If you have discolored teeth, you could benefit from dental veneers that can change the color, size, length and shape of your teeth.

Dental veneers – that are also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates – are wafer-thin shells that cover the front teeth. These are used to fix teeth that have been discolored due to root canal treatment, tetracycline or other drugs and excessive fluoride or other causes.

Veneers are also commonly used to fix teeth that are chipped, broken, worn down, misaligned, and to close the spaces between teeth. They last for about five to 10 years.

“Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist,” according to WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.

The placement of veneers usually requires three visits to the dentist. First, he or she will examine your teeth to determine if veneers are right for you. Dental X-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth may be required.

“To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes one to two weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed for an additional cost,” said WebMD.

The veneers are examined to see if they fit you and match the color of your teeth. After this, they are cemented permanently to teeth with the help of a special light.

“To prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished and etched – which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. Special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly positioned on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden or cure very quickly,” explained WebMD.

“The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement,” it added.

Done correctly, veneers look natural and those made of porcelain are stain-resistant and don’t irritate the gums. However, they have a tendency to chip or crack, can’t be repaired and may cause your teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.

“Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active periodontal disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings) or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface. Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip,” said WebMD. (Next: Risks of teeth whitening.)