Veneers

Veneers: A Natural-Looking Way to Transform Your Smile

Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the UK, and for good reason. A carefully placed set of veneers can correct a whole range of issues — staining, chips, small gaps, unevenness — in just a couple of appointments. At Spixworth Dental Practice, we offer both porcelain and composite veneers as private treatments.

🧠 What Are Veneers?

A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Think of it like a false fingernail — but for your smile. The tooth underneath stays alive and intact; the veneer sits over the top to change the colour, shape or alignment.

🦷 Types of Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Hand-crafted in a dental lab from high-strength ceramic. Typically 0.5–0.7mm thick.

  • Extremely natural-looking — reflect light like real enamel
  • Very stain-resistant
  • Last 10–15 years with good care
  • Usually requires a small amount of tooth preparation

Composite Veneers

Built up directly on the tooth from tooth-coloured composite resin, sculpted by your dentist in a single appointment.

  • Much less (often no) tooth preparation needed
  • Completed in one visit
  • More affordable up-front than porcelain
  • Typically last 5–7 years; easier to repair if chipped

Your dentist will talk you through the trade-offs to help you choose the right option for your teeth and your budget.

💬 What to Expect

  1. Consultation & smile design — we’ll discuss the look you want, show you before-and-after examples, and where useful create a wax-up or digital mock-up
  2. Preparation — a thin layer of enamel is (sometimes) removed to make room for the veneer
  3. Impressions — taken and sent to the lab (porcelain) or completed same-day in chair (composite)
  4. Temporary veneers — worn in between visits for porcelain
  5. Fitting — final veneers are tried in, checked for colour and shape, and bonded

🛡️ Caring for Your Veneers

  • Brush and floss normally — veneers are cared for just like natural teeth
  • Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
  • Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth
  • Keep up regular check-ups and hygienist visits

⚖️ Cost & Availability

Veneers are a private cosmetic treatment. Current fees are on our Fees page. We’ll always give you a clear, written quote for your whole treatment plan before anything starts.

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