Cosmetic · Smile design
A custom front surface for selected cosmetic concerns.
Porcelain veneers can change the visible color, shape, or proportion of teeth after their health, enamel, and bite have been carefully evaluated.
A veneer covers the front of a tooth—not the entire tooth.
A porcelain veneer is a thin, custom-made covering bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It may be considered for selected teeth that are chipped, stained, worn, misshapen, or separated by a small space.
Veneers are different from crowns, which cover more of the tooth. Placement generally requires removing some enamel, so porcelain veneer treatment is not reversible. Existing decay and gum disease should be treated before the veneer is placed.
Planning the appearance and the bite
The consultation begins with your goals and an examination of the teeth, gums, enamel, and bite. Photographs, digital scans or impressions, and a preview model may be used to plan proportions and show how the proposed result relates to the rest of the smile.
Veneers may not be the best choice when a tooth is significantly weakened, when active disease is present, or when clenching, grinding, or the bite would place excessive force on the porcelain. The dentist can compare veneers with bonding, whitening, orthodontics, or crowns when more than one approach is possible.
From preparation to placement
A small amount of enamel is prepared so the veneer can fit naturally. A scan or impression records the tooth, and a dental laboratory creates the porcelain restoration. A temporary veneer may be used while the final one is being made.
At placement, the fit, shape, color, and bite are checked before the veneer is bonded. Continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, avoid using teeth as tools, and tell the office if the bite feels different or the veneer becomes loose or damaged.
Three things to remember
Treatment is customized to the surrounding smile
Enamel removal makes porcelain veneers irreversible
The tooth can still develop decay around or beneath a veneer
Reviewed references
Clear sources for a more informed conversation.
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