Veneers are ultra-thin sculpted pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the front of your teeth. They are excellent for teeth that are significantly discolored, chipped, pitted, malformed, or crooked, or if you have unwanted spaces. In certain situations, a change in upper lip fullness and balance can be obtained by placing porcelain laminate veneers on your four front teeth.

Unlike crowns or caps, porcelain laminate veneers don't require the removal of much tooth structure. Veneers are usually created in a dental laboratory from an impression taken in the dental office. During the first visit, the color is matched using a shade guide then the teeth are filed down a bit. Then the teeth are fitted with temporaries while the veneers are being created at the lab. Then the veneers are cemented directly onto your teeth and polished to a natural, aesthetic smile. Veneers are stronger and have a longer life than bonding, but the process requires more time. Veneers typically won't stain, making them a popular means of improving your smile.

These photos show before and after porcelain veneers completed by Dr. Dibling and constructed at daVinci Studios in California.