Traditional porcelain veneers, alternatively termed “dental veneers” or “dental porcelain laminates,” are wafer-thin shells of porcelain permanently bonded to teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Porcelain veneers are non-porous (they will not stain), incredibly resilient, and “kind” (non-abrasive) to opposing teeth. When it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (like a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.

A traditional veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth a cosmetic veneer covers the visible part of a tooth, preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. They can straighten, lengthen, and whiten teeth to provide a beautiful smile and even create a more comfortable bite position. For optimal results, each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that a thin layer (approximately .5 mm) of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for placement.