Dental veneers are added as a shell or thin cover to the tooth and play an important role in tooth restoration. Veneers can cover teeth problems and injuries such as decay and fracture, and for this reason, it is of great importance. There are different types of dental veneers and they are chosen according to the condition of a person's teeth. In the following, we will talk more about the types of dental veneers and the important points related to them.
> *"A **dental crown** is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. > Crowns fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and are made from materials like porcelain, metal, or zirconia. They are commonly used after root canals, large fillings, or broken teeth."*
> *«***A dental crown** is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. > The veneer covers the entire visible part of the tooth above the gum line and is made of materials such as ceramic, metal or zirconia. This method is usually used after nerve extraction, large fillings or tooth fracture.*»*
> *Source: Mayo Clinic*
Crown or dental cap is a tooth-shaped cover that can restore decayed, weak, broken or worn teeth. Dental veneers are made of various materials such as metal, resin and porcelain and have a lifespan of about 5 to 15 years. Dental veneers are also called dental frames and are actually a type of dental prosthesis that replaces the crown of a damaged tooth. The veneer is actually a hard hat for the teeth that can restore strength and beauty to the tooth. Veneers are also used to cover dental implants or denervated teeth.
The reason for using dental veneers
Dental veneers are used for various reasons; But in general, veneers are needed when the tooth needs to be protected, strengthened or beautified. Among the reasons for using dental veneers are the following:
**Strengthening a weak or cracked tooth:** The veneer is placed on the tooth like a protective cap. In situations where the tooth is denervated or cracked, placing a veneer can prevent the tooth from breaking or worsening. **Covering the tooth after denervation:** When the tooth is denervated, it is in a fragile condition. To protect the tooth in this condition, a veneer is placed. Restoration of severely decayed or damaged teeth:** In the situation where the tooth is excessively decayed, the normal filling of the tooth cannot be enough, and the placement of the veneer will preserve the normal appearance and function of the tooth. **Beautification of teeth:** Sometimes veneer can replace laminate. In situations such as excessive discoloration of the teeth, improper tooth shape, and broken or crooked teeth, veneer placement is recommended.
Dental veneer applications
Dental veneers are used in the following conditions:
- Repair and rehabilitation of teeth with progressive caries
- Repair and recovery of broken teeth
- To keep a bridge in place
- To cover the dental implant
- To correct the ugliness or deformity of the teeth
Among the types of dental veneers are the following:
### Full metal dental cover
One of the most resistant dental veneers is the all-metal veneer, which is highly resistant to chewing and various pressures. The only downside to all-metal finishes is their dark metallic color. The all-metal coating can consist of alloys with high gold or platinum content, or base metal alloys such as nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium alloys. Expensiveness and metallic appearance of metal coating are among its disadvantages; However, it is considered the best type of coating for molars out of sight. ### Ceramic tooth cover
Among other types of dental veneers, the most widely used is the ceramic veneer, which is very similar to natural teeth in terms of color and beauty; But in terms of strength, it is weaker than metal coating. This veneer is suitable for those who are allergic to metal and due to its natural appearance, it is suitable for exposed front teeth. ### Ceramic and metal dental veneers
Metal ceramic coatings are also called PFM coatings. This veneer has a metal base made of nickel, chrome, or gold, which increases the resistance of the veneer, and has a ceramic coating to resemble real teeth. This coating is used for front teeth, back teeth and long bridges that require metal strength. The problem with these veneers is that they can expose the adjacent tooth to more wear and tear, and the metal underneath the ceramic can be seen as a dashed line. ### Ceramic and zirconia dental veneers
Another type of dental veneer is ceramic-zirconia veneer. This white core cover is made of zirconia, which has high resistance, and the outer layer is made of ceramic to be similar to natural teeth and give a special beauty to the teeth. ### Full zirconia dental crown
Another very famous cover is zirconia cover, which is completely made of this material. Zirconia is a very hard and resistant ceramic that is highly compatible with the body and does not cause sensitivity or gum irritation. The all-zirconia veneer uses zirconia in its center and cover, and is a very suitable veneer for teeth that require higher resistance, such as posterior teeth.
How long is the lifespan of dental veneers?
