Porcelain Veneers

Transform your smile!

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material or a very thin permanent facing made specifically by our laboratory which is placed over the front tooth surface very similar to that of a false fingernail which fits over your existing nail.

There are two types of material used in the construction of a veneer, composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or alternatively fabricated by our dental technician from a set of models of your teeth, and then bonded to the tooth using a special cement. Porcelain veneers can be somewhat more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite.

The advantages of using a veneer to restore or cosmetically enhance a tooth are numerous. Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain will improve a discoloured or stained tooth. A veneer will hide a chipped or cracked tooth or close those unsightly gaps between teeth when orthodontic treatment is not suitable although the amount of malposition of teeth may be such that veneers alone may not be enough to correct the aesthetic imbalance. Hence orthodontics would be the preferred option of treatment, or even a treatment plan of orthodontics combined with veneers could be considered.

Veneers make your teeth look healthy and natural and because they are so thin, they can be held in place by a very strong bond (rather like superglue) so very little preparation is needed. Traditionally, a reduction of around 0.5 mm is required for a porcelain veneer. Composite veneers are becoming more popular as they are easy to repair, whereas porcelain veneers on occasion have a tendency to fracture. It can be difficult to match the shade of an individual veneer to the remaining natural teeth, so placing several veneers is generally standard practice.

This type of treatment always proves to be most exciting for our patients in that it produces an immediate and effective rejuvenation of the appearance of your smile whilst creating a more youthful and brighter overall look. Your smile enhancement with veneers here at Clayton Cosmetic Dental Centre can take as little as three weeks dependent on how many veneers are to be placed.