Veneer

A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is usually made of porcelain or of composite resin, and it is shaped and shaded to suit the tooth. Veneers are mainly a cosmetic option, used to change the appearance of teeth that show when you smile.

Because a veneer covers only the front of the tooth, it is different from a crown, which covers the whole tooth. Veneers are generally about appearance rather than strength.

People consider veneers for a range of cosmetic reasons: to improve the look of chipped, worn or discoloured teeth, to reduce the appearance of small gaps, or to give teeth a more even shape. Whether they are a sensible choice depends on the condition of the teeth and what you are hoping to change.

Veneers are one of several cosmetic options, and they are not right for every situation. A dentist can talk through the alternatives and explain what would and would not suit your teeth.

Preparing a tooth for some types of veneer can involve removing a small amount of enamel so the veneer sits flush, and because enamel does not grow back, that step is not reversible. Other approaches remove little or no enamel. A dentist will explain what a particular veneer involves before any treatment begins.

Like any restoration, veneers can chip or wear over time and may eventually need attention, and how long they last varies. Looking after them is much like looking after natural teeth, with regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and routine check-ups.

Veneers are commonly made from porcelain or from composite resin, and the two are handled differently. Porcelain veneers are usually made in a laboratory from an impression or scan and then bonded to the teeth, while composite veneers are often built up directly on the tooth by the dentist in the clinic.

Each has its own characteristics, and neither is automatically the right answer. The choice depends on the teeth, what is being changed and your preferences, which a dentist can talk through so you can decide with the full picture.

Because preparing a tooth for some veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel, which does not grow back, that step is not reversible, and it is worth understanding before deciding. A dentist will explain exactly what a particular option involves for your teeth.

It is also sensible to have any underlying dental issues addressed first, so that veneers are placed on healthy teeth and gums. Veneers are a cosmetic choice, and taking time over the decision is reasonable.