Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Veneers

20 November 2024

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Veneers

Veneers are one of the fastest-growing cosmetic dentistry treatments in the UK and provide a solution for a range of dental imperfections from chips and cracks to minor misalignments and severe discolouration. But before committing to the treatment, it’s vital to understand the procedure and whether they’re right for you. Here’s everything you need to know before getting veneers to help you make the best choice for your smile.

So, what are veneers?

Veneers are essentially thin shell-like coverings that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to enhance appearance, providing a natural, durable result. They’re typically made from porcelain or composite resin and provided teeth are healthy, they can be a great solution for anyone looking to disguise certain imperfections without undergoing more invasive procedures. However, if you have gum disease, severe tooth decay or weakened tooth structure, alternative treatments may be a better option for you.

Understanding the different types of veneers

Here at Cheadle Hulme, we provide three types of veneers for patients to consider: composite veneers, porcelain veneers and Lumineers. Each type has its advantages, disadvantages and cost factors, and it’s important to have an understanding of these before opting for one.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are made from the same composite resin that we use for our white fillings and are moulded and shaped directly on the teeth allowing for a healthy, natural and more beautiful smile. Depending on the number of teeth to be treated, they can often be applied in a single dental visit. Here are the important things to know about composite veneers:

Budget-friendly option – Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers making them popular for those with a smaller budget.

Fast application – When composite bonding is applied to the entire tooth in the form of a veneer it takes around 30-45 minutes from start to finish. The resin is applied directly to the tooth enamel, moulded and shaped by the dentist and hardened with a special light before being polished for a natural finish.

Less durable – While they’re good on the wallet, composite veneers can stain over time and don’t last as long as porcelain veneers- typically between 5 and 7 years after which they may need replacing.

Easily repaired – Composite veneers chip more readily than porcelain but fortunately, they can be easily repaired whereas porcelain veneers often require replacement when they’re damaged.

Ideal for: People seeking a cost-effective solution to minor cosmetic issues like small chips or mild discolouration.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental lab and designed to match the shape, size and colour of the surrounding teeth so they blend seamlessly into the smile. They offer a more durable, long-lasting alternative to composite veneers. Here’s a quick breakdown of their benefits and limitations.

Durability – Porcelain veneers last on average around 15 years but with good care they can last longer. Another key benefit of porcelain veneers is that they’re stain-resistant.

Natural appearance – Porcelain possesses a similar surface texture and translucent quality to tooth enamel enabling light to pass through them, resulting in an exceptionally natural appearance.

A more lengthy procedure – Porcelain veneers require at least 2 dental visits spaced several weeks apart: The first to prepare the teeth and take impressions to be sent to the dental lab making them, and the second for fitting.

Higher cost – Porcelain veneers are more expensive than their composite counterparts due to the higher cost of the material used, longer procedure and dental lab costs.

Ideal for: Those looking for a more natural, longer-lasting solution to significant cosmetic problems such as wear, severe staining, and minor misalignments.

Lumineers

Lumineers are a special form of veneers crafted from a patented form of Cerinate porcelain which is much thinner than traditional porcelain yet still offers durable protection. Here’s what you need to know:

Minimal tooth preparation –  Since the porcelain is extremely thin, similar to that of a contact lens, very little tooth preparation is required (if any) and the existing teeth are left virtually intact.

Reversible option: Unlike traditional porcelain veneers which are a permanent change, Lumineers can be reversed if desired.

Natural appearance with limitations: Lumineers are incredibly natural-looking, but because they’re so thin, they may not be ideal for concealing very dark stains or severe cosmetic issues.

Cost considerations: Lumineers may be cheaper than traditional porcelain veneers in many cases due to requiring less preparation to place them.

Durability – While Lumineers can last up to 20 years, they are a little more susceptible to damage and special care needs to be taken when brushing.

Ideal for: People with minor cosmetic concerns who want a non-invasive, reversible option that doesn’t require enamel removal.

So now you know about the types of veneers available, here’s an overall summary of the advantages and disadvantages of veneers.

Pros and cons of veneers

Pros:

Immediate smile transformation – Veneers can give you a whiter, more attractive smile almost instantly.

Customisation – Each veneer is customised to the shape, size and colour you desire, making for a personalised result.

Boosts confidence – Veneers are a quick way to transform how your smile looks and give your confidence a boost.

Cons

Irreversible (in some cases) – Traditional porcelain veneers are irreversible since they often require the removal of tooth enamel to ensure they fit flush within the smile. Once the tooth enamel has been removed, there’s no going back and the procedure is therefore permanent.

Tooth sensitivity – Some people experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures although this usually resolves within a couple of weeks as the mouth gets used to veneers.

Costly investment – Veneers can be a serious investment in your smile. While they last a long time with care, depending on the number of veneers needed, they can represent a significant financial outlay. That said, most dental clinics offer occasional special offers and finance plans to help you spread the cost.

Considering veneers?

If you’d like to know more about veneers and explore your options, the next step is to schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Cheadle Hulme Dental and Cosmetics. They can assess your dental needs, walk you through each type of veneer, and help you decide which option best aligns with your smile goals and budget.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly fix with composite veneers, a long-lasting solution with porcelain, or the no-prep approach of Lumineers, we have the experience and knowledge to help you make an informed decision.

Ready to get started on your journey to a perfect smile? Book your consultation with Cheadle Hulme Dental today and take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today on 0161 486 0743 or use our online booking service.