Veneers
Thin custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth for a long-lasting change in shape, colour and alignment.
How long
2–3 visits over a few weeks
How long it lasts
Porcelain 10–15 years; composite 5–7 years
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic usually used
What's involved
Veneers are made in a dental lab from porcelain (or built up in composite) and bonded to the front surface of the tooth. A small amount of enamel is normally removed so the veneer sits flush.
Porcelain resists staining better than composite and looks closer to natural enamel, but takes longer and costs more. Composite veneers are quicker and cheaper but need more upkeep.
Most people have veneers on the teeth that show when they smile — often 4, 6, 8 or 10 in total — designed as a set so the result looks even.
Common questions
- Is it permanent?
- Porcelain veneers usually involve removing a little enamel, so the teeth will always need to be covered afterwards.
- Will they look fake?
- Not if they're well planned. Ask to see the practice's own before-and-after cases and a trial smile or mock-up.
- Veneers or bonding?
- Bonding is faster, cheaper and reversible. Veneers last longer and handle bigger changes in colour and shape.