What a veneer is
A veneer is a thin laminate of porcelain placed over the front of a tooth to hide imperfections. Veneers are created in a dental laboratory by skilled technicians and then cemented in our office. The result is a sparkling, natural, beautiful smile.
When veneers fit
Veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns in a single treatment plan — teeth that are badly shaped or broken, cracked or chipped, poorly aligned, or heavily discolored. While veneers are usually made of porcelain, composite (a tooth-colored resin) can also be used as veneer material to correct small chips or cracks in front teeth.
The two-visit process
Your first visit covers the consultation, photos, bite records, and the prep: Dr. Chaudhry gently shapes a small amount of enamel from the front of each tooth so the veneer will sit flush. We take a careful impression and place a comfortable temporary while your veneers are crafted in the dental lab. At your second visit, we check the fit, color, and bite, and bond the veneers into place.
Veneers vs. bonding
Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored resin placed in a single chairside visit — faster and lighter on the budget, but more porous than porcelain, so it tends to pick up stains and wear down over time. Porcelain veneers cost more upfront but typically last far longer, hold their color, and resist chipping. Dr. Chaudhry will lay out the trade-offs in plain language.