There are many methods used to beautify the teeth and achieve a beautiful smile resembling the smile of celebrities, known as the Hollywood smile, and veneers and zirconia are among the most famous cosmetic dental restorations.
But what is the difference between veneers and zirconia? And which is better? Dr. Mohammad Khaled Nofal, specialist in dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, will explain in this article.
What are veneers and zirconia made of?
The materials from which veneers and zirconia are made differ, as follows:
The materials veneers are made of
There are many materials from which veneers can be made, the most important of which are porcelain or some composite materials made of resin, which are materials that resemble porcelain shells, but they tend to be less costly and require less removal of enamel.
The materials zirconia is made of
Zirconia is made of a white ceramic material called zirconium dioxide, distinguished by its durability and strength in withstanding pressure during chewing.
The difference between veneers and zirconia in terms of aesthetic appearance
The advantages of veneers in terms of aesthetics and durability
These include each of the following:
Veneer shells are very thin
They are considered very thin, with a thickness that may range between 0.5 and 0.1–0.3 mm respectively.
Similar to natural teeth
The veneer shell is usually designed individually for each patient, so it is almost impossible to tell the difference between it and the natural teeth.
Resistant to tooth discoloration
They resist tooth discoloration caused by coffee and tea.
They can adhere to the teeth and bond well easily
Veneer shells can be easily fitted onto the teeth, unlike zirconia, which requires a special protocol for its placement.
Read also: Immediate dental implants.
Not suitable for teeth grinding or pressure
The friction of teeth against each other or great pressure on the teeth may not be suitable for veneer shells, because they are very thin and may break easily.
The advantages of zirconia in terms of aesthetics and durability
These include the following:
Zirconia is durable and strong
It is classified as one of the strongest materials used in cosmetic dental treatments; it is durable and withstands strong pressure, especially when chewing food, better than veneers, and it is also resistant to wear.
It resembles natural teeth
Its appearance mimics the appearance of natural teeth, and its color can also be adjusted to match the patient’s teeth, providing a more natural and aesthetic appearance.
The difference between veneers and zirconia in terms of uses
Uses of veneers
Veneers are usually used in the following cases:
Closing gaps or spaces between the teeth.
Repairing the appearance of broken teeth.
Getting rid of tooth discoloration that does not improve with teeth whitening.
Improving the appearance of very small and misshapen teeth.
Uses of zirconia
The cases in which zirconia is used include the following:
It can be used as a bridge to replace completely missing teeth.
Supporting weak teeth that are prone to breaking.
Closing gaps between the teeth.
Getting rid of changes in the shape and color of the teeth.
Covering dental implants.
Which lasts longer, veneers or zirconia?
Veneer shells can last from 7 to 20 years, depending on the type of shell and the extent to which the doctor’s instructions regarding dental care are followed.
As for zirconia, it may last from 10 to 20 years.
Which of the two options is better, veneers or zirconia?
It cannot be determined which is better, but in general you can discuss the cosmetic and treatment options with the dentist, who examines the teeth and determines what is most suitable for each case individually.
It can be said that for teeth that suffer from large fractures or that have been treated through a root canal, zirconia is considered better because of its ability to protect what remains of the parts of the tooth.
As for veneers, they can be suitable for healthy teeth with the aim of beautifying their appearance and achieving a beautiful smile.
If you are undecided between veneers and zirconia, and to get an accurate consultation and a proper examination with the best techniques, do not hesitate to visit the clinic of Dr. Mohammad Khaled Nofal, who has great experience in cosmetic dentistry and dental restorations, whether fixed or removable, and always aims for his patients to achieve the best results.
Sources
- Gotter, A. (2023, February 10). What to know before you get dental veneers. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers#procedure
- Dentistry, A. (2021, May 6). What’s so special about zirconia crowns? – Allred dentistry. Allred Dentistry. https://allreddentistry.com/whats-so-special-about-zirconia-crowns/
- Fyles, S. (2023, February 6). What’s the difference between porcelain veneers and zirconia. Smile Stories. https://smilestories.co/porcelain-veneers-vs-zirconia/#:~:text
- Zirconia Veneers | Achieve your dream smile. (2023, July 26). Aesthetic Dental Associates. https://www.aestheticdentalassoc.com/services/cosmetic-dentistry/porcelain-veneers/zirconia-veneers/#What_Are_Zirconia_Veneers
- Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-u). Veneers. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
- Dental crowns. (2003, June 2). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
- Tekadmin. (2023, June 22). How long do zirconia crowns last? Cornerstone Family Dentistry |. https://cornerstonedentistrync.com/how-long-do-zirconia-crowns-last/#:~:text
