Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, 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. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Durability
Veneers can last for years depending on how well you take care of them.  Their durability will be shortened if you use them to bite your nails, open objects with them, or chew on hard things like ice.
Veneers can also chip or peel if not cared for properly, To ensure they will last for years you need to maintain good oral health hygiene and regular dental cleanings and exams twice a year.
The procedure is as follows:
Veneers will be color-matched to your teeth.  It is critical that you take an active role in your smile design. The size and shape of your teeth will be discussed. It is important that you understand the corrective limitations of this procedure.

	Your teeth will be prepared by lightly buffing them to reduce the enamel of your teeth to accommodate the added thickness of the veneer so they can fit over your teeth without sticking out. This includes shortening the incisal (biting) edge and sanding a tiny bit of material off the face of the tooth, usually 1  to 2 millimeter is removed.
	An impression will than be taken to make an exact replica of your teeth.  This model is sent to a lab where your veneers are hand crafted from strong, natural looking porcelain to custom fit your teeth.  They are also fabricated to meet the color and shape expectations of your teeth.
	Temporary veneers may or may not be placed.
	Except to have some tooth sensitivity, this is normal, it will disappear once the veneer is placed.

2nd visit: This appointment will take 2  to 3 hours:

	You may receive local anesthetic depending on the sensitivity of your teeth.
	The temporary veneers will be removed.

The fit of your new veneers will be checked by placing the veneers in water and than on your teeth to check fit and color.  This is a time for you to check the shape and color and see if they meet your expectations.  You must tell your dentist at this point if you want them changed because the color can NOT be changed once they are cemented  to your teeth.

	A tooth-colored, light sensitive liquid bonding adhesive is applied.
	The light dries and hardens this adhesive.
	Your veneers will be polished to blend with your other teeth.  Contact points will be checked so you can keep this area flossed because good home care is important to maintain.

Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials are a long-lasting yet cosmetic way to provide a “filling” to teeth with tooth decay or similar structural damage. Where as  dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental  laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by your dentist, of course being exactly the same color of  your tooth.