A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material that is put onto the front of the tooth to make it look better. The tooth might have been damaged by decay or an accident, or be discoloured.

Some veneers are built up on the tooth directly using white filling material, while you are with your dentist. Others are made of porcelain by a dental technician, from an impression of the tooth. You will have to visit the dentist more than once for this type of veneer.

What are the benefits?

Veneers mean that the damage to your tooth can be reduced, decreasing the likelihood of the tooth dying and getting an abscess.

What are the potential problems?

Veneers sometimes come away from the tooth or break if the tooth is knocked. They can sometimes by glued back on but will have to be replaced if they are damaged.