A veneer is a thin ceramic shell, close to the thickness of a contact lens, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It changes the colour, shape and length of front teeth. Because ceramic transmits light much like natural enamel, the result looks natural.
When are veneers used?
- Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- Small gaps between front teeth
- Chipped, worn or misshapen teeth
- Mild crowding (where suitable; orthodontic options are also discussed)
If you clench or grind your teeth, veneers are planned with extra care and a night guard is usually recommended.
How are they made?
- Planning and trial: The shape of the new teeth is first tried in the mouth with a mock-up.
- Preparation: Usually a very thin layer is removed from the front of the tooth; sometimes no preparation is needed.
- Impression and temporaries: An impression or digital scan is taken, and temporary veneers may be placed during the laboratory stage.
- Bonding: After checking colour and fit, the veneers are bonded with special adhesives.
Care and lifespan
Veneers are brushed and flossed like natural teeth. With regular check-ups and good oral hygiene they can last many years. Avoid biting hard objects such as pens, seeds or ice.
Frequently asked questions
Veneers or composite?
Composite is faster and needs less intervention; porcelain offers better colour stability and durability. Which suits you is decided together based on your teeth and expectations.
Can veneers be whitened later?
No, ceramic is not affected by whitening. If other teeth are to be whitened, this is done before the veneers.