But in general, the life of all types of coatings can be considered as follows:
- Metal coatings (gold, metal alloys): 15 to 30 years or more
- Ceramic veneers (porcelain, zirconia): 10 to 20 years
- PFM (metal-ceramic) veneers: 10 to 15 years
Effective factors in choosing types of dental veneers
Among the things that should be considered when choosing types of dental veneers are the following:
### Placement of the cover in the mouth
When choosing a cover, you should pay attention to the location of the cover in the mouth. Beauty is more important for front teeth; Therefore, ceramic or zirconia veneers are more suitable. For back teeth that bear more pressure, metal crowns or PFM are a better option. ### Special features of each coating
The covers each have special features and they should be chosen based on these features. Metal veneers are suitable for back teeth due to their high durability and unnatural appearance. Ceramic veneers are more suitable for front teeth due to their natural appearance and less strength. ### The amount of damage and tooth strength
If the tooth is severely decayed, more resistant veneers (such as zirconia or PFM) are recommended. In cases where only an appearance repair is needed, ceramic veneers are a suitable option. ### Allergy to substances
Some people may be allergic to metals and for this reason all-ceramic or zirconia veneers should be used for them. ### The cost and budget of the patient
When choosing a cover, the cost and budget of the patient should be taken into account. Gold and zirconia coatings are more expensive; But PFM coatings are moderately priced.
Who cannot use dental veneers?
Although dental veneers are a method that many people can use to fix dental problems; But this method is not suitable for everyone. If the tooth decay or crack is very deep, at this time, the veneer cannot be used for treatment. Also, if the infection and tooth decay reaches the pulp and soft tissue of the tooth, the tooth must first be treated with denervation and then a veneer is placed on it.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types of veneer
Types of dental veneers can have different advantages and disadvantages, and these advantages and disadvantages should be considered before choosing any of these methods. In the following, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of different types of dental veneers:
### Advantages and disadvantages of all metal coating
**advantages**
- Very high resistance
- Need to cut less
- Very durable
**Disadvantages**
- Metallic and unnatural appearance
- High price, especially in the case of gold metal
### Advantages and disadvantages of all-ceramic coating
**advantages**
- Very transparent and natural appearance
- Suitable for front teeth
- Without causing sensitivity
**Disadvantages**
- Less resistance than some types such as metal and zirconia
### Advantages and disadvantages of metal-ceramic coating
**advantages**
- High strength
- Reasonable price
- Having a transparent and natural appearance
**Disadvantages
- The possibility of darkening of the gums over time
- Less beautiful than an all-ceramic veneer
### Advantages and disadvantages of full zirconia veneer
**Advantages
- Very high strength
- Resistance to failure
- Without causing sensitivity
- Suitable for people with grinding teeth
**Disadvantages
- Less beautiful than the ceramic type
- Slightly matte appearance
### Advantages and disadvantages of zirconia coating with ceramics
**advantages**
- Beauty along with strength
- High compatibility with gums
- More natural appearance than pure zirconia
**Disadvantages**
- Possibility of ceramic chipping at high pressure
One of the expert and experienced dentists that people can go to for tooth veneers is called Dr. Farin Shamshirgar. Dr. Shamshirgar is a specialist in cosmetic dentistry in Zafaranieh and can achieve the best possible results for people. Dr. Farin Shamshirgar has more than 10 years of experience, and this makes him familiar with all the challenges of oral and dental treatment and can carry out the treatment in the best way. For free consultation and use of Dr. Farin Shamshirgar's cosmetic dentistry services, you can visit his clinic in Zafaranieh. **final word**
Dental veneers not only play an important role in improving teeth problems such as decay and surface fractures; But it can play an important role in the beauty of teeth. As a kind of dental prosthesis, this method can replace the damaged tooth crown and protect the tooth. There are different types of coatings, each of which has different characteristics. It is very important for people to go to a specialist dentist in order to choose the best type of dental veneer and apply it on their teeth.
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Which overlay looks more natural?
Ceramic and zirconia veneers have a more natural appearance and are more suitable for front teeth.
Which skin is more resistant?
Metal and zirconia crowns have high pressure resistance, especially for molars.
Is metal plating still used?
Yes, especially for back teeth due to its high durability, although it is less aesthetically pleasing.
Is zirconia better or ceramic?
Zirconia is more durable, but looks a little less natural than ceramic. Sometimes the combination of zirconia and ceramic is used.