Your Smile Dental Practice

    Veneers.

    Thin facings for the front of a tooth. We’ll talk through whether veneers or another option may suit your teeth.

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    Illustrative veneers consultation with a female dentist in teal scrubs using a teeth model

    Veneers are thin facings, usually made from porcelain, that cover the front surface of a tooth. They may be an option if you would like to discuss the appearance of chips, small gaps, uneven edges or tooth colour. We’ll start by listening to what you’d like to change, then talk through whether veneers or another option may suit your teeth.

    A good place to start

    Understand the choices before making a change

    1. 01

      Talk and assess

      We look at your teeth and bite, hear what matters to you and explain suitable options.

    2. 02

      Plan the shape

      If veneers are appropriate, we discuss preparation, impressions, and the shape and shade before bonding.

    3. 03

      Fit and check

      At fitting, we check the appearance and bite and make sure you know how to care for them.

    A little more clarity

    Your questions, answered.

    Clinically reviewed

    Porcelain veneers cover the front of suitable teeth and may improve the appearance of chips, uneven edges, small gaps or discolouration. We’ll assess your teeth and discuss what you would like to change.

    Preparation may involve removing a small amount of enamel. This is irreversible, so we’ll explain how much preparation may be needed and discuss alternatives before you decide.

    We assess suitability, prepare the teeth where needed and take impressions. The shape and shade are discussed with you before the veneers are bonded, then we check the appearance and your bite.

    Their lifespan varies with your bite, the condition of the teeth and daily care. Veneers can chip or need replacing; your dentist will explain the likely maintenance for your situation.

    Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth and attend regular reviews. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or bite hard objects, and tell your dentist if you grind your teeth.

    Porcelain veneers are made in a lab, resist staining and tend to last longer. Composite veneers are built up directly on your teeth, often in one visit, and generally cost less. The amount of tooth preparation depends on your individual situation.

    Porcelain veneers can be replaced but not simply removed where the underlying teeth have been shaped. Composite veneers are more reversible in some cases. Your dentist will explain this before you go ahead.

    Porcelain is highly stain-resistant. Composite can pick up staining over time from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking, but it can usually be polished.

    If you're having veneers on only some teeth, whitening the rest first can help the veneers be matched to your new, brighter shade. Discuss this with your dentist before starting, as whitening does not change the colour of existing veneers.

    Veneers suit people with healthy teeth and gums who want to improve chips, gaps, discolouration or shape. They may not suit heavy grinders or people with active decay or gum disease, which would need treating first.

    They may feel slightly different for a few days as you get used to their shape. Your dentist will check your bite when fitting them. Contact the practice if your bite feels wrong or any discomfort does not settle.

    Keep the veneer if you can and contact the practice. A loose porcelain veneer can sometimes be rebonded, and small chips in composite can usually be repaired.

    Composite veneers can often be done in one visit. Porcelain veneers usually take two or three appointments for consultation, preparation and fitting once the lab has made them. Your dentist will explain the plan for your individual treatment.

    Independent patient information

    Advice from the Oral Health Foundation

    The Oral Health Foundation is an oral health charity. These guides can help you understand your options and prepare questions for your dental team. General information complements, rather than replaces, advice tailored to your mouth.

    • Understanding veneers

      An introduction to preparation, fitting and long-term care to help you weigh up your options.

    • The downsides of dental tourism

      Questions to consider before treatment abroad, including follow-up care, adjustments and what happens if complications arise.

    Links open on the Oral Health Foundation website.

    Start with a conversation.

    We’ll listen, explain what may be suitable for you and give you room to decide.

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