Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. It could be referred to as putting on a (fake finger nail). The veneer is matched to the color or your existing tooth and cemented over the top. Veneers are done when you want to change your smile and don’t want to remove much tooth structure. You can use a veneer to close a gap between your front teeth or fix a twisted tooth.
This usually involves two appointments because the veneers will be fabricated at a dental laboratory. At the first appointment the teeth are prepared, impressions taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks the veneers are back from the laboratory, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain or pressed ceramic and are very aesthetic. Veneers look very natural and people will not realize that you have had them done unless you tell them. They will know something looks different but won’t realize what you have had done.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended cosmetic purposes.