A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic, often less than a millimetre thick, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It changes the colour, shape and length of the tooth while leaving most of it in place. We use two types: E.max, a lithium disilicate ceramic that is strong even when very thin, and porcelain laminate veneers, layered by hand for a translucent, natural edge.
Who it’s for
Veneers suit healthy front teeth that you would like to look different:
- discoloured teeth that whitening doesn’t lighten enough
- chipped, worn or uneven edges
- small gaps between teeth
- teeth that are slightly crooked or short, where orthodontics isn’t wanted
They need healthy gums, enough enamel to bond to, and a stable bite. If you grind your teeth hard, have active decay or have lost a lot of tooth to old fillings, a crown or a different plan may be safer. Very small corrections are often possible with composite bonding, which needs no drilling.
Veneers or crowns
This is where the “Turkey teeth” worry belongs. Many of the cases in the UK press were healthy teeth cut down to pegs for crowns. A veneer covers only the front of the tooth: typically 0.3 to 0.7 mm of enamel is removed, and sometimes none. A crown needs 1 to 2 mm taken off all the way round. Tooth removed can’t be put back, so we choose the least invasive option that gives the result you want, and your plan explains the choice for each tooth.
How it’s done
Day 1. A free examination and panoramic X-ray. Photos and a digital scan are taken and you see a preview of the new shape. If you agree, the teeth are prepared minimally, usually with local anaesthesia, and temporary veneers are fitted. This takes two to three hours.
Days 2–4. The veneers are made in the lab. You have nothing scheduled.
Day 5. Try-in. You see the veneers in your mouth and approve shade and length before anything is fixed.
Days 6–7. The veneers are bonded and polished, the bite is checked and you get aftercare notes before you fly.
Before you travel
Send smile photos taken in daylight from the front and a panoramic X-ray if you have one. If you want whiter teeth overall, tell us: whitening is done before the veneer shade is chosen, because ceramic doesn’t respond to bleaching. Think about how white you want to go. Very bright shades can look artificial against your skin and eyes; we show you the options at the try-in.
Afterwards
The teeth may be sensitive to cold for a few days. Biting into very hard things with the front teeth, such as ice, nut shells or opening packaging, can crack or loosen a veneer, so use your back teeth or a knife. If you grind at night, wear a night guard. Brush and floss as normal and keep regular check-ups and cleaning with your dentist at home.
Risks and alternatives
A veneer can chip or come loose, especially with grinding; a loose veneer can often be bonded back. Teeth can be sensitive after preparation, and in a small number of cases the nerve becomes inflamed. Because enamel is removed, prepared teeth will always need a veneer or similar covering.
Alternatives are whitening, composite bonding, orthodontics for crooked teeth, or crowns where a tooth is too damaged for a veneer. For people who want many front teeth changed at once, see the Hollywood smile and smile makeover pages.
Which option suits your teeth?
Send photos or an X-ray and we’ll write, tooth by tooth, what we recommend and why.
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