Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. They're a popular cosmetic solution for transforming smiles, addressing multiple aesthetic concerns with natural-looking results.

What Can Veneers Fix?

• Discolored teeth that don't respond to whitening
• Chipped or worn teeth
• Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth that are too small or large

Types of Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

The gold standard in dental veneers, porcelain offers superior aesthetics and durability.

Advantages:

• Natural, translucent appearance
• Stain-resistant
• Durable (10-15+ years)
• Custom color-matched
• Biocompatible

Disadvantages:

• Requires tooth preparation (irreversible)
• Higher cost
• Multiple appointments needed

Cost: £500-£1,000 per tooth

Composite Veneers

Made from tooth-colored resin applied directly to teeth.

Advantages:

• More affordable
• Usually completed in one visit
• Less tooth preparation required
• Easily repaired if damaged

Disadvantages:

• Less durable (5-7 years)
• More prone to staining
• Less natural appearance than porcelain

Cost: £200-£400 per tooth

Minimal-Prep or No-Prep Veneers

Ultra-thin veneers (like Lumineers) requiring minimal or no tooth preparation.

Advantages:

• Preserves natural tooth structure
• Reversible in some cases
• Less invasive

Disadvantages:

• May look bulky on some teeth
• Not suitable for all cases
• More expensive

Cost: £700-£1,200 per tooth

The Veneer Procedure

Consultation and Planning

Your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines if veneers are appropriate. Digital smile design technology may be used to preview your new smile.

Tooth Preparation

A thin layer of enamel (about 0.5mm) is removed to accommodate the veneer. Local anesthesia is typically used. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory.

Temporary Veneers

Temporary veneers protect your teeth for the 2-3 weeks while permanent veneers are being crafted.

Bonding

The permanent veneers are tried in for fit, shape, and color. Once approved, teeth are cleaned, and veneers are bonded using strong dental adhesive and cured with special light.

Caring for Veneers

• Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Avoid biting hard objects (ice, nuts, pens)
• Don't use teeth as tools
• Wear a nightguard if you grind teeth
• Limit staining foods and beverages (for composite veneers)
• Attend regular dental check-ups

Are You a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates have:

• Good oral health (no decay or gum disease)
• Adequate enamel for bonding
• Realistic expectations
• Commitment to good oral hygiene
• No severe teeth grinding (or willingness to wear nightguard)

Veneers vs. Other Options

Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers cover only the front surface (cosmetic); crowns cover the entire tooth (restorative). Veneers require less tooth removal.

Veneers vs. Bonding

Veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than bonding, but bonding is more affordable and completed in one visit.

Veneers vs. Orthodontics

Orthodontics actually moves teeth; veneers just change appearance. For significant misalignment, orthodontics is better long-term.

Cost Considerations

Veneers are considered cosmetic and rarely covered by insurance or NHS. Full smile transformation (8-10 teeth) costs:

• Porcelain: £4,000-£10,000
• Composite: £1,600-£4,000

Many practices offer financing to make treatment more accessible. While a significant investment, veneers can dramatically transform your smile and boost confidence.