What are veneers?
Dental veneers are tooth-like ceramic material that can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks.
Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. The translucent ceramic quality of today’s veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past. 
Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use, etc.)
- Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
- Genetics: Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age.
- Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.
Teeth whitening may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. Some people who are interested in veneers will find the simpler alternative of whitening, perhaps combined with some simple orthodontic alignment. The placement of dental veneers permanently alters the teeth that are treated and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and esthetically adequate.
If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, you may have to opt for dental veneers. Veneers do have the added benefits of longevity and a proven ability to enhance the appearance of your smile. Although veneers require a much larger commitment than teeth whitening, the results are typically well worth it.