What is a dental veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance and correct cosmetic flaws.
A veneer is a thin shell of material permanently bonded to the front of a tooth to mask discolouration, chips, gaps, or misalignment. The two main types are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant, lasting 10-15 years or longer, while composite veneers are cheaper and can be applied in a single visit but may need replacement sooner.
The process begins with a small amount of tooth enamel being removed to make room for the veneer shell. Your dentist takes an impression and sends it to a laboratory, where a custom veneer is fabricated to match your bite and tooth colour. Once ready, the veneer is bonded to your tooth with dental cement and hardened with a curing light.
Veneers differ from crowns in one key way: a crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer covers only the front surface. This means veneers require less tooth removal and are often chosen purely for cosmetic reasons. However, if a tooth has significant decay or structural damage, a crown may be the better option.
If you want a quick cosmetic fix for your smile, find experienced cosmetic dentistry providers in your area who can assess whether veneers suit your needs.