Have a specific question about dental veneer treatment, the process or the cost? We’ve reviewed the most common patient veneer questions and asked experienced UK dentist, Dr Lavington, with 14+ years of experience with dental veneers, to answer them. Whether you’re considering porcelain or composite veneers, you’ll find everything you need to know below…
Dental veneers improve the appearance of discolouration, gaps, and the size and shape of your teeth. There are two types, porcelain and composite, which vary slightly. Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells that are bonded onto the front surface of teeth, whereas composite veneers use composite resin that’s directly applied to the tooth in layers; however, both will correct the same issues, and results will look relatively similar, with porcelain boasting slightly better results in terms of aesthetics and durability.
Dental veneers are typically priced per tooth, so the total cost will depend on the number of veneers required, the extent of your smile problems, and the type of material you choose (composite or porcelain). Porcelain tends to be more expensive because it involves more appointments and lab time, whereas composites are known to be low-cost and a cheaper alternative, as they’re placed in a single appointment. Patients at Aventis Denal will receive a quote after a consultation, where we can also explore paying with dental insurance.
We offer a 3-year guarantee across our veneer applications.
Typically, most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic treatments like veneers; however, more and more providers and plans now offer specific plans that offer partial coverage. Explore insurance plan details for more information – we accept dental insurance here at Aventis.
We do not offer dental finance or payment plans for veneers. However, we can phase the treatment where appropriate to help you spread the cost.
It depends on the material. Porcelain is the better material, with a lifespan of 10-25 years, whereas composite veneers will last 5-7 years before requiring repair or replacement. Your follow-up aftercare and at-home oral hygiene will affect how long your veneers last, so it’s important to visit the dentist and hygienist regularly.
Veneers are not permanent in the sense that they are everlasting or cannot be removed. But they are considered permanent when using porcelain, as they require a small amount of etching (enamel removal), which is not reversible. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are reversible as they’re no-prep. Learn more about the process.
When placed by the right cosmetic dentists, veneers should not harm or alter your tooth’s structure. At Aventis Dental, Dr Lavington uses minimally invasive techniques and thin brands to preserve as much enamel as possible. Or if you opt for composite veneers, you won’t have to worry about any enamel removal at all.
Both veneer types offer incredibly natural results; however, porcelain does offer better levels of lifelike details due to its texture and translucent properties. See before and afters.
The number of veneers you will need depends on your goals or the number of problematic teeth you have. Some patients might just have two veneers on their front teeth, while others might opt for a social smile makeover of their visible six teeth or a complete smile makeover to transform both upper and lower arches.
It’s not uncommon for patients to get one dental veneer to correct a single problematic tooth, as we can blend it perfectly with the surrounding teeth.
The treatment process is quick, minimally invasive, and not described as painful. Our dentists will use local anaesthetic for porcelain veneer applications (and in some composite veneer applications). Patients can expect a temporary sensitivity after placement, which typically settles within a few days.
Treatment is minimally invasive, and a local anaesthetic is used if needed (not often with composite applications). Temporary sensitivity is normal and usually settles within a few days.
Composite veneers take one appointment, typically around 30 minutes to 1 hour per tooth. The porcelain veneer process will be spread over 2-3 appointments over three weeks, including a trial smile period.
A Trial Smile is a temporary mock-up placed over your teeth to preview your new smile before your final porcelain veneers are made and set in place.
It’s rare but possible if subjected to extreme force. If a veneer loosens or comes off, contact us immediately.
No, veneers cannot be whitened. Many patients whiten their natural teeth before veneer treatment to achieve their ideal base shade.
We’ll recommend you wear a custom nightguard to protect your veneers while you sleep.
Yes, porcelain is non-porous and highly resistant to stains from coffee, wine, and other beverages.
Typically 0.3mm – as thin as a contact lens.
Porcelain veneers are chip-resistant, but like natural enamel, they can still fracture under extreme pressure.
Composite is slightly more porous than porcelain and may stain over time. Regular visits to a dentist and polishing will help maintain their colour and brightness.
Yes, often. Since little to no enamel is removed, composite veneers can usually be removed or replaced easily.
We’re here to guide you through every step of your veneer journey, from consultation to long-term aftercare. Call +1 345 746-8555 to book your appointment.
