The process
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Cosmetic dentistry · On-site lab
Veneers, made to measure
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of a tooth to change its shape, colour or size. Veneers suit chipped, worn, discoloured or uneven teeth. Porcelain typically takes two to three visits; composite is often placed in one. Composite bonded veneers are from £495 and porcelain veneers from £1,250.
Porcelain
From £1,250
Composite
From £495
Visits
Typically 2–3 for porcelain
With
Dr Amit Patel
Who it is for
Who veneers suit
Chipped or worn front teeth
Veneers rebuild edges that have chipped or shortened over time. We also look for the cause, such as grinding, so the new surfaces are not left exposed to the same forces.
Discolouration whitening cannot shift
Some teeth are dark from within, after an old knock or because of the way the tooth formed. Where whitening has reached its limit, a veneer can mask the colour.
Uneven shapes and small gaps
Teeth that are narrow, short or slightly irregular can be reshaped so they sit in proportion with one another. Small gaps between them can be closed at the same time.
Teeth that are broadly in line
Veneers work well on teeth that are already in a good position. If yours are crowded or prominent, we will usually suggest aligning them first, so that far less tooth needs to be removed.
The difference
What changes the result
Porcelain or composite
Porcelain resists staining and usually lasts longer, but costs more and normally means removing some enamel, which is permanent. Composite is sculpted directly onto the tooth. It costs less and is often reversible, but stains and chips more readily.
Minimal preparation
We remove as little enamel as the design allows, and sometimes none. Aligning the teeth first often means a thinner veneer and a lighter preparation. Bonding to enamel also gives a more reliable attachment.
Designed digitally, trialled first
Your veneers are designed on screen from photographs and scans. A trial smile lets you see the shape and length in your own mouth, and ask for changes, before any tooth is prepared.
Made with our on-site lab
Porcelain veneers are made with our on-site lab to the design you approved. Shade and surface texture can be judged against your own teeth in person, instead of from a photograph alone.
01
Consultation and design
We examine your teeth and gums, take photographs and a digital scan and discuss what you want to change. The design and a written plan with fees follow. Any decay or gum problems are treated first.
02
Trial smile
The design is tried in your mouth in a temporary material. You approve it, or we change it. Nothing permanent has been done to your teeth at this stage.
03
Preparation
Under local anaesthetic where needed, a thin layer of enamel is removed and the teeth are scanned. Temporary veneers usually protect them while the porcelain is made. This step is irreversible.
04
Fit
Each veneer is tried in and checked for fit, colour and bite. Once you are happy with them, they are bonded in place and polished. We may see you again briefly to check everything has settled.
Afterwards
Aftercare
Treat veneers like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, clean between them and see the hygienist regularly. Avoid biting fingernails, pens or very hard foods with veneered teeth. If you grind at night, a night guard protects them. Veneers do not last for ever, so expect some maintenance and, in time, replacement.
Guide fees
Composite bonded veneerfrom £495
Porcelain veneerfrom £1,250
Highly aesthetic porcelain veneerfrom £1,450
Digital Smile Designfrom £500
Trial smilefrom £500
Guide fees. You receive a written plan with exact costs before treatment starts. See all fees
Common questions
Questions, answered
How much do veneers cost?+
Our guide fees are from £495 for a composite bonded veneer, from £1,250 for a porcelain veneer and from £1,450 for a highly aesthetic veneer. The total depends on how many teeth are involved. You receive a written plan with exact fees before treatment starts.
Does having veneers hurt?+
Tooth preparation is done under local anaesthetic where needed, so it should be comfortable. Some sensitivity while temporary veneers are in place is common and usually settles once the final veneers are bonded. Composite veneers often need no anaesthetic at all.
How long do veneers last?+
Porcelain veneers can be expected to last many years with good care. Composite usually needs polishing, repair or replacement sooner. Lifespan depends on your bite, your habits and how well they are looked after, and every veneer needs replacing eventually.
Are veneers reversible?+
Porcelain veneers usually are not. Preparing a tooth removes enamel that does not grow back, so the tooth will always need a veneer or a similar covering. Composite added without drilling can often be removed, which is one reason we consider it first.
Do veneers damage your teeth?+
A well-planned veneer removes only a thin layer of enamel, and sometimes none. The preparation is still permanent. That is why we plan conservatively, and align teeth first where doing so reduces how much is removed.
How many visits do porcelain veneers take?+
Typically two to three: design and trial, preparation, then fitting. Aligning or whitening beforehand adds time. Composite veneers are often completed in a single visit.
Should I whiten my teeth before veneers?+
Usually, yes, if you would like a lighter shade overall. Porcelain and composite do not change colour with whitening, so we whiten first and match the veneers to the new shade.