Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over teeth, providing a natural, attractive look. They can be used to fix chipped, stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven or abnormally spaced teeth.

The procedures of dental veneers are as follows:

1. Your dentist will remove a small amount of the tooth surface to permit placement of the veneer. Local anesthetia is not usually required when placing veneers. However, depending on the patient's sensitivity, it can be used if needed.

2.An impression is taken of the tooth and sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary veneer will be placed on the tooth with spot etching in the center of the tooth away from the margins.

3.After the laboratory has delivered the porcelain veneer to your dentist, the temporary veneer is removed, the tooth is cleaned with pumice and water. The veneer is then etched, rinsed thoroughly with water and air dried. The adhesive is placed on the preparation and then the cement and the veneer is placed for exact fit and contour.

4.The veneer is then light cured for 60 seconds on all surfaces of it to attach it to the tooth structure.

5.Your dentist will remove any excess material and polish the margins of the veneer.

The most commonly used material for veneers are the conventional porcelain veneer, lumineers and composite resin veneers. Dental veneers is usually necessary to remove a small amount of teeth enamel to make room for the shell, so veneers have been an irreversible procedure. Talk to your dentist and he/she will let you know which is most suitable for you.