The Complete Guide to Getting Veneers in London
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to change their shape, colour or alignment. They are a cosmetic treatment rather than a health one, they are not reversible, and done well they can look completely natural. Here is what to weigh up before you commit.
Veneers are one of the most requested cosmetic treatments, and also one of the most misunderstood. This guide covers what they are, what they are good at, where they are the wrong choice, and what the process actually involves, so you can decide with your eyes open.
What veneers are
A veneer is a wafer-thin shell, usually porcelain or composite, bonded to the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers are made in a lab, resist staining well and tend to last longest. Composite veneers are built up directly on the tooth in a single visit and cost less, though they usually do not last as long. Which suits you depends on your teeth, your budget and what you want to change.
What veneers are good at
- Colour. Teeth that are stained or discoloured in a way whitening cannot fix.
- Chips and wear. Small chips, worn edges or uneven shapes.
- Gaps. Minor spacing between teeth, where you would rather not have orthodontic treatment.
- A uniform look. Bringing the shape and colour of several front teeth into line.
When veneers are not the answer
This is the part the glossy adverts skip. If your teeth are significantly crooked, straightening them with orthodontics is usually the healthier route than filing them down for veneers. If you grind your teeth, veneers can chip, so that needs sorting first. And if there is decay or gum disease, that is treated before any cosmetic work. An honest consultation will tell you when a different treatment would serve you better, even though a veneer case is a bigger sale.
The process of getting veneers in London
For porcelain veneers, expect two or three visits. The first is a consultation and planning, where we check your teeth are healthy enough and agree the look you want. Next, a small amount of enamel is usually removed so the veneer sits flush, and an impression or scan is taken. Finally the veneers are bonded on and adjusted for fit and bite. Composite veneers are often done in a single visit, built up directly on the tooth.
Because some enamel is removed for porcelain veneers, the tooth will always need a veneer or crown from then on. That is the main thing to understand before starting. For most types it is a permanent commitment, not something you can simply undo later.
Looking after veneers
Veneers are cared for much like natural teeth. Brush and floss as normal, keep up your check-ups, and avoid using your front teeth as tools on packaging or bottle tops. If you grind at night, a night guard protects your investment. Looked after, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade.
Booking a consultation for veneers in London
The honest starting point for anyone considering veneers in London is a consultation, because the right answer depends on the state of your teeth and what you actually want to change. Our team will assess your teeth, talk through porcelain against composite, show you what is realistic, and give you a written quote with no pressure to proceed.
We are at 2 Grosvenor Gardens, Fourth Floor, in Belgravia, central London. Call 0203 858 0068 or book through bostonorthodontics.co.uk. Interest-free payment plans over up to 12 months are available.
Frequently asked questions
How much do veneers cost in London?
It depends on the material and how many teeth are involved, and composite is generally cheaper than porcelain. You will get a written quote at the consultation, and interest-free finance over up to 12 months is available.
Are veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers involve removing a little enamel, so the tooth will always need a veneer or crown afterwards. In that sense they are a permanent commitment. They are long-lasting but not indestructible, and will need replacing eventually.
Do veneers look fake?
They should not. Well-made veneers are matched to your face and the teeth around them. The giveaway of bad veneers is teeth that are too white and too uniform, which is a look we would steer you away from.
Will getting veneers hurt?
The tooth is numbed for any preparation, so the appointments should be comfortable. Some mild sensitivity afterwards is normal and settles quickly.
Should I straighten my teeth instead?
Sometimes, yes. If your teeth are crooked, orthodontics can be the healthier option than filing them down for veneers. We will tell you honestly if that would suit you better.
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