A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are used to change the colour, shape, size, or surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.
Porcelain veneers are made by a dental laboratory and are highly durable and natural-looking. Composite veneers can be made directly on the tooth in a single appointment but are less durable than porcelain.
When might veneers be recommended?
Veneers are primarily a cosmetic treatment. They may be used to address:
Teeth that are permanently stained and do not respond well to whitening (for example, from tetracycline or fluorosis)
Chipped or worn front teeth
Slightly misaligned or uneven teeth
Teeth with gaps between them (diastemas)
Teeth that are smaller than average or oddly shaped
Veneers are not suitable for teeth with large fillings, significant decay, or poor gum health. They are also not appropriate as a primary treatment for misaligned teeth — orthodontic treatment is a better approach in those cases.
What does the procedure involve?
Porcelain veneers (2–3 appointments):
A very thin layer of enamel (usually 0.3–0.7mm) is removed from the front of the tooth to make space for the veneer. Local anaesthetic is used.
An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to a dental laboratory.
A temporary veneer is placed while the permanent one is made.
At the fitting appointment, the permanent veneer is bonded to the tooth with a special adhesive cement.
Composite veneers (single appointment):
The tooth surface is prepared (minimal or no removal of enamel in many cases).
Composite resin is applied and sculpted directly onto the tooth in layers.
The composite is hardened with a light and then polished to a smooth finish.
Important considerations before you decide
Veneers are an irreversible treatment. Once tooth enamel has been removed to place a porcelain veneer, that tooth will always need a veneer or crown in the future. This is a commitment you are making for the lifetime of those teeth.
Porcelain veneers typically last 10–20 years before needing replacement
Composite veneers typically last 3–7 years and may need more frequent repair or replacement
Veneers can chip or fracture — particularly in people who grind their teeth
The colour of veneers cannot be changed after they are made — your whitening goals should be achieved before veneers are placed
Very rarely, the tooth underneath may require root canal treatment if the pulp is affected by preparation
Risks and possible complications
Common:
Sensitivity to hot and cold after preparation — usually temporary
An adjustment period to the new tooth shape and feel
Uncommon:
Colour mismatch between the veneer and surrounding natural teeth
Veneer debonding (coming loose) — can usually be rebonded
Before committing to veneers, consider whether a less invasive option might achieve a similar result:
Tooth whitening — for discolouration. No tooth preparation required.
Composite bonding — for minor chips, gaps, or shape changes. Minimally invasive, reversible in many cases, lower cost than porcelain veneers, but less durable.
Orthodontic treatment or aligners — for misalignment. Addresses the underlying problem without altering the tooth surface.
No treatment — cosmetic concerns are a personal choice. The decision to proceed with purely cosmetic treatment is entirely yours to make.
Questions to ask your dentist
How much tooth preparation will be needed for my veneers?
Would composite bonding achieve a similar result?
Should I whiten my other teeth before having veneers made?
What happens when these veneers eventually need replacing?
Would I benefit from a night guard to protect my veneers?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.