SERVICE
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic restorations designed to improve the appearance of the front surface of teeth. They are used to enhance tooth shape, size, colour, and alignment, creating a more balanced and aesthetic smile.
Veneers are bonded permanently to the teeth and are fabricated in a dental laboratory using high-quality porcelain materials. Modern ceramics closely mimic natural enamel, allowing veneers to achieve highly natural and long-lasting aesthetic results.
Porcelain veneers are commonly used to address:
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discolouration that cannot be corrected with whitening
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chipped or worn teeth
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gaps between teeth
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uneven or irregular tooth shapes
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minor misalignment
SERVICE
Porcelain Veneers
Am I Suitable for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers may be suitable for patients seeking a long-term cosmetic solution to improve the appearance of their smile. Suitability depends on several clinical factors, including overall oral health, gum condition, bite relationship, and the amount of natural tooth structure available.
Teeth must be free from active decay and gum disease before veneers can be placed. Patients who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) may require protective night guards to reduce the risk of veneer damage.
In some cases, alternative treatments such as orthodontics (Invisalign), composite bonding, or tooth whitening may be recommended to achieve a more conservative or predictable outcome. A comprehensive consultation and assessment are required to determine whether porcelain veneers are the most appropriate treatment option.
What Does the Porcelain Veneer Procedure Involve?
Treatment begins with a detailed consultation, including discussion of smile goals, a full clinical examination, and digital scanning or impressions of the teeth. Digital Smile Design technology is used to plan the shape, size, and colour of the veneers, allowing the proposed result to be visualised before treatment begins. This creates a highly predictable outcome and supports a “try before you buy” approach to smile design.
Stage 1 – Smile Design and Trial Smile (Try-In)
A trial smile is created chairside based on the digital plan, allowing the new tooth shapes and proportions to be tested in the mouth before any permanent treatment is carried out. This enables assessment of appearance, speech, and comfort, and allows refinements to be made to achieve the desired result prior to veneer fabrication.
Stage 2 – Tooth Preparation (Minimal or No Preparation Where Possible)
Where required, a very small amount of enamel is carefully removed from the front surface of the teeth to create space for the veneers and ensure a natural final thickness. In some cases, veneers can be placed with minimal or no tooth preparation depending on the existing tooth shape and alignment. This conservative approach helps preserve healthy tooth structure wherever possible.
Temporary veneers may be provided while the final restorations are being crafted by the dental laboratory.
Stage 3 – Laboratory Fabrication
The veneers are produced by skilled dental technicians using high-quality porcelain materials. Advanced ceramic techniques allow precise control of shade, translucency, and contour to closely match natural teeth and the agreed smile design.
Stage 4 – Veneer Bonding
Once completed, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth using advanced adhesive techniques. Final adjustments are made to ensure correct bite, comfort, and aesthetics.
The full treatment process typically involves two to three appointments and is carefully planned to deliver a predictable, natural, and long-lasting result.
Benefits and Longevity of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers provide highly aesthetic and natural-looking results. High-quality ceramic closely resembles natural tooth enamel, offering excellent colour, translucency, and shine.
Each veneer is custom-designed to suit individual facial features, smile design, and bite, allowing a personalised and harmonious result. Digital smile planning enables the final outcome to be visualised before treatment begins, improving predictability and supporting informed decision-making.
Porcelain veneers are stain resistant and more durable than composite resin, helping to maintain their appearance over time. With good care, veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years or longer.
Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, bite forces, and lifestyle habits. Smoking, teeth grinding, and biting hard objects can shorten the lifespan of veneers. Regular dental reviews and hygiene appointments help monitor veneers and surrounding tissues to support long-term success.
Risks, Care, Costs, and Alternative Treatments
As with any dental treatment, porcelain veneers carry potential risks and limitations. A small amount of natural enamel is usually removed during preparation, making the procedure irreversible. Temporary tooth sensitivity may occur following treatment.
Veneers can chip or fracture if exposed to excessive force and may not be suitable for teeth with extensive decay or very heavy bite forces. Excellent oral hygiene is essential to maintain healthy gums and long-term veneer success.
Porcelain veneers start from £700 per veneer. Treatment costs vary depending on the number of veneers required, case complexity, and any preparatory treatment needed. A clear and transparent treatment plan with full cost breakdown is provided following consultation.
To care for porcelain veneers:
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Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
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Clean between teeth using floss or interdental brushes
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Avoid biting hard objects such as ice or pens
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Limit staining foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco
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Attend regular dental and hygiene appointments
Protective night guards may be recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth.
Alternative treatment options may be considered depending on individual needs, including:
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Composite bonding – a more conservative and repairable option for minor cosmetic changes
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Invisalign (aligner orthodontics) – to correct alignment and spacing issues
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Tooth whitening – for colour improvement without altering tooth structure
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Crowns – for teeth with significant damage or weakness
All risks, benefits, costs, and alternative treatment options are discussed in detail during the consultation process to ensure the most suitable and long-term treatment plan is chosen.
