Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin shell that is placed over only the visible surfaces of a tooth. While there are two types of veneers--porcelain and resin-based composite--used in commercial dentistry, Tysons Corner Advanced Dental Center uses only porcelain veneers, which are created in a dental laboratory and are known for their durability. Used to effectively straighten, whiten, reshape or resize a tooth, the look is extremely natural and resistant to staining or color change. The application is virtually pain free, and little to no anesthesia is necessary during the treatment.