Many patients pursue treatment to attain what they consider the “Hollywood Smile.” They pay thousands of dollars for braces, tooth whitening, and esthetic fillings. However, most (if not all) “Hollywood smiles” were not created by any of the above, but with veneers. The natural tooth is not bleach white, nor do they typically follow ideal textbook proportions.
A veneer is essentially half of a crown that covers only the front side of the tooth. Depending on multiple factors, the tooth receiving a veneer will require minimal adjustment and sometimes no adjustments at all. This means less sensitivity compared to full crowns, and ideal cases require no numbing at all.
Veneers can be used to fix individual teeth with defects, or can be used to cover all the front teeth to change the shape and whiten them in an attempt to attain the perfect smile. Cosmetic dentists are not the only ones capable of producing beautiful veneers, any dentist with a passion for esthetics and proper training has the capability to do them. Depending on your situation, and what you are trying to achieve, veneers may be the perfect option for you. Ask your dentist for pictures of cases they have done in the past, and see if veneers are the right option for you.