What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are applied to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are used to close gaps, change shapes and colours of teeth and give you a nicer smile.

I have heard of porcelain veneers also luminieers and Durathin veneers, what are the differences?

Luminerees and Durathin are just trade names. They are both ultra-thin porcelain veneers. We always try and do minimal preparation to your tooth to apply a veneer. Often we can do no preparation, which means no anaesthetic and no drilling is needed.

What is the cost of dental veneers?

It all depends on how many veneers you need. A single veneer is the most complex for the technician to make to match the colours and needs an investment of £1100. If you require four or more the investment then drops to £850 per veneer.

What is the process to have dental veneers?

You would require a consultation with a Bow Lane Dentist to check the health of your mouth and teeth. Photographs would be taken of your smile and  you would meet our dental technician to help design your smile. We often then take moulds of your mouth and carry out a diagnostic wax-up. This allows us to make 3d preview of your smile, discuss changes and how many teeth need to be prepared. After this, a full treatment plan and estimate will be produced. Then one appointment is needed to prepare your teeth and fit the temporary plastic veneers. Around one week later you return, have the plastic veneers removed and the final porcelain veneers fitted.

Can any teeth have dental veneers?

As long as the tooth does not already have a crown, almost every tooth is suitable for a dental veneer. It needs to be free from gum (periodontal) disease and have no dental decay (caries).

What is the difference between a veneer and a crown?

They are both made from porcelain. The main difference is a veneer only covers the front surface of your tooth whereas the crown covers your entire tooth. Crowns are often used when the tooth is broken down, weak or when large gaps need to be closed.

How many veneers do I need?

This will depend on what final result we are trying to achieve. If it is just one discoloured tooth we are hiding then only one veneer may be required. If you want a “Hollywood smile” then ten veneers could be needed.

Can I have veneers if I grind my teeth?

Yes. We need to carefully design the bite on your veneers and you will require a night guard to be worn whilst you sleep, to help prevent damage to both your teeth and the veneer.

How do I look after them?

The same as your natural teeth. Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and use interdental brushes/floss every day. We offer a three-year guarantee on our dental veneers as long as you attend your prescribed maintenance visits.

What is the most common reason to have veneers replaced?

Porcelain veneers are very strong and should not break under normal circumstances.  They can brake, as can a natural tooth, if subject to trauma. If gum shrinkage (recession) occurs over time the root of the tooth may become exposed.  Patients may want a new veneers to cover the root.

What should I ask my dentist before getting veneers?

• Ask them to show you other cases of veneers they have done, specifically cases that look like your situation. See our smile gallery.
• Ask how many patients they have treated with veneers.
• Ask to see their dental laboratory and meet the technician that is making your veneers. Bow Lane has one onsite.
• Ask the dentist to show you what your veneers will look like before they are permanently placed.