What is a veneer?
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural color ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain. This is done because the tooth might have been damaged by decay or an accident or might be badly discolored for some reason. Veneers are also used to rejuvenate the smile by restoring the original shape and color of the teeth while restoring the height and how much teeth are shown during rest and smile.
To veneer a tooth, the tooth needs to be prepared. This sometimes requires reduction of enamel. An alternative to veneers is the Bioclear technique where the natural tooth structure is not touched, and the enhancement can be achieved by addition of composite fillings.