An A-list favourite, veneers offer a permanent solution to a less-than-perfect smile. Usually made out of porcelain, veneers are custom made to sit over your own teeth to completely transform your smile. They can be used to correct individual problem teeth or to perform a total smile makeover. If you have gaps in your teeth, crooked teeth, stained or discolored teeth, or are simply not happy with the size and shape of your teeth then veneers could be the answer. Many celebrities have had veneers to give them a more beautiful smile – however they do come with a celebrity price tag. The process can take a few weeks as your new teeth will need to be made and fitted in separate appointments. You should also be aware that your dentist will need to file down your real teeth in order to fit the veneers so there is no going back. Having veneers is a big commitment, so ensure you have thought it through and had a thorough consultation with a dentist before embarking on treatment.

Am I a Candidate? The ideal candidate for veneers is someone with good dental health and realistic expectations who is looking to achieve a permanent, complete smile makeover. Certain dental health issues such as extensive tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease, severe misalignment, major cracks in the teeth or chronic teeth grinding may make you unsuitable for veneers.

Before Treatment Because having veneers is a big commitment, it is very important to have a thorough consultation with a dentist. During your consultation, the dentist will talk to you about the risks and benefits of the treatment and assess whether you are a suitable candidate. They will then help you decide on what size, shape and colour of veneers will best suit your face and features.

The Procedure During your first appointment, the dentist will need to make an impression of your mouth. The dentist will then reshape and prepare the surface of your teeth before designing your veneers to ensure they fit properly. First, your teeth and gums will be numbed using a local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. The dentist will then file away a tiny amount of the front surface of your teeth using a special drill. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top surface of the tooth. It takes 2-3 weeks to make your new teeth, so usually temporary veneers are put in place. You will then need to come back to have your new veneers fitted. The veneers will be positioned and cemented into place using ‘dental cement’ so that the veneers are permanently bonded to your tooth.

Results Veneers deliver a natural-looking even white smile which should last 5-10 years before the veneers will need replacing.

Risks and Complications While having veneers fitted may be uncomfortable, it is not painful and you should experience no significant side effects. However, veneers are a permanent treatment and they will need to be replaced every 5-10 years which can be quite costly.

Costs Be prepared to pay £300-£1,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers.

Choosing a Dentist Ensure you find an experienced cosmetic dentist to help determine whether you are a suitable candidate for veneers and who can expertly carry out the treatment.