What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are the most esthetic option available today.  Veneers are thin, semi-translucent laminates that are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers can be used for a variety of conditions including: broken or chipped teeth, stained or discolored teeth or bonding that can’t be bleached, diastemas (spaces between teeth)and crooked or misaligned teeth.

How are porcelain veneers different from tooth bonding or crowns?
Tooth bonding is a resin filling material used to correct minor irreglarities on the front surface of teeth.  Bonding is not as color stable or durable as veneers which are necessary for more extensive cosmetic alterations. Crowns may be needed when more tooth structure is missing. 

Advantages and benefits of porcelain veneers:
Veneers have excellent natural esthetics and are exceptionally durable. Porcelain veneers are stronger than simple tooth bonding and are more resistant to staining and chipping. Veneers are a conservative option as only a small amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure. The veneer procedure normally takes only two appointments.

How are porcelain veneers done?
At the first appointment, the thickness of your natural teeth is reduced to prepare for the veneers. An impression of the prepared teeth is made and sent to a laboratory where each porcelain veneer is custom made. Temporaries are fabricated to simulate the new smile and worn for a period of time while the final veneers are being crafted. At the second appointment, the porcelain veneers are permanently adhered to the natural teeth.