Veneers
Thin custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to change their shape, colour or alignment.
- Typical appointment
- Two visits
What they are
A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are used to change the colour, shape, size or apparent alignment of the teeth that show when you smile.
What they can address
- Teeth that stay discoloured after whitening, or discoloured from within
- Chipped or worn front edges
- Small gaps between front teeth
- Teeth that are slightly out of line, where full orthodontics is not wanted
- Teeth that are misshapen or narrower than their neighbours
Porcelain or composite
Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory and bonded at a second visit. They resist staining well and hold their appearance longer.
Composite veneers are built up directly on the tooth in a single visit. Less expensive and more easily repaired, but more prone to staining over time.
What is involved
Most porcelain veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front of the tooth so the veneer sits flush rather than looking bulky. That part is irreversible — once enamel is removed the tooth will always need covering. This is the single most important thing to understand before committing, and the dentist will discuss it with you properly.
A trial or mock-up is usually done first so you can see the proposed shape before anything is prepared.
Afterwards
Veneers are cleaned like natural teeth. Avoid biting nails, pens or packaging with them — porcelain is strong in compression but can chip under a sharp point load. If you grind your teeth at night, a guard is usually recommended to protect them.
Honest expectations
Veneers change appearance; they do not make a tooth healthier. Decay or gum disease must be treated first. Results depend on your starting point, and the final shade of porcelain cannot be changed once made — which is why the shade is agreed carefully beforehand.