tooth veneers Teeth that are strong can be cosmetically restored by the application of veneers. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Sometimes a natural color alternate material is used instead of porcelain. This is a much more conservative restoration then the use of crowns, and provides a stronger, longer lasting, alternative to bonding. Veneers can improve the color, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right color to improve a single discolored or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper teeth). A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when braces are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others. Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size. A local anaesthetic may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not necessary. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’ (mould). This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The color of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural. If everything goes well then the veneer is bonded to the tooth, trimmed, and polished.  It can take a few hours to shape and bond the veneer, but typically the result is very aesthetically pleasing. Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist will tell you how long each individual veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.