Guide to Porcelain Veneers

Guide to Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have become a popular cosmetic dental option for fixing minor to mid issues such as chips, stains or gaps between teeth.  

Veneers can cover up imperfections, strengthen weak or damaged teeth and give your smile a more full and complete appearance. If you have minor imperfections in your smile that you are eager to cover-up without committing to invasive surgery, then porcelain veneers might be the perfect cosmetic dental solution for you.  

Find out everything you need to know about porcelain veneers through this helpful guide where we’’ve outlined how veneers work, their benefits, how long veneers last for and the cost of getting porcelain veneers in the UK.  

What are porcelain veneers? 

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are often used to improve the appearance of your teeth, and can be used to fix various cosmetic issues such as teeth that are: 

• Stained 
• Chipped 
• Misaligned 
• Have gaps between them 

Despite their wafer-thin appearance, veneers can help to improve the strength of your natural teeth by keeping the outer layer of enamel protected. Not only do veneers cover up stains, chips or cracks, but they also prevent them from worsening.  

Porcelain veneers are made to match the shade of your natural teeth so that they blend in seamlessly with your smile. Some patients choose to combine veneers with teeth whitening to achieve a bright new smile without the need for any invasive or timely surgeries.  

Different types of veneers 

There are two main types of dental veneers available in the UK, these being: 

• Porcelain veneers 
• Composite veneers 

Porcelain veneers are perhaps the most attractive and popular type of veneers, and not without good reason. 

Porcelain veneers are essentially wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored ceramic material that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are highly durable and resistant to stains, and are often used to improve the appearance of your teeth and fix various cosmetic issues. 

Composite veneers are another great option and are slightly more cost-effective compared to porcelain veneers. 

A composite veneer is made of a tooth-colored resin material that is applied directly to your teeth. Similarly to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are specifically designed for treating dental issues such as cracks, discolouration, and chipped teeth. 

Composite veneers can be sculpted and shaped to the desired form during the same appointment in which they are applied and are generally less expensive than porcelain veneers as they do not require as much tooth preparation. However, composite veneers are also less durable and may not last as long as their porcelain counterpart.   

When choosing dental veneers at The Park Practice in Glasgow, your dentist will take the time to discuss the different types of veneers with you and help you determine which type is best suited to your dental needs and budget. 

Composite veneers Vs porcelain veneers  

Composite veneers and porcelain veneers both come with their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you better understand which each type offers, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of both below.  

The pros of composite veneers are: 

• Can be applied in a single visit 
• Do not require as much tooth preparation as porcelain veneers 
• Less expensive than porcelain veneers 

The cons of composite veneers are:  

• Generally not as durable as porcelain veneers 
• More prone to staining and discoloration than porcelain veneers 
• May require more maintenance and touch-ups over time 

The advantages of prorcelain veneers are: 

• Very durable 
• Highly resistant to stains 
• Can improve the appearance of your teeth significantly 
• Longevity: Can last for many years with proper care 

Some of the disadvantages of porcelain veneers include:  

• More expensive than composite veneers 
• Require more tooth preparation than composite veneers 
• Cannot be reversed once placed 

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.  

To get help with the decision, why not book an initial veneers consultation at The Park Practice in Glasgow and our friendly dental team will help you determine which type of veneers is best for you.

The process for getting dental porcelain veneers  

The process of getting porcelain veneers is fairly straightforward but will require multiple visits to your Glasgow dental practice to ensure they are measured and shaded specifically for your teeth and mouth.  

The process for getting veneers can be broken down into 6 simple steps: 

1. Initial consultation: At your initial consultation your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your personal treatment goals. They will also assess whether veneers are a suitable option for you and explain the benefits and risks of the procedure. 

2. Preparation: If you decide to go ahead with veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth for the veneers by removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This is necessary to ensure that the veneers fit properly and blend in with the rest of your teeth. 

3. Impressions: Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create custom-made veneers. The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneers will be made. This process can take up to a few weeks. 

4. Temporary veneers: In the meantime, your dentist may place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them and improve their appearance whilst waiting for the custom-made veneers to arrive.  

5. Bonding the veneers to the teeth: When the permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and clean your teeth. They will then apply a special cement to the back of the veneers and place them on your teeth. A special light will be used to harden the cement to firmly bond the veneers to your teeth. 

6. Aftercare and follow-ups: To ensure your new veneers last as long as possible it’s essential that you take aftercare seriously. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as using a non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to check your new veneers are operating as expected.  

How long do veneers last? 

Porcelain veneers are longer lasting than composite veneers. With proper aftercare and good oral hygiene practice, porcelain veneers typically last for 10 to 15 years. However, they can last longer or shorter depending on factors such as your oral hygiene habits, the quality of the veneers, and your bite. 

Composite veneers, on the other hand, only tend to last for around 5 years before needing to be replaced or updated.  

Are veneers painful? 

The process of getting veneers is non-invasive and usually not painful. Your dentist will numb your teeth and gums with a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure. Some people may experience sensitivity or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, but this usually goes away within a few days. 

What is the cost of porcelain veneers UK? 

Like a lot of cosmetic dental procedures, the cost of veneers can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as: 

• The number of veneers needed 
• The type of veneers you choose 
• The location of your dentist.  
• The amount of prep work needed 

At The Park Practice in Glasgow, we offer very competitive rates for porcelain veneers, with our aesthetic porcelain veneers starting from £375 per veneer. 

We also offer helpful dental finance plans so that our patients can spread the cost of their dental treatment over several months. This helps to make treatment far more manageable and ensures that everyone can afford the necessary cosmetic work they require in order to achieve their dream smile.  

To find out more about veneers in Glasgow, get in touch with The Park Practice! 

Give us a call on: 0141 334 1211 

Email us: enquiries@parkpracticehealth.co.uk