Most frequently asked veneers questions
We understand that you’ll want to know everything you can about your dental veneer procedure before deciding to go ahead. That’s why, when you come in for your initial consultation at our North London clinic, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask any veneers questions you may have.
Until then, we have answered some of the most frequently asked veneers questions we have heard from patients to help you to feel calm and confident, and to make an informed decision for your treatment.
Veneers Questions – Are porcelain veneers right for me?
The majority of patients are suitable for veneers, it all depends on whether or not you really need them. If your teeth are:
- Discoloured
- Uneven
- Chipped
- Worn down
- Irregularly shaped
- Broken
- Gapped
- Mildly misaligned
- Looking unsightly due to multiple visible white fillings (can also weaken the tooth)
You may be an ideal candidate for veneer treatment. Veneers can be placed on severely crooked teeth, but we recommend you consider having your teeth straightened before your veneer treatment to achieve the best results. To help you decide if veneers are what you're looking for you can view our before and after photos of veneers for patients that we have helped.
That’s because, once bonded, your veneers could last as many as 30 years, so ensuring they’re in the correct place is absolutely essential.
There is no upper age limit for porcelain veneer treatment, so it is never too late to achieve your perfect smile. However, we will rarely recommend the procedure for patients under 18 years of age.
In order to ensure the longevity of your veneers, we will also need to assess the structural strength of your teeth, as well as the strength of your gum and bite, to ensure the best chances for success.
If you have tooth decay or active gum disease, then veneers may not be suitable for you. A history of clenching or grinding your teeth, whether awake or asleep, may also be a cause for concern when getting veneers. Make sure you mention these to your dentist when you come for your consultation at our Hampstead office.
Veneers Questions – How long do veneers last?
As with most cosmetic dentistry procedures, the effects of your treatment will last much longer if you take good care of them.
Most dentists say porcelain veneers can last for up to 30 years when well cared for. The most common causes of premature failure are both trauma and tooth decay, so it is vital you do everything you can to protect and maintain your new veneers.
Ensuring optimal oral hygiene with regular dental checkups, as well as regular flossing and brushing with non-abrasive toothpastes will help keep complications at bay.
You can also take steps to avoid physically damaging your veneers. Many people will use their teeth as a tool, for example when opening packaging or even (more seriously) bottle caps. Activities such as these can cause your veneers to fracture or chip, meaning you may need to get them replaced.
When you go for your hygienist appointments, either at our North London practice or elsewhere, make sure your practitioner is aware that you have veneers, so they can use the appropriate polishing technique. This will help your new teeth last for longer.
Veneers Questions – How many veneers do I need?
When you come in for your consultation at our surgery in Hampstead, your dentist will assess which of your teeth may require veneers. However, it is usually recommended that you go for an even number in order to ensure a mirror image on each side.
Whilst porcelain veneers are very natural looking, they will still be much less flawed than a real tooth. Veneers in sets of two, four, eight, ten or twelve tend to give the best results.
Six veneers are not usually recommended, as changes to the canines without altering the premolars can look too drastic against one another. We generally aim to carry out the fewest number of veneers, but always providing the best and most seamless smile. The more visible the back teeth are, means more veneers will need to be provided. The more changes we make to the patient’s alignment and colour, the more we need to do. It is important that the junction between the veneered teeth and the non-veneered back teeth is as invisible and seamless as possible.
Speak to your dentist about the results you would like to achieve at your consultation.
Veneers Questions – How much do veneers cost?
For our up-to-date charges, please view our veneers costs on our fees page.
Veneers Questions – Is there anything else I should know?
It is important to note that the veneers process is irreversible, so you should definitely think about all of your options before you go ahead with anything. You can find out more about what veneers are here.
Since some enamel may be removed during the preparation, it is also possible that your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
There is also a chance that your veneers could be unsuccessful and potentially fall off. Ensure you take good care of your veneers and other teeth to make them last as long as possible.
Veneers Consultation
To book your consultation and ask any other veneers questions you may have, speak to our team today on 020 7431 2710, or come visit us at the Dental Perfection surgery in Hampstead, North London.
We have been working with clients from all over North London (including St Johns Wood, Belsize Park, Highgate, and Swiss Cottage) from our Hampstead clinic since 1979.
Our North London premises are less than a minute's walk away from Hampstead Underground Station.