Dental veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth. First applied to teeth of actors in Hollywood nearly one hundred years ago, veneers have become one of the more popular cosmetic treatment for discolored, misshaped and/or malpositioned teeth. Veneers are thin layers of tooth-colored material bonded to the tooth to achieve an improved appearance and/or function. The veneer material used is either resin or porcelain. Bonded porcelain is stronger than resin, often more esthetic and longer lasting than bonded resin; however, in some cases bonded resin can be very esthetic, done more conservatively (preserving tooth structure), involve fewer visits and is usually less costly than porcelain.

Both materials can achieve a beautiful result if done properly. The construction of veneers requires a great deal of skill from both the dentist and lab technician. For the most natural appearance, esthetics, and strength, porcelain is preferable to resin. The construction of porcelain veneers is truly an art form and can be fabricated in a lab or in a dental office that has a lab. For the best esthetics and most natural appearance, porcelain veneers need to be fabricated in layers so they mimic the layering and characteristics found in natural teeth. Veneers made from a single layer of material tend to look fake. The layering process is very time consuming and cannot be finished the same day as the preparation of the teeth. While awaiting final delivery of porcelain veneers, nice looking and well-made temporaries are applied.

Resin can be a good alternative to porcelain in some cases when minimal changes are needed, finances are a concern or when a second visit is not possible. Like porcelain, resin needs to be layered to achieve natural looking results. Usually 3-5 layers of resin material are applied in one office visit.

Why veneers instead of crowns? Crowns cover the whole tooth and involve more reduction of tooth structure than veneers. Conservation of healthy tooth structure is important to the long-term health of your teeth. That being said sometimes a crown is the best option to restore shape and size or cosmetically change the appearance, and/or color of teeth.

Dr. Robert A. Gallegos is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, he is on the faculty of Spear Education, a member the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gallegos practices dentistry in Middleburg, VA. www.MiddleburgSmiles.com.