What Veneers Address
Porcelain veneers are used for cosmetic improvements that other treatments cannot achieve as durably or predictably. They are well suited for teeth with discoloration that does not respond to whitening, chips or cracks on the front surface, gaps between the front teeth, teeth that are worn down, misshapen, or uneven, and minor misalignment where full orthodontic treatment is not the preferred path.
Because veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, they are a conservative way to make significant cosmetic changes without altering the full tooth structure the way a crown would.
The Process
Veneer placement begins with a consultation to discuss what you want to change and confirm that veneers are the right approach for your specific teeth. At the preparation appointment, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth being treated. This is a permanent step: once enamel is removed, it does not grow back, and the teeth will always require a veneer or other coverage going forward.
Impressions or a digital scan are taken and sent to a lab. Temporary veneers are placed while the final ones are fabricated. At the final appointment, the temporaries are removed, the porcelain veneers are fitted carefully, and bonded permanently to the teeth.
Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant. With reasonable care they hold up well for many years.