What are Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or composite resin created uniquely for your teeth. They are used to permanently correct minor problems like small chips, cracks, or stains that are not improved with whitening. They can also be used to reduce gaps between teeth and correct the appearance of a crooked tooth.
Porcelain veneers tend to look more like natural teeth and do not stain easily. They are also stronger than resin veneers which is partly why they cost a bit more.
Resin veneers are also very natural looking—although not quite as good as porcelain veneers. However, they are easier to apply and easier to repair, should that be required.
How are veneers made and attached to teeth?
For porcelain veneers, your dentist starts by removing a small amount of the surface layer of your teeth (enamel). A mold is then taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab. Using the mold made by your dentist, a specially trained dental lab technician creates the veneers to perfectly match the shape and color of your teeth.
At a separate appointment, your dentist will test the veneers to make sure they match the shape and shade of your teeth. Once this is confirmed, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using a special adhesive.
Resin veneers can usually be placed on your teeth at one appointment. A small amount of reshaping may be done before your dentist applies the resin material directly to your tooth. This resin is smoothed and shaped, and then hardened by shining a special light onto the veneer. Final shaping and polishing is done until the veneer-covered teeth look like your surrounding teeth.