Dental Veneers in Chelsea

What is a dental veneer?

Veneers are made of a thin, tooth coloured porcelain or composite shell that are custom-made to bond to the front surface of your teeth to improve or restore the aesthetics of the tooth. Veneers can best be described as being like false fingernails for your smile.

Tooth preparation before the veneer treatment is minimal and the veneers are bonded to the tooth structure with special resin cement. Generally, veneers are fitted in two separate appointments.

The first appointment will be for the tooth or teeth to be prepared for the veneers. This will involve numbing the teeth with a local anaesthetic so there is no discomfort during treatment. A small amount of the front surface of the tooth is removed and impressions taken so the final custom-made veneers can be prepared. The veneers are then fitted at the second appointment to create a uniform, natural and healthy looking smile.

Why might you need a dental veneer?

You might be interested in dental veneers if: 

• You have chipped or broken teeth
• Your teeth are discoloured
• You have gaps between your teeth
• Your teeth have become worn down
• You have misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth

What types of dental veneers are there?

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting, natural looking teeth that are crafted in the finest detail to look just like natural teeth by specialist technicians in a dental laboratory. These are usually fitted in two or three appointments and require some preparation to your existing teeth, for example a small amount of your existing enamel needs to be removed in order to adhere the veneers directly to your teeth.

Composite veneers can be applied in one visit. Layers of resin are applied directly to the tooth, masking any damaged enamel, which is then sculpted to the correct shape and size to look just like natural teeth. Composite veneers are a good option if you have stained or slightly damaged teeth, such as a chipped or cracked tooth.

What are dental veneers made from?

Porcelain is a type of glass, which means that this method of teeth coating is not as susceptible to stains as composite veneers, and their overall appearance is also brighter and shinier.

Composite veneers are made from a tooth coloured resin (similar to that used for tooth fillings) and are close to plastic in nature. As resin is porous, it is sensitive to stains. If you have composite veneers fitted is advised that you regularly have them professionally polished at your local practice.  

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers are a durable way to improve your smile. The lifetime of your veneers is subject to your dental care routine, your lifestyle and the kind of veneer you have had fitted. Well-cared for porcelain veneers will last between 10-20 years, while composite veneers should last between four to eight years. Make sure that you continue to see your dentist regularly. Good communication between you and your dentist will ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and that your natural teeth and gums remain healthy.  

Our plans & fees

View our dental care plans and fees to learn more about our Chelsea practice.