Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth to correct problems with colour, shape and size, while removing as little tooth structure as possible.
Overview
Discolouration that does not respond to whitening, small chips, gaps between teeth and irregularities of shape can affect the overall look of a smile.
With veneers, only a very thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth, and a custom-made porcelain shell is bonded to it. Most of the tooth is preserved.
Treatment is planned with digital smile design and a trial, and which teeth will receive veneers and the right material are decided at the consultation.
- Thin porcelain shells that preserve most of the tooth
- Planning with digital smile design and a trial
- An appearance similar to natural enamel
- Treatment that can be completed within a few days
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A veneer is a porcelain shell that covers the front of the tooth and is usually about as thin as a contact lens. Unlike a crown, which covers the whole tooth, it is applied only to the visible front surface.
Porcelain reflects light in a similar way to natural enamel and resists staining, which is why it is often chosen for front teeth where aesthetic expectations are high.
Who Are Porcelain Veneers Suitable For?
- People with discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- People with small chips or wear on their front teeth
- People with small gaps between their teeth
- People with minor irregularities in the shape or size of their teeth
Gum disease or decay must be treated first. Veneers may not be suitable where there is untreated clenching or grinding, severe crowding or insufficient enamel; in these cases options such as orthodontics or crowns are considered.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Made?
1. Examination and smile design
The health of your mouth and gums is assessed. A digital smile design is created and, if needed, a temporary trial in the mouth lets you preview the new smile.
2. Preparing the teeth and taking impressions
A very thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth and a digital scan or impression is taken. Temporary veneers may be fitted until the final ones are ready.
3. Bonding
The veneers are tried on, their colour and fit are checked, and they are permanently bonded with special adhesives. Depending on the case, treatment is usually completed in two or three appointments over a few days.
Veneers, Zirconium Crowns and Whitening: The Differences
- Teeth whitening: lightens the natural colour of the teeth; it does not correct shape or gaps and needs no preparation
- Porcelain veneers: cover only the front surface; correct colour, shape and small gaps with minimal preparation
- Zirconium crowns: cover the whole tooth and give more strength to root-filled, heavily filled or broken teeth
Which method is right depends on the condition of your teeth and your expectations and is decided at the consultation; different methods can be combined for different teeth within one smile design.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
- Brushing twice a day and flossing continue as usual
- Avoid biting hard objects or opening packets with your teeth
- If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a night guard
- Regular dental check-ups are kept up
Possible Risks and Side Effects
- Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold in the first few days
- A veneer chipping or coming loose
- The enamel that is removed does not grow back, so the procedure is irreversible
- Changes in colour or fit at the gum line
Factors That Affect the Cost of Porcelain Veneers
The cost of porcelain veneers is calculated individually, based on the plan agreed at the consultation. The main factors are:
- The number of teeth to receive veneers
- The type of porcelain used
- Digital smile design and trial
- Any gum, decay or whitening treatment needed beforehand
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment plans are decided individually after a physician's examination.
Treatment Process
Consultation and Assessment
The health of your mouth and gums is assessed, and a digital smile design and, if needed, a trial are carried out.
The Treatment
The teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and the veneers are bonded after their fit and colour have been checked.
Recovery and Follow-up
Care advice is given, and the fit and gum health are monitored at check-up appointments.
Who is it suitable for?
- People with problems of colour, shape or gaps in their front teeth
- Candidates with healthy gums and no decay
- People whose teeth clenching is under control
- People with realistic expectations who are able to follow the aftercare advice
Quick Facts
- Duration: 1–2 hours per appointment
- Treatment Model: 2–3 appointments over a few days
- Recovery: Back to daily life the same day
- Method: Custom porcelain veneers with digital design
Frequently Asked Questions
Do teeth have to be filed down for veneers?
Only a very thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth, so most of the tooth is preserved. In some suitable cases, veneers can be placed with very little or no preparation.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With good care and regular dental check-ups, veneers can last for many years. Clenching, biting hard objects and poor oral hygiene can shorten their lifespan.
How many days does veneer treatment take?
It varies by case, but treatment is usually completed in two or three appointments over a few days. Appointments are planned accordingly for patients travelling from elsewhere.
Veneers or zirconium crowns?
Veneers are usually preferred for correcting colour and shape on healthy teeth. For root-filled, heavily filled or broken teeth, a zirconium crown that covers the whole tooth may be more suitable. The decision is made at the consultation.
What does the cost of porcelain veneers depend on?
It depends on the number of teeth, the type of porcelain, the smile design and any treatment needed beforehand. The exact price is set after the consultation.