What is the veneers process?

Veneers are an extremely popular way to create a beautiful smile. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or made from composite resin that are custom-made to cover problem teeth to improve their appearance. 

Each dental veneer covers the entire tooth and how many veneers you have fitted is up to you. Some people have just one to cover a single discoloured tooth, many cover their front teeth for a smooth, white and natural looking smile, and others have veneers fitted to give them more even, straighter teeth, giving them a lot more confidence when they smile. 

Many celebrities have veneers fitted as part of their brighter, whiter smiles. Celebrity dentist Dr Richard has recently replaced the veneers he originally fitted for TV presenter, Rylan Clarke – click here to see how Rylan got on. 

Before you sign up for veneers, it’s a good idea to know what the veneers process involves. 

Initial consultation

Firstly, you’ll need to book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to discuss your desired results. We’ll take you through the dental procedures so you’ll know exactly what to expect, and you can ask any questions you may have. 

We may also want to give you a brief exam to check your natural tooth structure and oral health. If your natural teeth are not as strong and healthy as they need to be for your new veneers to be successful (because of gum disease, cavities etc), we will let you know what treatments you need to get done to repair damaged teeth. These could be anything from fillings and plaque removal, to fitting a dental crown or teeth straightening. You can opt to have the treatment with your regular dentist, or we would be happy to do the treatments for you. 

If we believe that porcelain veneers are not the most appropriate method to achieve the results you want, we will let you know why and discuss alternative treatments that are more suitable. Your dentist may even recommend no-prep veneers which, unlike porcelain veneers, are not a permanent solution.

We will also talk to you about payment options – we have payment plan options and can offer 0% private dental finance which will allow you to spread the cost of your smile makeover.

First appointment 

At your first appointment, your dentist will begin the dental veneer procedure. This involves filing a thin layer of the surface of the tooth down by about half a millimetre under local anaesthetic. As porcelain veneers are half a millimetre thick, the process ensures your veneers will fit perfectly and look natural. 

Your dentist will then take a mould of your teeth from which your custom veneers will be manufactured. If you’re only having one or two veneers, we’ll also match the colour of your surrounding teeth so your veneer is the precise shade of your natural teeth and will blend in seamlessly. If you want to whiten your teeth, it’s important to do this before you have veneers fitted. 

As it will be two or three weeks before your veneers are ready to be fitted, we will fit temporary veneers to protect your teeth in the interim. 

Second appointment 

At your second appointment, we will remove your temporary veneers in preparation for your permanent ones. Then we’ll clean your teeth thoroughly to ensure there is no opportunity for bacteria to become trapped between your teeth and your veneers as this could result in tooth decay. 

Then, under local anaesthetic, we will make little scratches on the surface of your teeth as our veneers require a rough texture to give them a stronger bond. We will then attach your permanent veneers with a composite material and use a UV light to cement the veneer to the tooth. Once all your final veneers are fitted, you’re done and can admire your stunning new smile! 

How long will my new veneers last? 

How long your porcelain veneers last will vary depending on how you treat them. With the proper care, your veneers should last at least 10 years – possibly up to 20 years – before they’ll need replacing. Obviously if they get damaged, chipped or become stained they can be replaced at any time.Click here if you’d like more information or would like to arrange a free consultation with one of our dentists.