There are mainly two types of dental veneers — Porcelain and Resin veneers

a. Porcelain or ceramic veneers: Porcelain veneers are strong and durable. They are fabricated through an indirect technique. These veneers are highly durable and offer good strength. If maintained well, they last long for 10-20 years compared to 5 years with resin veneers. Smooth surfaces of porcelain veneers resist their staining. However, placement of porcelain veneers may require 2-3 appointments and are difficult to repair. Also, more amount of tooth structure is lost during tooth preparation to accommodate porcelain veneers compared to the resin veneers.

Porcelain veneer’s fabrication (Indirect technique):

• After the initial clinical and radiographical assessment of the teeth, the dentist reduces a small amount of enamel (=<1mm) from the front and side surfaces of the teeth.
• Later, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth, selects the shade, and sends it to the laboratory.
• Based on the impressions sent to the laboratory, ceramic veneers are fabricated. Meanwhile, temporary veneers are fixed until the individual receives the final ones. 
• In the next visit, a trial is performed to check the fit, shape, and color match of veneers when placed on teeth. Any corrections required are communicated to the laboratory.
• In the final visit, teeth are cleaned and treated with chemicals for better adhesion. Later, veneers are bonded to the teeth using cement.

b. Resin veneers: Resin veneers are one-visit procedures. These are mainly used to mask mild to moderate discoloration. Even minor dental defects in the shape or position of front teeth can be corrected using resin veneers. These are fabricated through direct technique. These resin veneers offer high aesthetics and require less chairside time. Minimal tooth preparation preserves more tooth structure and are cost-effective. However, these veneers discolor or wear off quickly and require frequent repairs.

Resin veneer’s fabrication (Direct technique): 

• A dentist prepares or reshapes the tooth to be corrected. Once the tooth is prepared, composite material (tooth-colored cement) of the shade that matches adjacent teeth color is chosen.  
• The composite material is added and bonded to the tooth surface and hardened using special light-based equipment. Later, the tooth with composite veneer is smoothened.