Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are used to imWhen it comes to achieving a long-lasting smile, porcelain veneers are often considered one of the best options in cosmetic dentistry.
In this guide, we will walk you through what porcelain veneers are, their benefits, what they can look like, the process involved, and the associated costs.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth.
They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by addressing cosmetic issues such as stains, discolouration, misalignment, gaps, or chipped/worn enamel. Veneers are designed to mimic the natural look of teeth and can provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for enhancing a person’s smile.
The benefits of porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers present a host of advantages that make them a sought-after choice for smile enhancements. These benefits encompass both aesthetic and practical aspects, such as:
Enhanced Aesthetics
Porcelain veneers excel at tackling an array of cosmetic dental concerns. From chips and stains to uneven spacing and misshapen teeth, these veneers can remarkably transform your smile, rendering it natural and harmonious.
Minimal Enamel Removal
The application process of porcelain veneers involves minimal enamel reduction when compared to other dental procedures. This preservation of your natural tooth structure is a notable advantage.
Stain Resistance
Porcelain veneers boast exceptional resistance against staining agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. This attribute contributes to the sustained brilliance and whiteness of your smile.
Lasting Resilience
The inherent strength of porcelain translates into veneers that can withstand normal biting and chewing forces. With proper care, these veneers can endure for years, ensuring a prolonged enhancement to your smile.
Natural Looking
Porcelain veneers replicate the translucent appearance of natural teeth, allowing light to pass through them. This quality imparts a lifelike quality that is virtually indistinguishable from your own teeth.
Quick Transformation
Achieving a remarkable smile makeover through porcelain veneers is notably expedient compared to alternative orthodontic solutions. In a few dental appointments, a significant transformation can be attained.
Easy to Maintain
Sustaining porcelain veneers demands straightforward oral hygiene practices, encompassing regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups
What do porcelain veneers look like?
When searching for veneers or doing some typical research, it’s always good to see what they look like on others, so you can grasp an idea of what type of design they are and what they can look like.
Take a look at what our porcelain veneers look like below:
How long do Porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last for a considerable amount of time, typically between 10 and 15 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance.
The longevity of porcelain veneers can depend on various factors, including:
- Oral hygiene, like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
- Avoiding chewing on hard objects, tearing open packages with your teeth, biting on your nails, or grinding your teeth.
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings and check-ups.
- Using non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports.
While porcelain veneers are durable, they are not permanent, and over time, they may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear.
Porcelain veneers procedure
At Bespoke Smile, we use a 3-step journey for our patients looking for veneers:
1. Trial smile
So that our patients are 100% happy with their new smile before we apply the veneers, we will hand-design a bespoke trial smile created using composite resin for the teeth you wish to improve. We can also provide a gum lift and additional shaping using a pain-free laser. This is an extremely difficult procedure so only experts can provide it, and this additional benefit is one of the many reasons that make Bespoke stand out among other dentists.
2. Bespoke choices and colour visit
This step allows you to personalise your results. We will consider the shapes, symmetry, angles, feel, bite, and texture of the trial smile and decide on the bespoke features that you would like to incorporate. We will also use this session to decide which colour suits you best!
3. Fitting visit
In the final stage, your trial smile will be removed, and the permanent porcelain veneers will be fitted onto the teeth. We will also carry out a comprehensive bite balancing to ensure the mouth is healthy and stable.
Understanding the costs of porcelain veneers
Understanding the costs of porcelain veneers is a vital step for those looking for a complete smile transformation. The total cost will depend on the amount of work you’re looking to have done.
Porcelain veneers can typically range from £700 to £1,500 per tooth.
If you’re looking for a single porcelain veneer or would like to transform your whole smile, we offer finance options to help you spread your payments for up to 24 months.
Find out more about funding Porcelain Veneers
Patient Stories: Porcelain veneer smiles!
At Bespoke Smile, we don’t just create beautiful smiles; we create stories worth sharing, and our patients’ journeys are the real stars of our practice. In this video playlist, you’ll get an idea of the journey our incredible patients went on to get their brand-new smile.
Our patients aren’t actors; they’re everyday people just like you, who decided to leap towards a brighter, more confident future. We believe in transparency, and that’s why we’re proud to showcase their genuine stories of transformation.