Are your front teeth stained or chipped? Are they slightly crooked? Do you have a noticeable gap between teeth that makes you feel uncomfortable when you smile or talk?

Veneers may be an option to a more pleasing, attractive smile.

Ceramic Veneers are extremely thin shells made of a strong and durable dental ceramic. The 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 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 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 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 then bonded to the teeth with dental cement. Further adjustments may be done at a subsequent appointment.

Composite Resin Veneers generally are done in one appointment. After the tooth is prepared or shaped, the dentist carefully bonds and sculpts the composite material in a color 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.

Once you and your dentist have agreed on the type of veneer, between one and three visits generally are required. Little or no anesthesia may be needed. However, your dentist may suggest it to prevent any discomfort.

Your dentist will help you choose the material best for you, based on durability, stain resistance, color and a natural look.