A dental veneer is a thin shell, usually made of ceramic or composite material, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is used to improve the shape, size or colour of a tooth, most often the front teeth that show when you smile. Veneers can close small gaps, cover stains, and even out teeth that look chipped or uneven.
Ceramic (porcelain) veneers
Made in a dental lab to match your natural tooth colour and shine. They resist staining well and typically last longer than composite veneers.
Composite veneers
Built up directly on the tooth by the dentist in a single visit, using a tooth-coloured material. They cost less than ceramic veneers but do not last as long and can stain more easily over time.
A veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth and needs very little of the natural tooth to be trimmed. A crown covers the entire tooth and needs more of the tooth to be reshaped. Veneers are chosen mainly for front teeth where appearance matters most, while crowns are used when a tooth needs more strength, such as after a root canal or with major damage.
Ceramic veneers
This usually takes 2 visits over about a week.
Composite veneers
Composite material is shaped directly onto the tooth and hardened with a curing light, usually in a single visit.
Ceramic veneers commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer with good care. Composite veneers usually last a shorter time, often 4 to 8 years, and may need polishing or touch-up sooner.
The cost depends on the material chosen, the number of teeth, and the complexity of your case. A written estimate is given after your consultation.
Veneers are long-lasting but not truly permanent, since a thin layer of the natural tooth is usually removed to fit them. Once placed, that tooth will need a veneer or a similar cover going forward.
Fitting a veneer removes a small amount of enamel. This is why your dentist should examine your teeth and gums carefully first, and explain exactly how much trimming is needed for your case.
Veneers can improve the look of slightly uneven teeth, but they do not move teeth like braces do. For significant crowding or bite problems, orthodontic treatment is the better option.
This depends on what you want to improve. Some patients choose one veneer for a single chipped tooth, while others choose a full set across the smile for an even look.
Ceramic veneers resist staining well. Composite veneers can stain over time, similar to natural teeth, especially with tea, coffee and smoking.