Porcelain veneers, as described by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry , are thin pieces of porcelain shaped to fit over the front side of your teeth. Veneers are strong, look natural and are made to match the shape and color of your own teeth.

Who are the good candidates to have porcelain veneers? It is thought to be indicated in the following situations:

1.Treatment of unsightly surface defects in essentially sound anterior teeth in shape, length and alignment.

2.Restoration of fractured and endodontically treated anterior teeth.

3.Treatment of anterior teeth with hypoplastic enamel.

4.Teeth that are discolored, chipped, decayed or poorly shaped are good candidates for veneers. 

5.Masking teeth discoloration caused by trauma, root canal treatment, fluorosis and tetracycline. 

6.Closure of slight gap between two teeth.

Not everyone is suitable for porcelain veneers. It is contraindicated in the following clinical situations:

1.Poor oral hygiene.

2.Where the restoration would have to have deeply placed subgingival margins.

3.Atypital occlusal loading, for example, bruxism.

4.Lack of adequately amounts of tooth tissue for bonding or poor-quality enamel, albeit in adequate amounts.

5.Presence of large existing restorations.

If you want to have porcelain veneers, discuss with your dentist. Let your dentist know what you want corrected and what you're looking for in your new smile. With cosmetic imaging, you may even be able to see a preview of the new you.