Porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates are a recent, revolutionary development in cosmetic dentistry. They are shells as thin as wafers and can be fixed on the visible side of the teeth that have become discoloured, worn out, damaged or have lost their alignment. Porcelain in itself is very brittle, but attached to something that has strong substructure like a tooth, its durability increases.

In appearance, the porcelain veneers are translucent. This is the most crucial aspect as it gives the veneer its characteristic look.Porcelain veneers, when attached to the tooth, imitate the light handling techniques of the original enamel. It's because of this that the veneer comes across as the original enamel of the tooth.

In the past, most cosmetic dental bonding materials would get immediately discoloured or stained. As a result, this became bothersome for those who enjoyed coloured beverages like red wine, tea, coffee or even smoking. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are ceramic and are smooth. Their characteristics are similar to glass because of which they do not get stained. There are different types of porcelain veneers. Each one of them is unique in its own way. Let's take a look at some of the types of porcelain veneers.

1. Pressed Ceramic Veneers
This is a very strong veneer as compared to some of the other types. As a result, it requires more thickness and consequently, more reshaping. Generally, pressed ceramic veneers are available in a single colour only. However, a skilled ceramist may be able to customise it to a colour of the patient's choice.

2. Feldspathic Ceramic Veneers
The Feldspathic Ceramic Veneers are extremely thin. As a result it does not have the durability of the pressed ceramic veneer. The feldspathic veneer is best suited for people who don't clench their teeth very often and smile very broadly.

3. Leucite Reinforced Pressed Ceramic Veneers
This type of veneer is stronger than the other types mentioned above. Consequently, it can be made really thin. This type also comes in a single colour and does not require too much reshaping.

Undoubtedly, porcelain dental veneers are a welcome change as the former can be altered and customised as per the patient's requirements.