Procedures
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells, usually porcelain or composite, that cover the front of a tooth to change its color, shape or size.
A veneer is a thin covering of the front surface of a tooth. It is usually made of tooth-colored material. Veneers are used to restore discolored, damaged, misshapen or misaligned teeth. The ADA says veneers can improve the look of teeth that are chipped or broken, stained, or crooked or misshapen. They can also mask gaps.
The two main types of veneers are porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are strong, long-lasting and natural-looking. Composite veneers may require less tooth enamel to be removed and fewer visits to the dentist.
Before placement, your dentist must remove some enamel from your natural teeth, so ask about this step. Veneers are a different option from dental bonding and teeth whitening. Our office describes veneers on its dental veneers page. See also porcelain.