A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Rather than rebuilding a tooth from the inside as a crown does, a veneer resurfaces what you see — which is why it can transform appearance while removing very little natural tooth.
What veneers can correct
Veneers are well suited to teeth that are discoloured in a way whitening cannot fix, chipped or worn at the edges, slightly crooked or irregularly shaped, or separated by small gaps. They are a cosmetic solution, not a structural one: a tooth that is heavily broken down or has a large failing filling usually needs a crown instead, and your dentist at Parkway Dental will say so.
Veneers do not treat the underlying cause of crowding. If teeth are significantly misaligned, straightening them first with clear aligners often produces a better and more conservative result than masking the position with porcelain.
Porcelain or composite
Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory, resist staining well and typically last ten to fifteen years or more. Composite veneers are shaped directly onto the tooth in a single visit, cost less and are easier to repair, but stain more readily and have a shorter lifespan. Both can look excellent.
What to expect
Treatment begins with a discussion of what you want to change, photographs, and often a trial mock-up so you can preview the result. A very thin layer of enamel — commonly around half a millimetre — is removed so the veneer sits flush rather than bulky. An impression or scan is taken, a temporary may be fitted, and at the second visit each veneer is tried in with water or try-in paste so you can approve the appearance before it is bonded permanently.
Living with veneers
Because enamel is removed, porcelain veneers are a permanent commitment — the tooth will always need a veneer or crown afterwards. Brush and floss normally. Avoid biting nails, pens or packaging, and wear a night guard if you grind, since porcelain can chip under concentrated force. Veneers do not respond to whitening, so if you are considering whitening your other teeth, do it before the veneer shade is chosen.