Teeth veneers are a good idea for covering up stains or imperfections. It’s like getting a brand new set of pearly whites for a reasonable price. They can help with chips, gaps or cracks, too. Just ask your dentist. Here’s what you might learn.

The veneer is a thin covering, available in a number of different shades. While a whiter, brighter smile is probably your goal, you don’t want them to look unnatural. Your dental care team will help you make the right color selection.

The veneer can be made from porcelain or resin, a kind of hard plastic. Both materials are durable, although porcelain can crack.

The resin varieties are faster to apply, but may be less resistant than porcelain when it comes to staining. If stains are your current problem, porcelain might be the best choice.

Both types require the removal of some of your existing tooth enamel. Porcelain teeth veneers require the removal of a little less enamel, but not enough to really make a difference.

Application is a three-step process that usually requires two office visits. Even if your dentist has an in-house laboratory, he or she will usually suggest that you come back for pick-up in order to avoid a long wait.

The first step is to take a mold of the tooth you want to cover. This mold is sent to a laboratory, which constructs the coverings from the material of your choice.

When the teeth veneers arrive, you will go back to your dentist’s office. The tooth will be cleaned and roughened to ensure that the cement can bond to the veneer.

Once applied, you and the dentist will take a final look to be sure the veneer looks perfect. The final step is exposure to a special light that causes the cement to harden.

Although the appearance of a veneer is slightly different than a natural tooth, the difference will not be noticeable to your friends or family members. What they might notice is that you smile more often.

The only negative side effects that some people experience is increased sensitivity to very hot or very cold foods and beverages. If you decide to opt for the resin material, remember that coffee and cigarette smoke can stain the veneer easily.

You will find that brushing and flossing is no different following the procedure than it was before. If a veneer becomes damaged, perhaps in the same way the original tooth was damaged, it can be removed and replaced, but not repaired.

During dental check-ups and routine cleanings, your new teeth veneers will not require any additional care. It’s almost like having a new tooth.