If you’ve ever flicked through the pages of glossy magazines or newspaper gossip columns, you may have wondered how celebrities have such perfect smiles and the answer in many cases, is veneers. These wafer-thin shells, which are applied onto your natural teeth, can make the difference between worn down, stained and unsightly teeth and a gleaming set of perfect pearly whites.

About veneers

Veneers are small, tooth-shaped shells of ceramic (usually porcelain), which are fixed onto the teeth to create a beautiful smile. They are very light and thin and they can be used to address a whole host of common aesthetic flaws, from staining and uneven edges, to gaps between the teeth and chips. With veneers, even the most unattractive teeth can be modified into a beautiful smile.

Veneers are custom-made for each individual patient and there is scope to personalise your smile, as you can choose from different tooth shapes and shades. Before veneers are made, the teeth are prepared, which involves etching away a very fine layer of the tooth surface, and impressions are created. The veneers are then manufactured by highly skilled technicians and they can be fitted once this process is complete. The bespoke veneers are placed on the teeth and secured using strong adhesive.

Are veneers the best choice for me?

Veneers are versatile and they offer benefits for many patients; however, they may not always be the only option and it may be worth considering other treatments. For chipped and uneven teeth, for example, cosmetic bonding may be a simpler, quicker and more affordable solution, while braces may be an option worth thinking about for those with large gaps between their teeth. Your dentist will be able to talk you through potential treatment options and help you decide which is best for you and your dental needs.