Transform your smile with porcelain veneers
Ultra-thin porcelain shells, custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. A refined, long-lasting solution that corrects colour, shape, and gaps in one elegant treatment.
About the treatment
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin shell of ceramic, individually crafted to bond to the front surface of a tooth. Each veneer is made to precise specifications by a skilled dental technician, matching the shade, shape, and surface texture agreed during your planning appointments.
Veneers are used to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including discolouration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor irregularities in shape or length. Because each one is made specifically for you, the result is entirely personalised.
At New Forest Family Dental, we take a considered and unhurried approach to veneer planning. We take the time to understand your goals, explain the process in full, and ensure you are completely comfortable with the planned outcome before any treatment begins.
Why choose veneers
A durable, versatile cosmetic solution.
A flawless, natural appearance
Porcelain closely mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. A well-made veneer is virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, giving a beautifully lifelike result.
Minimal preparation
Veneers require only a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front surface of the tooth. This conservative preparation means as much natural tooth structure as possible is preserved.
Stain resistant
The glazed surface of porcelain is highly resistant to staining from tea, coffee, and red wine, making veneers easier to keep looking bright than natural enamel.
Completely customised
The shade, shape, length, and surface texture of each veneer is chosen with you during planning. The result is a smile that suits your face, skin tone, and personal aesthetic.
Long-lasting results
With good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental reviews, porcelain veneers can last ten to fifteen years or more. They represent a worthwhile, durable investment in your smile.
Addresses multiple concerns at once
Veneers can correct discolouration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor irregularities in shape all in one treatment, making them one of the most versatile cosmetic options available.
Treatment journey
From planning to a perfected smile.
- 1
Consultation and smile planning
We discuss what you would like to change about your smile, take photographs and records, and assess whether veneers are the most suitable option. We explain all alternatives openly.
- 2
Shade and shape selection
Using shade guides and photographs, we agree on the colour, shape, and length of your veneers. This stage is collaborative and unhurried so you feel completely confident in the planned outcome.
- 3
Tooth preparation
A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth to create space for the veneer. Impressions are taken and sent to the dental laboratory. Temporary veneers protect your teeth in the meantime.
- 4
Laboratory fabrication
Skilled dental technicians hand-craft your porcelain veneers to the agreed specifications. This process typically takes one to two weeks, after which we recall you for the fitting appointment.
- 5
Trial and fitting
The veneers are tried in without adhesive first so you can see and approve the result. Once you are happy, they are bonded permanently to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
- 6
Review and aftercare
We schedule a review appointment to check your bite, comfort, and the appearance of the veneers. We advise on how to care for them to maximise their lifespan.
Who is it for?
Could veneers be right for you?
Veneers are suitable for adults with healthy teeth and gums who want to make a lasting improvement to the appearance of their smile. Common situations where we recommend veneers:
- Permanently stained or discoloured teeth that do not respond to whitening
- Chipped or cracked front teeth
- Gaps between front teeth
- Teeth that are slightly misshapen or uneven in length
- Worn enamel on the front teeth
- Multiple cosmetic concerns that you would like to address at once
- Patients seeking a durable, long-lasting cosmetic improvement
Take the first step
Book your veneer consultation
Come in for a relaxed, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your goals, explain the process in full, and provide a transparent cost breakdown so you can make a confident, informed decision.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
Placing veneers requires removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This is a permanent change, so it is important to be sure about your decision before proceeding. However, the preparation is minimal and conservative compared to a crown. We always discuss this thoroughly during consultation so you can make a fully informed choice.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With good oral hygiene, a healthy diet and regular dental reviews, porcelain veneers typically last between ten and fifteen years, and often longer. Avoiding habits such as nail biting, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth to open packaging will help protect them.
Will my veneers look natural?
Yes, when made well. Porcelain reflects light in a similar way to natural tooth enamel and can be made to match the exact shade and translucency you want. We work carefully to ensure the size and shape of your veneers suit your face and look completely natural.
Can veneers be whitened?
Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened once they have been made. If you are planning whitening and veneers together, we always recommend whitening your teeth first so the veneers can be matched to your new, brighter shade.
Are veneers suitable for everyone?
Veneers are not suitable if you have significant tooth decay, gum disease, or insufficient enamel to bond to. Patients who grind their teeth may also be at higher risk of damaging veneers. We assess all of these factors during consultation and suggest the most appropriate solution for your situation.
What is the difference between composite bonding and porcelain veneers?
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin applied directly to the tooth in a single appointment and can usually be completed without any preparation of the tooth. Porcelain veneers are laboratory-made and require two or more appointments, but they are more durable, stain-resistant, and tend to give a more refined result. We will help you decide which is right for you.
Ready to meet your new dental team?
Same-day appointments available · Denplan members welcome