A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth very much as a false fingernail fits over a nail.  Sometimes a natural colour 'composite' material is used instead of porcelain

Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very fragile, are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is necessary

Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth.  A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again - the porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part.  Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics are not suitable.  If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others

A natural coloured adhesive filling can be used for minor repairs to front teeth which is excellent when there is enough strong tooth to support it. There is always a join between the filling and the tooth which can over time stain but this can be polished off or the filling replaced .

If the tooth is significantly broken a crown is more suitable than an adhesive filling or Veneer

A very thin layer of the shiny enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. The amount is so little that the tooth, usually, does not need to be “numbed” and no temporary cover is needed. An impression is taken and sent to a technician who will craft the veneer ready for bonding at a later appointment

The veneer should last for many years, where it joins the tooth near the gum may stain slightly, but this can be polished. Biting directly on the edge of the veneer should be avoided, NO tearing of sellotape!

Veneers are available on the NHS and Privately

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