What are Veneers?

A veneer is a thin, durable shell made of porcelain that your dentist bonds to the front of a tooth. Veneers can be used to correct the same types of issues as bonding, including broken, discolored, misshapen or widely spaced teeth. They can also be placed over slightly crooked or overlapping teeth to create the appearance of straight teeth, something that normally takes a year or more using braces.

How Are Veneers Placed?
Veneer placement begins with your dentist gently cutting away a small portion of the enamel on the teeth being treated. This is done to create room for the porcelain veneers. Next, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, which he or she will send to a dental lab so that a skilled technician can create your restorations according to the size, color and shape specifications that you have chosen. You may be given temporary veneers to wear while your permanent ones are being constructed. When the veneers have returned from the dental lab, your dentist will affix them to your teeth with a strong bonding material.

Why Would a Patient Choose Veneers Over Bonding?
Bonding is less expensive, takes less time to perform and doesn’t require tooth reduction, so why would anyone choose veneers instead? Their durability is one reason. Because they are made of hard porcelain, they do not chip, crack, stain as often as bonding