In dentistry, a Veneer is a wafer-thin layer of custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance; the colour of the Veneers can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. These Veneers are bonded to the front of the tooth changing their colour, shape, size, length or correcting uneven spaces, crooked or misshapen teeth. They can be use to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or multiple teeth or to protect the tooth’s surface from damage.
There are two main types of material used to fabricate a Veneer: Resin Composite and Dental Porcelain. A Composite Veneer is thinner and requires removal of less of the tooth surface before placement may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a Dental Technician in a Dental Laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth. In contrast, a Porcelain Veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.
Veneers can typically last 10–30 years. They may have to be replaced in this time due to cracking, leaking, chipping, discolouration, decay, shrinkage of the gum line and damage from injury or tooth grinding. The cost of Veneers can vary depending on the experience and location of the dentist. Porcelain Veneers are more durable and less likely to stain than Veneers made of composite.