Veneers

Veneers can be porcelain shells custom-made for the front of a tooth or composite filling material bonded to it. Porcelain is strong, long-lasting and natural-looking; composite may need less enamel removal and fewer visits.

Veneers change the visible front surface of teeth. Decay and gum disease are treated before veneer placement because covering unhealthy teeth can worsen the existing problem. Clenching, grinding and a deep overbite can also make veneers a poor choice.

For porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front and sides of the tooth before bonding. That preparation is irreversible because the original enamel surface cannot be restored.

A veneer placed over a tooth with untreated decay or gum disease can worsen the dental problem. Veneer work by an unlicensed provider carries potential infection and nerve-damage risks.

A veneer can chip, crack, wear down or loosen over time. When that happens, it may need to be re-bonded, repaired or replaced.

Porcelain placement includes choosing a shade, preparing the tooth, and taking an impression or three-dimensional scan. A laboratory makes the shell, then its fit and shape are checked before the tooth is cleaned and the veneer is bonded.

A temporary veneer may be worn while the laboratory makes the final porcelain shell. At the fitting visit, the shell is adjusted for shape and fit before cleaning and bonding.

Porcelain veneers tend to cost more and resist staining and wear better. Composite veneers are tooth-coloured filling material bonded to the tooth; they may require less enamel removal and are easier to fix when damaged.

The shade is selected to match natural teeth. A porcelain veneer is then custom-made for size, shape and fit, while enamel removal means the tooth cannot return to its original surface.

Insurance may exclude veneers because they are cosmetic dentistry. Cover may be considered when the treatment is medically necessary.