The Veneer Notes Template UK Dentists Use

A veneer notes template captures the cosmetic anterior restoration — pre-treatment photographs, smile and shade analysis, vitality of abutment teeth, Montgomery consent including irreversibility (porcelain) and longevity (3-7yr composite / 10-15yr porcelain), preparation design rationale, layering technique (composite) or lab prescription (porcelain), and post-op maintenance plan — meeting CGDent, GDC cosmetic dentistry standards, and DDU case-review findings.

Composite bonding and porcelain veneers are the most-complained-about cosmetic procedures in UK dentistry — DDU's 2023 case review of 120 cosmetic files found the dominant issue is consent gaps and missing pre-op photos. Below is the template UK dentists paste into their PMS for any veneer treatment.

Download the free Veneer (Composite or Porcelain) template — plain text, GDC/FGDP(UK)-aligned.

Why this veneer (composite or porcelain) template wins

Pre-treatment photographs — DDU 2023 case review (120 files) identified absent pre-op photos as a leading driver of cosmetic dentistry complaints.
Smile analysis on its own — midline, lip line, proportions — documents that aesthetic decisions were considered, not arbitrary.
Aetiology of existing concern (diet, GORD, parafunction, smoking) — addressed BEFORE treatment so the patient understands recurrence risk.
Irreversibility consent for porcelain — explicit Montgomery defence against "I didn't know my teeth would be ground down" complaints.
Maintenance plan included — composite needs polish at 1-2 weeks and re-polish at 6 months; documenting this prevents "you didn't warn me about maintenance" claims.

Compliance: the medico-legal angle

CGDent Clinical Examination & Record-Keeping (3rd ed) — cosmetic restorative records.
GDC Standards Principle 3 — informed consent. Cosmetic procedures meet the Montgomery test threshold — irreversibility, longevity, maintenance, and limitations must be discussed.
DDU Composite Bonding case review 2023 — published the dominant complaint pattern (consent gaps, no photos) — the template directly addresses both.
For porcelain veneers: MDR 2017 — custom-made device with statement of conformity required.

Common mistakes UK dentists make

No pre-treatment photographs — leading cause of complaints per DDU. Without baseline, no defence against "you ruined my teeth" claims.
No discussion of maintenance and colour change over time for composite — patients expect "permanent" and complain when staining occurs.
No documented discussion of irreversibility for porcelain — Montgomery breach.
Veneers placed without addressing the underlying aetiology (diet, parafunction) — recurrence guaranteed, complaint guaranteed.
No occlusal assessment — veneers fail when placed in occlusal interference; documentation that this was checked is the defence.

Frequently asked questions

Composite or porcelain veneers — which is better?

Different purposes. Composite: additive (often no prep), reversible, lower cost, requires more maintenance (polish every 6-12 months), lasts 5-7yr. Porcelain: requires enamel preparation (irreversible), longer-lasting (10-15yr), more stain-resistant, higher cost. Patient preference, longevity expectation, and reversibility appetite drive the choice. Document the rationale.

Why do DDU cases flag missing pre-op photos?

Cosmetic complaints are typically about aesthetic outcome — "they look worse than before". Without a documented baseline, you cannot demonstrate the starting condition or the improvement achieved. Pre-op photos (full face, retracted, incisal) provide the baseline evidence.

How long do composite veneers last?

Typical 5-7 years before requiring replacement. Earlier failure if: poor occlusion (parafunction), poor diet (acid erosion, staining), poor maintenance (no polish appointments). Tell patients explicitly — "5-7 years typical, then needs replacement" — and document.

Do I need LA for composite veneers?

For pure additive composite (no enamel reduction) — usually not. For composite with minor enamel preparation — depends on patient. Always offer and document the decision. For porcelain veneers requiring enamel reduction — usually yes.

What about occlusion in anterior veneers?

Critical. Veneers in incisal contact during protrusion or lateral excursion fail rapidly. Confirm canine guidance, check protrusive contact location (palatal surface contact is acceptable; incisal contact is not), and document that no working-side or non-working-side interferences will be created. Adjust if needed.

What's the role of the aetiology check?

Veneers don't fix the cause. Tooth wear from acid erosion or parafunction will continue under the veneer if untreated. Discuss diet, GORD, bruxism, smoking before treatment. Document the discussion. If aetiology isn't addressed, the patient will complain when the wear recurs.