Veneers are a popular treatment option for several reasons. They generally are placed on upper front teeth that are severely discoloured, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. Veneers may be used to lighten front that are naturally yellow or have a gray cast and can not be whitened by bleaching. Veneers are sometimes used to correct teeth that are chipped or worn. They also may be used to correct uneven spaces or a diastema (a large, noticeable gap between the upper front teeth).

Types of Veneers:

There are two types of veneers:
a. Ceramic Veneers (sometimes called laminates) and
b. Resin-Based Composite Veneers.

a. Ceramic Veneers:
Ceramic veneers are extremely thin shells made of a strong and durable dental ceramic. A participating dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth. This makes room for the veneer and prevents the restored tooth from feeling or looking bulky or unnatural.

Next, the participating dentist makes an impression of the prepared teeth so that the shape of the preparations and surrounding teeth can be replicated in the dental laboratory. The participating dentist also looks for the shade that will best match or blend with the other teeth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory that makes the ceramic veneers to fit your individual teeth. This may take several days.

At the next visit, the participating dentist places the veneers on the teeth to check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth with dental cement. Further adjustments may be done at a subsequent appointment.

b. Resin-Based Composite Veneers:
Resin-based composite veneers generally are placed in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared or reshaped, the participating dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material in a colour that matches your other teeth. A special light is used to harden the composite. The veneer is smoothed and polished to look like a natural tooth.