A dental veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over the surface of a tooth to improve the appearance of or protect the tooth form damage. Dental veneers are wafer thin, custom manufactured shells of natural tooth colored materials made to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. The veneer is bonded to the front of the teeth changing the color, shape, size, or length.

Veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers can be more stain resistant and better mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. You should discuss the best choice of veneer material for your teeth with your dentist. The advantage of dental veneers is that your teeth's appearance can be changed without a great deal of prep or drilling of the tooth to which the veneer will be applied. As a result you may need minimal local anesthetic.

Veneers may be used cosmetically to resurface teeth such as to make them appear straighter and possess a more aesthetically pleasing alignment. Dental Veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Teeth that are discolored which may have been caused by root canal stains from drugs, fluoride, or resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down and are less attractive than desired.
• Teeth that are chipped or broken due to normal living or trauma
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
• Teeth that have unsightly gaps between them which may contribute to a less attractive appearance and affect your smile

What is the Process to Get a Dental Veneer?

The procedure usually requires three trips to the dentist, one for a consultation with the dentist and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or multiple teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process.