Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that bond to the front surfaces of teeth to change a tooth’s color, shape, size, or length. Veneers can be applied to a single tooth or cover several teeth across someone’s smile. Someone with one discolored or damaged front tooth only needs one veneer, while someone looking to change their overall smile may choose a full set. The number of veneers recommended depends on each person’s goals and the condition of their existing teeth. Here’s more information about porcelain veneer treatments and what to expect from them:
Changing the Look of Teeth
Teeth can change in appearance due to injury, wear, or everyday use. Veneers cover these changes and create a consistent look across the smile. A tooth injury from a fall, sports activity, or accident may leave a front tooth cracked or uneven. A veneer covers the visible surface of the affected tooth, giving it a shape and color that blend with nearby teeth. Before placing a veneer, a dentist evaluates the tooth to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
Chipped teeth are another common reason people look into veneers. Small chips along the biting edge can make a tooth look shorter or irregular compared with neighboring teeth, but a veneer recreates the appearance of a full, even edge. Some people want a more uniform smile without damaging their teeth. Teeth may vary in size, have small gaps between them, or show stains that don’t lift with professional whitening. Veneers can make teeth appear similar in length, width, and shade from one tooth to the next.
Changing Minor Alignment Concerns
Veneers aren’t a replacement for orthodontic treatment, but they can improve the appearance of minor alignment concerns. A tooth that sits slightly behind or in front of its neighbors may look out of line with a smile. Because a veneer covers the front surface of the tooth, it can be shaped to make that tooth appear even with the rest of the smile.
Veneers may also change the appearance of small gaps, as slightly wider veneers on the teeth bordering a gap visually close the space. Teeth that appear slightly rotated or uneven in height can be shaped to look more uniform. Veneers do not move teeth or change root position; they only affect how teeth look. A dentist will review your bite and alignment to decide whether veneers or another approach is best, including options like:
- Clear Aligners
- Traditional Braces
- Clear Braces
Offering Personalized Options
No two smiles are the same, so each set of veneers is customized for the individual. The process typically begins with photographs, impressions or digital scans, and a discussion of your goals. Color matching is also a fundamental part of the design. When only one or two teeth receive veneers, the dentist selects a porcelain shade that matches the surrounding natural teeth. To tailor the size and shape, a dentist evaluates facial features such as the lip line, face shape, and smile width before designing a veneer.
Learn More About Veneers
A consultation with a cosmetic dentist helps you discuss your goals and determine whether veneers fit your needs. During this visit, describe the changes you would like to see in your smile. To help your appointment go smoothly, bring photos of smiles you like so your provider can understand your preferences. You don’t have to commit to a treatment session during your consultation, as this appointment is to explore your needs and candidacy. Learn more about your veneer options by meeting with a cosmetic dentist near you.
