Porcelain veneers in the UK are the solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth in a permanent way. They allow you to change the colour, shape and proportions of your teeth while maintaining a natural effect. It's worth knowing who they are best for and the conditions you need to meet before treatment.

What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin overlay bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is made of dental porcelain, which imitates natural enamel. Its main purpose is to improve the aesthetics of the tooth, not to restore the entire structure. 

Porcelain veneers in the UK are individually designed. From there, you can match them perfectly to your face shape, skin colour and smile line. As you know, every detail matters to make the effect look natural.

And if you want to know how they differ from the composite ones we recommend you our article „Composite veneers in the UK versus porcelain veneers in the UK - which to choose?„.

For whom are porcelain veneers a good choice and who needs to look for another option?

Porcelain veneers in the UK will work well if you have permanent tooth discolouration that doesn't respond to whitening. They'll also be a great solution if you have minor chipping or uneven tooth edges. And that's not all! They can help close small gaps between teeth and improve the proportions of your smile.

Simply put - veneers are for you if you want a quick aesthetic result that lasts for years. 

However, not everyone can opt for veneers porcelain in the UK. Contraindications include untreated teeth with decay and gum disease. Similarly, if you struggle with bruxism, which is teeth grinding, it can increase the risk of damage to your veneers, so extra protection is used in these cases. If you would like to learn more about this topic we recommend our article “Bruxism, or teeth grinding - where it comes from and how to get rid of it". 

Other limitations include excessive tooth abrasion and some bite alignment issues. Therefore, a full dental diagnosis is necessary before the procedure to ensure that the veneers will be durable and safe. If necessary, the dentist will suggest alternatives such as crowns. 

What does the procedure look like and how to prepare for it?

The fitting of veneers always begins with a dental consultation, during which the condition of the teeth, gums and bite is assessed. Photographs and digital scans are taken to plan the final result. 

Porcelain veneers in the UK require a healthy mouth, so cavity treatment and hygienization are often necessary beforehand. Sometimes minor orthodontic corrections are recommended before treatment if the teeth are severely misaligned. 

The process of making porcelain veneers involves several visits. The first visit involves planning and designing your smile, during which you decide on the shape and colour of your teeth. The next visit involves preparing your teeth - gently sanding the surface and taking impressions or digital scans. Temporary trays are fitted while you wait for your finished veneers.

You can also read more about the procedure itself in the text “Placing veneers in the UK - what the procedure looks like".

Definitive porcelain veneers are cemented in the UK permanently at the next visit. The whole process usually takes a few weeks. The procedure itself is comfortable and almost painless, and the effect is visible as soon as the cementation is completed.

Durability and daily care

Porcelain veneers are very durable and, with proper hygiene, can last for many years. Porcelain does not discolour like natural enamel, which maintains the aesthetics of the smile. Daily care consists of thorough brushing and flossing and regular check-ups.

To make your veneers last as long as possible, avoid biting on hard objects and using your teeth to open packages. Simple habits significantly prolong the life of the trays. 

How much does a porcelain veneer cost in the UK?

The price of a porcelain veneer in the UK can vary depending on the clinic and material. Typically, the cost of a single veneer is between £440 and £600. To this amount you should add any treatment, if required.

But rest assured, if you dream of a beautiful smile but are worried about the cost then we have a solution - our instalment system. At our practice, you can spread the cost of your veneers over convenient, interest-free instalments. Read our article: „Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase". IMPORTANT: Our instalment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

If you have questions or would like to find out more please email us or make an appointment.