What is a veneer or facing?
A veneer — also called a facing — is a thin restoration on the visible front surface of a tooth. It may be made from porcelain or composite. The natural tooth and root remain in place.
How is it different from a crown?
Veneer / facingCrown
Coverage Mainly the visible front of the tooth.A larger part of the prepared tooth.
Natural tooth Remains; tooth preparation is usually required.Remains when the crown is placed on a natural tooth.
Typical purpose Often shape, colour or a local defect.Often restoration and protection of a more weakened tooth.
Porcelain and composite
Porcelain veneers are custom-made outside the mouth. A composite veneer can be built directly on the tooth. Preparation, repairability, appearance and technical costs differ. A veneer is not automatically the right answer to every cosmetic concern.
Questions for the conversation
- Why is a veneer preferred over composite bonding or a crown?
- Will enamel be removed, and is the treatment reversible?
- Which material is proposed and are technical costs separate?
- Have decay, gums and bite been assessed first?
Sources
Traceable external sources
