Veneers

A veneer is a cosmetic shell that is fitted onto the front surface of the tooth. These custom-made shells are commonly used to hide cosmetic imperfections in the teeth, such as misshapen teeth, cracks, chips, and stains.

Types of Veneer

There are two types of veneer that are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry.

Resin-Based Veneers
Resin-based veneers are created by applying layers of soft composite material to the tooth’s surface. Your dentist will shape the material to conform to the natural shape of the tooth and then cure it with a special light. The procedure is relatively easy to perform with minimal preparation of the tooth. While resin-based veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers, they last about five to seven years.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer the advantage of being more durable than resin-based veneers. When fitting a porcelain veneer, your dentist will remove a layer of the surface enamel on the front of the tooth to accommodate the veneer. Your dentist will then take a mould of the prepared tooth and send it to the dental lab to fabricate the veneer. They will cover the tooth with a temporary veneer until the custom veneer is ready.