Veneers

What is a Veneer?

A Veneer can be made of a composite resin or porcelain material. A Veneer is a thin layer of either material is bonded on to the tooth. It acts as a thin shell covering the front surface of the tooth, to treat cosmetic concerns, including, restoring chipped and worn teeth, changing the overall appearance including discolouration and uneven appearances. Veneers can be placed on the teeth to correct minor imperfections or can be used to create a Smile Makeover.

Smile Makeover:

If you are wanting to achieve a fuller, brighter smile giving a uniform and symmetrical appearance, this may be achieved with having 8-10 teeth undergoing veneer treatment. Veneers can offer a Beautiful and Natural Smile and can be tailored to meet your desired goals. (link out to smile makeover page?)

Procedure:

The procedure involves making minimal reductions to the teeth, to make room for the placement of the Veneers. Our practice has invested in the latest technology, therefore we have eliminated the need for messy impression moulds and replaced with a modern and convenient way of recording your teeth and preparing for procedures. Therefore, an Intra Oral Scan will be taken as part of the treatment planning process to create the Veneers in the local laboratory. In the meantime, you will be given some temporary Veneers, while the finals are being made.

Once the Veneers have been made, they can be cemented onto each tooth.

What can be achieved with veneers?

Porcelain Veneers can fix cosmetic imperfections such as, staining, slight misalignments and crookedness, reshape worn and chipped teeth and close small spaces between the teeth, improving the overall appearance of an individual’s smile.

How long do Veneers last?

Porcelain Veneers can last longer than Composite Veneers, due to their overall strength and durability. Usually, Composite Veneers can last 5-7 years, while Porcelain Veneers can last 10-15 years depend on how well you maintain them.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers?

There are things to consider when comparing certain treatments to one another. Porcelain Veneers, are often compared to composite bonding, therefore below are things to consider, to make an informed decision about your smile, as ultimately it depends on what you are wanting to achieve. 

Porcelain Pros

·         Strong and durable and gives a natural appearance.

·         Less likely to stain in comparison to composite veneers, and easier to maintain.

·         Saves money in the long run, due to the long-lasting results.

Porcelain Considerations

·         Initial Expense

·         May require more visits

·         More tooth preparation

Composite Pros

·         Less tooth preparation

·         Easier to fix

·         Lasts 5-7 years

·         Cheaper

·         Treatment can be completed same day

Composite considerations

·         Doesn’t last as long as Porcelain Veneers.

·         Can be harder to maintain as can be easily stained.

·         May get damaged more easily due to not being as durable as Porcelain.

If you would like to explore your options, reach out to the team and book your initial consultation to start your smile journey with us. 

Veneers Q&A – Porcelain & Composite Veneers in Southport

Q: What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front of teeth to improve colour, shape, and symmetry.

Q: What issues can veneers fix?
They can treat discolouration, chips, gaps, or uneven teeth for a flawless smile.

Q: How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last around 10–15 years; composite around 5–7 years with proper care.

Q: Do veneers damage your teeth?
Only a minimal amount of enamel is removed — it’s safe and done with precision by our experienced cosmetic dentists in Southport.

Q: Are veneers permanent?
Yes, once applied, veneers are a long-term cosmetic investment designed to last many years.