Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth. Porcelain veneers are routinely used to improve teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Veneers are usually placed on the teeth in sets. This allows for a more even-looking, natural smile. Individual teeth can be veneered; it just may be more difficult to match the natural color of the teeth.

Porcelain veneers have a great advantage over other types of cosmetic dental bonding because they are translucent and look more like natural teeth. In other words, when they are bonded onto a tooth's surface, they mimic the light-handling characteristics of a tooth's enamel.

Another advantage is that porcelain veneers resist staining from tea, coffee, red wine, or cigarette smoking.