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What is the Best Type of Veneers?

Posted by writeradmin

I have had porcelain veneers for the last decade and haven’t loved them. I’m looking to replace them to get some that are beautiful, but this time wanted to go into it with better information. I’ve been to three cosmetic dentists but they are each suggesting a different material for veneers or crowns: emax, feldspathic, and zirconia. Is one the best to use in your experience?

Penny


Dear Penny,

An image of a porcelain veneer being held up to a tooth

It is good that you are trying to do research. However, I am going to suggest that you tweak your question just a bit. Instead of thinking of porcelain veneers like an item that is produced, I’d like you to think of it as an art. You can give two artists the same canvas, paints, brushes, and subject, but one will produce a better work of art than the other. The materials don’t matter nearly as much as the artist working with them.

Because of that, you need to be researching the dentist, not the material. Doing smile makeovers is not adequately taught in dental school. Instead, you want someone who has extensive post-doctoral training along with the artistry to create those stunning smiles. One of the problems you are facing is there is not a recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry. That means any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of the amount of training they’ve received.

The good news is that the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) recognized the issue patients faced. As a result, the created a training and accreditation program. In order for a dentist to receive accreditation, they have to pass stringent exams showing a high degree of technical knowledge as well as prove their artistry in front of an examination board on a large number of cases. AACD accredited dentists are the best cosmetic dentists in the country. Any one of them can create something beautiful for you.

I am concerned that you mentioned porcelain veneers or crowns. If one of your dentists is suggesting crowns instead of veneers when the teeth are not damaged enough to need dental crowns then you need to run away. They are not a skilled cosmetic dentist and are steering you toward a procedure they are comfortable with instead of what is best for you.

Focus on the dentist. That will get you the beautiful smile you should have gotten the first time.

This blog is brought to you by Franklin, TN Dentist Dr. Christopher Weber.

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