Book Online CONSIDERED SMILE RESTORATION
Porcelain veneers are thin, individually made ceramic coverings bonded to the front of teeth. They can change visible shape, colour or proportion while leaving more tooth structure than a full crown in suitable cases. At S3 Dental, planning starts with the health of your teeth and gums, your bite and what you want to improve—not an assumption that every tooth needs treatment.
HOW WE CAN HELP
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
Your dentist examines the teeth, reviews existing fillings and checks how you bite. Photographs, scans or impressions help assess the proposed changes. We discuss whether whitening, bonding or straightening could achieve your goals with less intervention, and explain the limitations of veneers.
You agree the intended shape and shade before preparation. A diagnostic preview may help with larger changes. Some enamel usually needs removing, making treatment irreversible; the amount varies. Impressions or scans go to the laboratory, and temporary coverings may be needed while the veneers are made.
The dentist checks the ceramic veneers for fit, appearance and bite before bonding them. You have an opportunity to discuss the appearance before final placement. A review checks comfort and cleaning, with advice about protecting the restorations and any recommended night guard.
Veneers can provide years of service, but there is no guaranteed lifespan. The amount of supporting enamel, bite forces, grinding, decay risk and daily cleaning all matter. Ceramic can chip or debond, gums can change and the tooth underneath can still develop problems. Budget for possible repairs or replacement over time. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and attend recommended reviews.
Porcelain veneers start from £950 per tooth. Your written estimate identifies the number of teeth, any planning work, temporary restorations and other necessary care. Ask about payment options for a larger private plan; eligibility and terms must be confirmed. Alternatives include leaving healthy teeth unchanged, whitening, composite bonding or orthodontics. A crown may be considered for a heavily restored tooth, but is not automatically a better cosmetic choice.
GOOD QUESTIONS, HONEST ANSWERS
Usually not. Where enamel is removed, the tooth will normally need a veneer or another restoration long term. Ask exactly how much preparation is proposed before agreeing.
Local anaesthetic can be used during preparation when needed. Temporary sensitivity is possible afterwards; persistent pain or discomfort on biting should be checked by the dentist.
No. Treatment may involve one tooth or a planned group. Matching an individual tooth can be demanding, and your dentist will explain realistic colour and symmetry limits.
Whitening does not change ceramic. If you want lighter natural teeth, discuss whitening before choosing the veneer shade, allowing the dentist to plan the sequence appropriately.
Grinding increases the risk of damage. Your dentist will assess the bite and may recommend a protective appliance, a different treatment or delaying veneers until risks are controlled.
Veneers chosen solely to improve appearance are private treatment. Any clinically necessary restorative care and NHS eligibility must be assessed separately; an NHS appointment cannot be guaranteed.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCAL PRACTICE
West Sussex26 Haywards Road
Haywards Heath, RH16 4HT
Surrey3 Manor Road North
Hinchley Wood, Esher, KT10 0AA
South East LondonNHS OR PRIVATE · YOUR CHOICE
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