Shape and proportion
Veneers can address selected changes in tooth shape, size or visible chips. The plan should explain the specific concern and preserve healthy tooth structure where possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry / Treatment guide
Dental Veneers
A veneer covers the front surface of a tooth to change its visible shape, color or proportions. Planning focuses on the natural tooth underneath, the bite and how much tooth preparation would be needed.
Explore your options with our West Loop team. Ask who would provide your treatment and whether a specialist referral is needed.
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How a veneer fits
A thin veneer is bonded to the front surface of an existing tooth to change its visible shape or appearance.
- 01Existing tooth
- 02Thin shell
- 03Bonded front surface
The amount of preparation and the number of veneers depend on the teeth and bite. The natural tooth remains beneath the veneer.
Understanding your care
A new surface, carefully planned
Start with the purpose of treatment, then explore what matters for your own care.
Color that needs another approach
For some discoloration, a veneer may be considered when bleaching is unsuitable or insufficient. The decision includes material choice and how the shell will blend with adjacent teeth.
Health and the bite
Active decay or gum disease should be addressed first. Tooth position and grinding can influence the plan, and orthodontic treatment or bonding may provide another suitable approach.
From questions to a plan
What care can involve.
The details and sequence depend on your assessment and individual treatment plan.
Discuss the design
Review the changes you want and examine tooth health, alignment and bite. Compare veneers with bonding, whitening, orthodontics or leaving healthy teeth unchanged.
Plan the surface
Agree the proposed contour and material. Explain any tooth preparation and use the records or mockup needed to communicate the intended shape.
Make and bond
For a porcelain-style veneer, the prepared tooth is recorded and the shell made. Its fit, shade and bite are checked before bonding.
Review the fit
Check comfort and the way the teeth meet. Ongoing examinations assess the veneer, the tooth beneath it and the surrounding gum tissues.
Before you decide
A plan that makes
sense for you.
Veneer preparation is usually irreversible when enamel is removed. Veneers may chip, stain at their margins, loosen or require replacement, and the underlying tooth can still develop problems. Grinding or a difficult bite can limit suitability. Ask about the least invasive options that could meet your goal, including bonding, whitening, orthodontics or no cosmetic treatment.
Is a veneer the same as a crown?
No. A veneer mainly covers the front of a tooth, while a crown covers more of the tooth around its sides. Their uses and preparation requirements are different.
Will my natural tooth be removed?
No. The tooth remains, although some enamel may need to be prepared. Ask exactly what would change and whether the proposed approach would permanently alter the natural surface.
Can veneers be repaired or replaced?
Sometimes, depending on the material and type of damage. Veneers are not lifetime restorations; review appointments assess their condition and whether repair, rebonding or replacement may be needed.
A place to begin
Bring your questions.
We’ll start there.
Talk through your priorities, alternatives and who would provide your care. An assessment helps clarify the next step.
Let’s talk about your optionsCall our West Loop team to arrange your visit.
About this guide & educational sources
The treatment images and animations in this guide illustrate examples of care. They are not Dentistrie patient results, personal treatment recommendations or statements about an individual clinician’s scope. Your assessment and care plan determine which options are appropriate for you.