Veneers
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer is a thin, custom-crafted porcelain restoration bonded to the front surface of a tooth to refine shape, color, proportion, or alignment.
Veneers vs. Crowns
Although veneers and crowns can appear similar from the outside, they serve very different purposes. Veneers restore only the visible front surface of a tooth and require minimal reduction when properly indicated. Crowns encase the entire tooth and are reserved for teeth that are structurally compromised by fractures, extensive restorations, or root canal treatment. When the tooth is healthy, veneers represent the more conservative approach.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Veneers
Veneers are not interchangeable cosmetic products; they are permanent restorations that affect function, bite dynamics, and long-term oral health. A thoughtful veneer dentist prioritizes diagnosis before aesthetics, plans restorations with wax-ups and mock-ups, works closely with an experienced ceramist, and understands occlusion and biologic limits.
Timing Matters
Because veneers are irreversible, timing is essential. Jaw growth and orthodontic development should be complete before veneers are considered. When placed too early, continued eruption of the teeth and natural changes in the gums can lead to exposed margins over time, affecting both appearance and longevity. Proper timing supports stable margins, balanced function, and restorations that age well.
A Conservative, Long-Term Perspective
Every time a tooth is restored, it enters a restorative cycle that continues for the rest of a patient’s life. For that reason, veneers should never be the first solution. Orthodontics, whitening, composite bonding, or minor reshaping may achieve meaningful improvement while preserving more natural tooth structure. Veneers are best reserved for situations where conservative options have been carefully considered and where their long-term value clearly outweighs their biological cost.