What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are shells between 0.3 and 0.7 mm thick bonded permanently to the front surface of teeth. Porcelain veneers — made from feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate — replicate the translucency of natural enamel, resist staining from coffee or wine, and last 10 to 15 years with proper care. They require minimal enamel reduction (an irreversible preparation) and are fabricated in a dental lab over 1–2 weeks. Composite resin veneers are applied directly chairside in a single appointment, require no enamel removal in most cases, and are reversible — though they are less durable (5–7 years) and more susceptible to staining over time. Both options correct intrinsic staining that does not respond to whitening, chipped or cracked teeth, small gaps, and minor shape irregularities, without the need for orthodontic treatment.