Cosmetic dentistry and veneers

What can be improved

• Chipped, worn or uneven front teeth
• Discolouration that whitening cannot lift
• Small gaps between teeth
• Teeth that are slightly crooked or short
• Old, mismatched fillings on visible teeth

Veneers

A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite that is bonded to the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers are made by a laboratory, resist staining and last longest; composite veneers (sometimes called “componeers” when prefabricated) are placed directly in one visit and are more economical and easier to repair. Veneers need a small amount of enamel to be removed and are a long-term commitment: the tooth will always need a veneer or crown afterwards, so we make sure you understand that before we start.

Bonding

For a small chip or gap, tooth-coloured composite can be sculpted directly onto the tooth in a single visit, often without freezing. It is the least invasive cosmetic option and a good place to start.

Crowns and whitening

Crowns rebuild teeth that are too damaged for a veneer. Whitening is usually the first step in a smile makeover, because veneers and crowns are matched to the shade of the teeth around them.

Straightening first?

If the main concern is crowding or crookedness, clear aligners or braces often give a better and more conservative result than covering teeth with veneers. We will tell you if that is the case.

How a smile makeover is planned

1. A conversation about what you would like to change, and photographs of your smile
2. An examination to make sure teeth and gums are healthy, because cosmetic work on an unhealthy mouth does not last
3. A written plan with options, sequence, timeline and cost
4. Where useful, a trial of the new shape in temporary material before anything permanent is made

We do not publish before-and-after photographs of patients without their written consent, and we will never promise a result we cannot deliver.