WHAT ARE VENEERS?

The term “veneer” has many meanings but it has a specific meaning in dentistry. According to Webster, the word veneer is “to face or cover (an object) with any material that is more desirable as a surface material than the basic material of the object.” So, the true definition of veneer is actually a verb, as it refers to the process of creating a façade over something. In dentistry, we refer to a veneer as the actual material which hides or covers tooth structure, particularly in situations where the patient desires a more pleasing shape or color of tooth/teeth. There are two basic types of dental veneers that are made:

1. Direct veneers: made of tooth-colored filling material called “composite resin” directly bonded to the tooth structure in a single visit.
2. Indirect veneers: made of dental ceramic (porcelain), these veneers are fabricated by a laboratory technician on a replica of the patient’s teeth, then cemented to the teeth at a separate visit. Because the veneers aren’t made directly on the teeth, they are referred to as “indirect veneers.”

Before I differentiate between these two types of veneers, I’ll answer why someone may want veneers in the first place. Some common reasons for needing or wanting dental veneers are:

• Discolored teeth that can’t be lightened by other means, such as tooth-whitening products.

• To fill gaps between teeth. In this image, the veneer was done using direct bonding.

• To make short teeth longer and more youthful-looking. In this image, the veneer was done using indirect ceramic veneers.

• To fix one or multiple broken teeth. In this image, the broken teeth were fixed using both direct bonding and indirect ceramic veneers.

• To make front teeth with multiple fillings look more uniform in color. In this image, the teeth were enhanced using indirect ceramic veneers on the upper front teeth.

Note: All of the above are photos I took of actual patients I have treated.

How do we choose between a direct and an indirect veneer? Both methods have different advantages and disadvantages.

Direct Veneers:

Indirect Veneers:

If you think you may benefit from any of these services feel free to set up a consultation to discuss your concerns and find out the best way to treat your individual needs.