Porcelain and Composite Veneers in Marylebone and Central London.

Porcelain veneers or ceramic veneers are made from very thin strips of ceramic material that are of the same colour, or lighter, than your existing teeth. Opting for porcelain rather than resin veneers is a popular choice because they can be more natural‑looking and reflect the light in the same way that your teeth do when you smile.

Veneers are fitted over your existing teeth. Much of the work to make sure that your veneers give you a brilliant smile you’ll love takes place at the preparation stage. If you decide to choose veneers, you will generally need two or three visits to your dentist. During the first stage, your dentist will consult with you to find out the result you are hoping to achieve. Following this, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a very thin layer of tooth enamel and reshaping the surface of your existing teeth. They will also take impressions of your mouth and teeth so that a bespoke set of veneers can be created in our on‑site laboratory. Your dentist will fit your permanent veneers when they are ready, trimming them to achieve a perfect fit against your existing teeth. Your teeth will be given a thorough clean and polish before the tooth surface is roughened slightly to make sure that the veneers bond strongly and securely. When your dentist has your veneers in the correct position, they will be fixed into place through the use of dental cement before a light cure is used to make sure they are secure. Your dentist is likely to ask that you make a follow‑up appointment to see how your existing teeth and gums are adjusting to your new veneers and make sure that no further adjustments are necessary.

Many people opt for veneers because they want a brighter, whiter smile, as well as a more even look. But teeth aren’t actually naturally bright white. Natural teeth are actually varying shades of grey‑white or yellow‑white. You can choose a shade to match your existing teeth or an all‑out Hollywood smile. Your dentist will consult with you about the look you would like to achieve as well as making sure that your chosen shade will go with your skin tone.

In short, no. You may have a tooth which is causing a particular problem because you chipped it when you were younger, for example, or because it is a different colour to the rest of your teeth. Your dentist will be able to veneer that tooth so it matches the colour of your natural teeth.

You do need to think about your veneers as a long‑term commitment. Veneers should last for at least 10 years, with most veneers lasting for up to 20 years or even more. To make sure that your veneers look good for as long as possible, you should practise proper oral care and have regular dental check‑ups. With the right care, your veneers should last you for many years, creating a smile you are proud to show off.

Most people have more than one issue they want to address if their smile is leading to feelings of self‑consciousness or a lack of confidence. Composite veneers can help with a range of aesthetic improvements to your teeth and smile. They can be used to:

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• Improve the overall look of your teeth
• Give your teeth a whiter, brighter appearance
• Even out discolouration of certain teeth
• Protect the surface of your natural teeth
• Make your teeth look straighter and more even
• Close any gaps you have between your teeth
• Repair broken or chipped teeth

If you are thinking about veneers, you are likely to be deciding between porcelain veneers and composite veneers, and your dentist will be able to advise you on the best option for you. In most cases, there is no need for the filing of tooth enamel which is part of the procedure for porcelain veneers, meaning that composite veneers are also often referred to as no‑prep veneers.

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Plus, while porcelain veneers cover the whole of your tooth, composite veneers can be used to cover part of your tooth and blended seamlessly with the rest of your tooth surface. This makes them a good choice if you find that the top half of your teeth are discoloured but the bottom half are still white. They’re also a popular option for those who have a gap between their two front teeth.

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Not only that, but composite veneers can be easier to repair if you chip or break one and they are usually a more affordable option when choosing between resin and porcelain. If you aren’t sure about the commitment of veneers, composite is the easiest option to remove.

The great thing about composite veneers is they can be fitted in a quick and simple procedure which involves little to no preparation. Your dentist will begin by roughening your tooth enamel a little to increase the surface area of your tooth, which will allow your composite veneers to bond more securely. They will then apply a strong adhesive and place your veneers onto your existing teeth before shaping and filing for a seamless, natural finish. Once the desired effect has been achieved, a special blue light will be used to cure the bond and make sure your composite veneers remain in place.

Most people want a whiter shade than their natural teeth and your dentist will be able to suggest the best shade to look whiter and brighter, yet still remain natural and work with your skin tone. If you only have one or several teeth which need veneers, your dentist will also be able to match them to your existing teeth for a seamless look.

Looking after your veneers is just like looking after your natural teeth. Composite resin is susceptible to staining just like your real teeth, so you should make sure you practise good hygiene habits as well as avoiding anything which can discolour your teeth, such as tobacco, coffee, tea or red wine. You should also avoid biting your fingernails or biting into hard things like ice cubes or boiled sweets as they can damage bonded teeth. With proper care, your composite veneers will give you a beautiful smile for many years to come.

Porcelain and composite veneers both offer dramatic smile improvements, but there are some key differences. Porcelain veneers are strong, stain‑resistant and reflect light like natural enamel; they generally require two or more visits and a small amount of tooth enamel to be removed. Composite veneers are more affordable, require little or no preparation and can often be completed in one visit, but they may not last as long and are more prone to staining. During your free consultation, our Marylebone dentists will explain the benefits of each and recommend the best option for your needs and budget.