouth and is the cutting-edge of denture technology. These provide a much more stable, strong foundation, and help patients that struggle to keep their dentures in due to discomfort or other medical conditions. Of the types of dentures, this is another that is typically built to look highly realistic and convincing.
8. Lumineers
Ultra-thin, translucent veneers are often referred to as Lumineers, and are even a brand name in some cases. These veneers replicate the color, shape, and imprints of natural tooth enamel, and do a more accurate job of capturing the look of teeth than traditional porcelain veneers. Additionally, Lumineers are even more durable than porcelain veneers and are known to last over twenty years. While their lifespan and cosmetic quality are better than porcelain veneers, they are also more susceptible to chipping than porcelain veneers. Talking to your dentist about which type of veneer is more beneficial for you is crucial in the case that you ever need veneers.
9. Removable (Non-Permanent) Veneers
Not all veneers are permanent. Also known as custom-made snap-on veneers, removable veneers are a cheaper alternative to an implant-style veneer. These are non-permanent, less invasive, and more budget-friendly, making them popular with those that are not covered by dental insurance. Less intense tooth rot and other oral conditions may also only need removable veneers to correct a problem. Once again, your dentist will have all the information they need to get you the best type of veneer possible for your specific oral health situation.
Find the Kind That’s Right for You
With this information, you’ll be more well equipped to discuss veneer and denture options with your dentist during your next visit. Even if you do not need either of them now, discussing what would be appropriate for you in the future in case you develop tooth decay can help to ease your mind. Finding the type of denture or veneer that will best serve you will help keep you smiling and content day after day.