If the color or shape of your teeth isn't quite perfect and you want to improve your smile, dental ceramic veneers can be of assistance.

These are thin (0.5-1.5 mm) plates that are bonded to the front visible part of the tooth if the tooth is:

• Stained

• Has gaps between teeth

• Worn down or chipped

• Damaged

Advantages:

• Aesthetic

• Resistant to discoloration

• Lasts on average 10 years or longer

• No or minimal (up to 0.5mm) tooth grinding required

• Preserves your natural tooth structure

• Non-painful procedure

Disadvantages:

• Relatively expensive

• Fragile (can break if accidentally bitten, though small pieces can be easily repaired)

• Long-term maintenance is important for veneer durability (worn side teeth can lead to problems with front teeth).

The number of veneers needed for a beautiful smile depends on how many teeth are visible when smiling, typically from 8 to 10 in each jaw.