Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth coloured material placed over the front surface of a tooth.
They can be used to improve the appearance of your smile by masking a variety of common aesthetic issues, such as discoloured or chipped teeth.
Veneers are most commonly made using porcelain which can be carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth, creating a practically invisible result. Porcelain mimics natural enamel incredibly well, including its stain resisting properties and durability, making it a great long term choice where cosmetics are concerned. Each porcelain veneer is custom made in a dental laboratory to suit the requirements of each individual case, ensuring the highest quality aesthetic results.
WHO ARE VENEERS SUITABLE FOR?
Veneers are suitable for adults who are looking to improve the aesthetic appearance of one or more of their teeth, or to repair broken front teeth. If there is decay in the tooth, this will need to be removed and restored appropriately before a veneer can be placed.
Veneers are a highly versatile treatment and can be used to rectify a variety of common concerns including:
- Replace a tooth that is failing, or has been lost to removal, trauma or that never developed.
- To improve your chewing ability if you have missing back teeth.
- Additional support for a denture to make it more stable and secure, or to completely replace a removable denture with fixed teeth.
- Replace an existing bridge that keeps coming loose.
- To help protect your other teeth by spreading biting forces more evenly, or over more teeth.
- To stop the teeth on either side of a gap from tilting or drifting into the gap.
TREATMENT PROCESS – FIRST APPOINTMENT
STEP 1
STEP 2
The tooth is prepared for the veneer (if necessary) by removing a small amount of the enamel to make space for your veneer.
STEP 3
We’ll take a digital scan of your teeth (no gloopy putty in your mouth!), match the colour to your own teeth and send it to the lab so they can create your new veneer with absolute precision.
STEP 4
We’ll fit a temporary veneer, if needed, while your new veneer is being made at the lab – these are usually in place for 2 weeks and feel perfectly comfortable for the short term.
TREATMENT PROCESS – SECOND APPOINTMENT
STEP 1
STEP 2
Your new veneer will be tested for size, fit and colour.
STEP 3
Once we’re satisfied that your veneer is perfect we’ll secure it into place using a strong dental cement.
STEP 4
Your bite will be checked using marking papers to ensure that your veneer is fitting perfectly and is comfortable before you leave the practice.
HOW MUCH DOES A VENEER COST?
Prices for one porcelain veneer starts from £680.
As with many of our treatments, patients on one of our membership plans get a 10% discount.
Read more about our membership plans here.
AFTERCARE
While you are still numb:
• Avoid chewing on the numb side of your mouth as you may bite your tongue and lips without noticing
• Be careful with hot drinks, as it may be difficult to tell if the temperature is too hot
More aftercare info:
Any discomfort following the treatment should resolve itself after 2-3 days.
While the temporary veneer is in place it is best to avoid very hard or sticky foods which can cause it to dislodge.