Dental veneers are one of the most effective ways to change the appearance of your smile and one of the treatments patients most frequently ask us about. A veneer is a thin shell of material, usually porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its colour, shape, size or surface texture. They are most commonly used for teeth that are discoloured, chipped, slightly misaligned or irregularly shaped.
Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory from impressions of your teeth. They are extremely durable, highly resistant to staining and produce exceptionally natural-looking results. The process typically requires two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions and a second to bond the finished veneer in place.
Composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth by your dentist in a single appointment, using tooth-coloured resin that is shaped and polished by hand. They are less expensive than porcelain and require no waiting time, but are less resistant to staining and may not last as long. The right choice depends on your budget, your expectations and the specific clinical situation and we will talk through both options with you in detail.
For porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from the tooth surface to ensure the veneer sits flush and does not appear bulky. This is a permanent change and something we discuss thoroughly with every patient before any treatment begins. Composite veneers often require little or no tooth preparation.
Veneers are not suitable for everyone. Patients with significant decay, active gum disease or insufficient enamel may need other treatment first. Those who grind their teeth heavily may also not be ideal candidates without additional protective measures. The best starting point is a consultation. You can learn more about our Smile Styling service at regentdental.im, where you will also find details of our full clinical team.