How do veneers work?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured material that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin, and are used for cosmetic purposes to improve the colour, shape, size, or length of teeth for a more uniform appearance.
Veneers are typically designed to cover individual teeth, but you can choose to have veneers placed on multiple teeth to achieve a more uniform and aesthetic appearance.
Single tooth veneers. These veneers can be applied to just one tooth if you need to correct an issue such as a chip, crack, discoloration, or slight misalignment.
Multiple teeth or a row of teeth. It’s also possible to choose veneers which cover multiple teeth at once. Many people opt to get veneers on the front six to eight teeth, which are the most visible when smiling. This can create a uniform look, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.
In both cases, each veneer is custom-made to fit the size, shape, and colour of the specific tooth or teeth it covers, ensuring a natural blend with the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain veneers are strong, durable, and highly resistant to stains. They mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel, making them a popular choice for an aesthetically pleasing and natural look.
Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material. They can be placed in a single visit and are less expensive than porcelain veneers, but they may not last as long and can stain more easily.
Veneers can tackle discoloured teeth, restore teeth that have been worn down, cover up minor cracks and chips, correct minor alignment issues and irregularity, and close small gaps between teeth without braces, retainers, or aligners.
How to achieve a straighter, whiter smile with veneers
A veneer treatment consists of several stages. This is crucial to ensuring they’re comfortable, fit properly, and function like natural teeth.
First consultation
The process begins with a consultation, where the dentist assesses your teeth and discusses your aesthetic goals. X-rays or digital impressions may be taken to help plan the procedure. Your dentist will talk you through the full procedure and you’ll choose the type of veneer you want.
Tooth preparation
A small amount of enamel (usually less than 1mm) is removed from the front surface of the teeth to make space for the veneer and ensure a natural fit. This step is necessary to prevent the veneer from looking bulky.
Impressions
After the teeth are prepared, your dentist will take an impression or scan of your teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the custom veneers are crafted to match the exact shape, size, and shade needed.
Temporary veneers
If needed, temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are being made, especially if your teeth feel sensitive after enamel removal.
Bonding the permanent veneers
Your veneers should be ready in a couple of weeks. They’ll be placed on your teeth to check the fit and appearance. After any necessary adjustments, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth using a special adhesive resin. A curing light is used to harden the adhesive and secure the veneer in place.
Finishing touches
Your dentist will make final adjustments, including shaping and polishing the veneers to ensure a natural and smooth appearance. Before you go, your dentist will show you how to care for your veneers to ensure they’re long-lasting.
How much do veneers cost?
The average cost of veneers primarily depends on the material used and how many teeth need to be capped.
Porcelain veneers - £500 to £1,500 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory, which adds to the cost. They are durable and have a natural appearance that closely mimics real teeth.
Composite veneers - £200 to £600 per tooth
Composite veneers are less expensive because they are usually applied directly to the teeth in a single visit, rather than being custom-made. However, they may not last as long and are more prone to staining.
Many dentists offer monthly payments with no or low interest rates, giving patients the ability to spread the cost of veneers and other treatments over time for greater affordability.
CompareDent searches for the most affordable veneer providers near you. Choose from highly rated, professional dentists and organise a quick and easy consultation today.
The benefits of veneers
Improved aesthetics
Veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of individual teeth and rows of teeth by correcting issues such as discolouration, staining, chips, cracks, and uneven tooth shapes. They provide a natural, bright smile with a smooth and uniform appearance.
Customised to your smile
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of your teeth, ensuring a natural. They mimic the translucent properties of natural enamel, giving them an authentic appearance.
Stain resistant
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and smoking, which makes them a great option for maintaining a white, bright smile.
Quick transformation
Veneers are a relatively fast way to enhance your smile. Unlike orthodontic treatments, which can take months or years, veneers can be applied in just a few appointments, often just 2 to 3 visits.
Durability
Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, lasting up to 10-15 years or more with proper care. Composite veneers, though not as long-lasting, can still offer several years of durability at a lower cost.
Minimally invasive
Veneers typically require less enamel removal compared to dental crowns, making them a more conservative treatment. Only a thin layer of enamel is removed to allow space for the veneer to fit naturally on the tooth.
Versatility
Veneers can address multiple cosmetic concerns at once, such as discolouration that can't be treated with whitening, worn-down or chipped teeth, mild misalignment or uneven teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Minimal maintenance
Veneers don’t require any special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, making them easy to maintain. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to stains and discolouration, which reduces the need for frequent teeth whitening treatments.
Gum compatibility
Veneers, especially porcelain veneers, are biocompatible with gum tissue, meaning they are less likely to cause irritation or gum sensitivity when properly fitted.
How to find the right veneers for you
CompareDent offers comprehensive information and price comparisons for veneers, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care. Find the best-rated dentists near you offering veneers.
