Veneers are thin layers of material bonded to the tooth surface to improve color, shape, and alignment. They can be fabricated outside the mouth (ceramic veneers) or applied directly or indirectly using composite materials (composite veneers).
Veneers are classified as follows:
Ceramic veneers usually require removal of approximately 0.5–1.0 mm of the front tooth surface before bonding. Composite veneers may require little to no tooth preparation in direct cases, while indirect composite veneers require tooth reduction similar to ceramic veneers. Composite veneers are generally more affordable but may discolor more easily over time and are more prone to staining due to material porosity.
Aesthetic dental fillings, such as for closing small gaps or repairing minor chips, use tooth-colored resin to restore specific areas without tooth reduction. They are suitable for cases that do not require full-tooth coverage.