Back teeth or molars play a key role in chewing and grinding food, and for this reason, they are exposed to pressure, decay, fracture or wear more than other teeth. When these teeth are seriously damaged, restorative treatments such as denervation and then veneers are usually recommended to prevent further fracture and maintain the normal function of the tooth. Choosing the right cover for the back teeth not only helps to increase the life of the tooth, but also affects the comfort of the patient, the beauty of the smile and oral hygiene. In this article, we will examine the types of dental veneers and compare them to introduce the best possible option to maintain the health and function of these important teeth. Types of dental veneers
### 1. Metal coating (all metal)
All-metal crowns are one of the oldest and most resistant types of dental crowns, which are usually made of alloys such as gold, nickel or chrome. Due to its high strength and excellent resistance to wear and pressure, this type of coating is a very suitable option for back teeth, especially molars. The use of metal makes the coating thickness less and there is no need to cut too much of the tooth tissue. However, in terms of aesthetics, this type of coating has a metallic appearance and is less attractive for people who are looking for a natural look. For this reason, it is mostly used in teeth that are not exposed. **Advantages:**
- Very high durability and excellent resistance to chewing pressure. - The need for less sharpening of the teeth than other types. - Very low probability of failure or lip filling. > Read also: life of denervated tooth without coating and with coating
**Disadvantages:**
- Metallic and ugly appearance; For this reason, it is usually only used for back teeth. - In some cases, it may cause sensitivity (sensitivity to nickel or chrome metal). Suitable for: posterior teeth, especially in patients with high chewing pressure or for whom aesthetics is not a priority. ### 2. Zirconia cover
Zirconia is a very hard and white material that has become very popular in dentistry in recent years due to its unique properties. In addition to high resistance to pressure, zirconia veneers are also very similar to natural teeth in terms of aesthetics, and unlike metal veneers, they are completely white and metal-free. This cover is also a suitable choice for people who are allergic to metal alloys. Since zirconia can withstand high pressures from chewing, it is one of the best options for posterior teeth. **Advantages:**
- Very high resistance, competitive with metal. - White and semi-transparent appearance, close to natural teeth. Harmless for oral tissues and compatible with the body. - Metal-free, suitable for people with metal allergies. > Read: The best dentist in Tehran
**Disadvantages:**
- In older versions, it is slightly darker than porcelain. - Higher cost than other covers. **SUITABLE FOR:** The best option for back teeth due to its excellent combination of strength and beauty. ### 3. Ceramic cover (all ceramic or porcelain)
All-ceramic or porcelain veneers are usually used for front teeth due to their transparency and similarity to tooth enamel. This type of veneer is metal-free and made of pure ceramic, which makes it an ideal aesthetic option for patients who are sensitive to a natural look. However, these crowns are less pressure resistant than zirconia or metal crowns, so their use on molars (which bear a lot of pressure) is usually not recommended, except in special cases where the chewing pressure is not high or the patient cares about aesthetics more than anything else. **Advantages:**
- Very high beauty, similar to natural teeth. - Without metal, suitable for people who are allergic to metal. - Excellent color matching with other teeth. > Read more: Does the dental veneer change color? **Disadvantages:**
- More fragile than metal or zirconia veneers, especially against high pressure. - Less durable than metal veneers in molar teeth. **Suitable for:** Most front teeth; For back teeth only in special cases (such as light chewing or the need for high esthetics in back premolars). ### 4. Ceramic coating with metal substrate **(PFM)**
This type of cover is a combination of metal durability and ceramic beauty. In this structure, the inner layer of the veneer is made of metal to provide sufficient strength, while the top is covered with a layer of ceramic to give it the appearance of a natural tooth. PFM veneers have long been one of the most common choices in dentistry. However, due to the possibility of filling the ceramic layer and revealing the underlying metal over time (especially in the gum line), today they have replaced zirconia in some cases. However, they are still a good choice for back teeth, especially in situations where the patient's budget is limited but they are looking for a combination of strength and a relatively beautiful appearance. **Advantages:**
- Good strength due to metal base. - Relatively beautiful appearance (due to the ceramic layer). - The most common type of coating in many countries until a few years ago. > Read: The cost of all types of dental veneers
**Disadvantages:**
- The possibility of filling the lip of the ceramic layer. - Visibility of a metal line on the edge of the gum over time. - The need for more teeth grinding. **Suitable for:** back and front teeth; Especially if the cost of zirconia is high. ### 5. Resin coating (composite)
