Veneers

A veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth. Veneers can improve the aesthetics and function of a smile and protect the tooth's surface from damage.

There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer: composite and dental porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement. They are commonly used for treatment of adolescent patients who will require a more permanent design once they are fully grown. The lifespan of a composite veneer is approximately four years. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.

A full veneer crown is a restoration that covers all the coronal tooth surfaces (mesial, distal, facial, lingual and occlusal). A laminate veneer, on the other hand, is a thin layer that covers only the surface of the tooth and is generally used for aesthetic purposes. These typically have better performance and aesthetics and are less plaque retentive.