As the name implies, veneering is the placement of a thin facing over the front surface of a tooth. These facings are made of either resin or porcelain. The technique is similar to the placement of a composite bond. Facings, unlike composites, are fabricated in the laboratory.

Two visits to the dentist are required for this procedure. During the first appointment, between 0.25 and 0.50 millimeter of tooth structure is removed from the front surface of the tooth, and an imprint is made of it. The facings are fitted and adjusted during the next visit. At this time, the tooth surface is etched with a mild acid to create a surface to which the facing will bond. A resin is then used to adhere the facing to the tooth.

The advantages are that a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed, it is esthetically pleasing, and the veneer is replaceable should it become damaged, providing that enough tooth structure remains underneath.

The disadvantages are that the tooth is thicker due to the addition of the facing, the veneer may chip, fracture, or come loose, and it lasts only about five years.