A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is placed over your natural tooth to hide discoloration, cracks, or chips. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and should last for years if they are cared for properly. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a porcelain veneer for your smile makeover:

• They are a great option for those with teeth that are stained or otherwise discolored.
• They can help hide any minor damage you may have on your teeth.
• They can make misshapen teeth appear straighter and more even.

Veneers can be placed on the front of the teeth that show when you smile. In addition to being an attractive solution to improve the appearance of your smile, they can correct the same cosmetic issues that tooth whitening can address. This includes tooth discolorations, gaps between teeth, small chips, or other minor imperfections of the front teeth. However, veneers are also often recommended for the purpose of hiding permanent staining that can’t be removed with a teeth whitening treatment. In some cases, they are even used as an alternative to crowns and cover the surface of the damaged tooth while leaving the tooth’s structure intact. This is typically done to help fix cracks, fractures, and small damage from decay. Unlike dental crowns, however, they are designed to be permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth. This makes their removal very difficult without causing damage to the teeth underneath. After placement, they last for many years with normal oral hygiene. When cared for properly, they can be expected to last from five to ten years or more before needing to be replaced.