What veneers can fix
Veneers suit front teeth that are healthy but that you’d like to look different:
- stains and discolouration that whitening can’t lift, such as from fluorosis or old root canals
- chipped, worn or uneven edges
- small gaps between teeth
- teeth that are small, short or oddly shaped
- mildly crooked teeth, where straightening isn’t wanted
They are not the right choice for teeth with large fillings or significant decay, which need crowns instead, or where heavy grinding hasn’t been managed first.
Porcelain or composite veneers
| Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Made | In a dental lab, from your scan or impression | Built and shaped directly on the tooth |
| Tooth preparation | Usually a thin layer of enamel | Little or none in many cases |
| Visits | 2–3 | Often 1 |
| Appearance | Very natural; keeps its shine | Natural; can dull and stain over time |
| Lifespan | Commonly 10–15 years or more | Around 5–7 years |
| Repairs | A chipped veneer is usually replaced | Easily repaired in the chair |
What happens
- Smile consultation. Your cosmetic dentist examines your teeth, gums and bite, takes photographs and listens to what you want to change. Any decay or gum problems are treated first.
- Design. We plan the shape, length and shade of each tooth. Where it helps, a trial smile (mock-up) is placed over your teeth so you can see and approve the look before anything is done.
- Preparation. For porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed under local anaesthetic, a scan or impression is taken, and temporary veneers are fitted.
- Fitting. The lab-made veneers are tried in, checked for colour and fit, and bonded in place. Your bite is checked carefully.
- Review. We see you a week or two later to check the gums and the bite and to polish any edges.
Composite veneers are built up and polished in a single longer visit.
Looking after veneers
Brush twice a day with a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, clean between the teeth daily, and keep your check-ups and cleans. Avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth. If you grind or clench, a night guard protects both your veneers and your natural teeth.
Risks
Teeth can feel sensitive for a few days after preparation. Veneers can chip, crack or come loose, especially with grinding, and may need repair or replacement. The tooth underneath can still decay at the edges if cleaning is poor. Your cosmetic dentist explains your personal risks and the alternatives, such as whitening, bonding or straightening, before you decide.
What affects the fee
The number of veneers, porcelain or composite, the material and lab used, whether a trial smile is made, and any treatment needed first, such as cleaning, fillings or whitening of the other teeth. You get a written estimate after the smile consultation.
Questions patients ask us
Are veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers usually need a thin layer of enamel removed, so the tooth will always need a veneer or crown afterwards. In that sense the decision is permanent, even though the veneer itself may be replaced after many years. Composite veneers often need little or no preparation.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
Well-planned veneers remove only a thin layer of enamel, often less than a millimetre, and protect the tooth underneath. Problems come from over-preparation or from veneers on teeth with untreated decay or grinding, which is why the assessment comes first.
Porcelain or composite veneers, which is better?
Porcelain looks more natural for longer, resists staining and lasts longer. Composite is quicker, needs less preparation and is easy to repair, but stains and chips more. Your cosmetic dentist will show you which suits your teeth, bite and goals.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth or gaps?
Veneers can close small gaps and disguise mildly crooked teeth. For more crowding, straightening the teeth first with braces or aligners usually keeps more natural tooth and gives a better result. Our orthodontist and cosmetic dentist plan this together when it helps.
How many veneers do I need?
That depends on how many teeth show when you smile and what you want to change. Some people need one or two, others six to ten for the upper smile. The number comes from your smile, not a fixed package.
Can I eat normally with veneers?
Yes. Bite into very hard food such as ice or bones with the back teeth, don't use your front teeth to open packets, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Do veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers barely stain. Composite veneers pick up colour from tea, coffee, paan and smoking over time and benefit from polishing at your check-ups.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: veneers ↗NHS: dental treatments ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.