Resin or composite veneers are made from reinforced plastic materials and are usually less expensive than other options. These types of veneers are often used temporarily or in children with milk teeth. Although they look like natural teeth, they are not highly resistant to wear, pressure and discoloration. Therefore, they are generally not recommended for molars and long-term use. **Advantages:**
- Lower cost than other types. - Easier manufacturing and installation process. **Disadvantages:**
- The least durability and resistance. - It wears or breaks quickly. - Color change over time. **Suitable for:** Temporary option or for children who have milk teeth. The best type of veneer for back teeth
The back teeth, especially the first and second molars, are responsible for chewing and bearing heavy pressure. For this reason, **two key criteria** must be considered when choosing veneers for these teeth:
**high mechanical resistance** and **long-term durability**. At the same time, although esthetics is less important in back teeth than in front teeth, appearance is also important in some patients whose molars are visible when they smile or speak. Among the different types of veneers, **zirconia veneer** is known as the best choice for back teeth. This type of coating is very suitable for teeth that are under heavy chewing load, with excellent resistance to pressure and wear. In addition to its high strength, zirconia has a white appearance and is close to the natural color of the tooth, which makes it a step higher in terms of beauty than all-metal veneers. Also, due to the absence of metal in its structure, the probability of causing sensitivity in patients is also very low. > Read also: Why does the dental veneer change color? On the other hand, if the patient's budget is limited or cosmetic appearance is not important in the area, metal veneers (all metal) are still an excellent option in terms of durability and performance. This type of veneer performs very well, especially in areas at the back of the mouth that cannot be seen, and is much less likely to break or crack than other veneers. Finally, **PFM coating** can also be a middle option between beauty and durability, but compared to zirconia, it is less strong and more likely to chip its ceramic layer. In summary, if the primary goal is durability, long-term performance, and pressure resistance, **zirconia is the best choice for posterior teeth**, unless special circumstances or financial constraints dictate other choices. The best type for front teeth
Front teeth play a very important role in the beauty of a person's smile, speech and self-confidence. Unlike the molars, which endure a lot of pressure during the chewing process, the front teeth are more exposed and the amount of mechanical pressure on them is less. For this reason, **appearance beauty and resemblance to natural teeth** is considered the most important criterion in choosing a veneer for this area. Among the different types of veneers, **All Ceramic or Porcelain** is the best option for front teeth. This type of coating is the most similar to natural tooth enamel in terms of color, transparency, shine and light transmission. So that it can hardly be distinguished from a real tooth even up close. In addition to beauty, the ceramic coating does not contain metal, so it does not cause darkness or a metallic shadow at the edge of the gum; A problem that is sometimes seen in metal coatings or PFM. All-ceramic veneers are also very suitable for patients with sensitive gums or metal allergies. Although these types of veneers are less resistant than zirconia or metal, they work well in front teeth; Because this area is not under severe pressure. > Free consultation in the best center with the best dental denervation specialist in Pasdaran
In cases where the patient needs high esthetics and at the same time seeks more resistance, some dentists use **lithium disilicate veneers (e.max)**, which offer a combination of ceramic beauty and higher strength than ordinary porcelain. In short, **all-ceramic veneers are the best choice for beautiful teeth**, especially when the main goal is to create a natural, uniform and beautiful appearance. If the patient does not have a problem with chewing function and only intends to be treated for cosmetic reasons, this type of coating will be the most compatible with expectations. **final summary:**
Choosing the best type of dental veneer depends on various factors; including the location of the teeth in the mouth, the amount of pressure exerted during chewing, aesthetic needs, the patient's clinical condition and his financial budget. For the back teeth, which are more under mechanical pressure, the strength and durability of the cover is a priority; In this situation, zirconia veneer is known as an ideal choice, because while having high strength, it also has an acceptable beauty. In cases where beauty is less of a priority, full metal veneers are still one of the most durable options. On the other hand, for the front teeth that are in the smile line, appearance is the most important. All-ceramic veneers with high transparency and similarity to natural tooth enamel are the best choice for this area. Also, lithium disilicate veneers are a very suitable option for people who are looking for more strength in addition to beauty. Finally, it is recommended to choose the type of veneer with the careful consultation of the dentist and based on the specific conditions of each person in order to achieve the best result in terms of beauty and durability while maintaining the natural function of the tooth.
