Ceramic veneers, also called porcelain veneers, are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They are made in a dental laboratory rather than shaped in the chair, which is what makes them more durable, more stain resistant and more expensive than composite.
What makes ceramic different
A ceramic veneer is made to fit your tooth precisely, from a scan or impression taken at your first appointment. A technician builds it in a laboratory, matching the shade and translucency to the teeth around it. It is then bonded in place at a second appointment.
Because ceramic is fired rather than hand-shaped, it holds its colour and polish far longer than resin. It does not stain from coffee, tea or red wine the way composite gradually does.
What they cost
Veneers at M Dental start from £420. The final cost depends on the number of teeth and the amount of preparation involved, so we quote per case after an examination.
You will have a written treatment plan and total cost before any work starts. 0% finance is available through Tabeo on treatment plans of £500 or more.
How long they last
Properly cared for, ceramic veneers last ten to fifteen years, often longer. The ceramic itself does not stain or wear in normal use. What ends their life is usually one of three things: a chip from grinding or trauma, decay at the margin where the veneer meets the tooth, or gum recession exposing the edge.
All three are largely preventable with a nightguard where appropriate, good hygiene, and regular check-ups.
The honest part: what you give up
Ceramic veneers usually require a small amount of enamel to be removed so the veneer sits flush. This is not reversible. Once enamel is removed, the tooth will always need a veneer or crown on it.
We think patients should understand this clearly before committing. For some, it is a reasonable trade for a result that lasts fifteen years. For others, particularly younger patients or those wanting only a modest change, composite bonding is the better choice precisely because it is reversible.
If a dentist offers you veneers without discussing this, ask the question directly.
Who ceramic veneers suit
They are a good option for:
- Deep discolouration that whitening cannot shift
- Teeth that are worn, chipped or misshapen
- Closing gaps where orthodontics is not wanted
- Anyone who drinks a lot of coffee, tea or red wine and wants stain resistance
They are not the right choice if:
- Your teeth are substantially crooked, where orthodontics should come first
- You grind heavily and will not wear a nightguard
- You have untreated decay or gum disease
- You want something reversible
The treatment, step by step
- Consultation and examination. We check the health of your teeth and gums first. Veneers are never placed over decay or active gum disease.
- Planning. Photographs, scans and a discussion about shape, length and shade. For larger cases we can produce a mock-up to try before committing.
- Preparation. A small amount of enamel is removed where needed, and a scan is taken. Temporary veneers are fitted.
- Fitting. Two to three weeks later the veneers are tried in, checked for fit and shade, then bonded.
- Review. A follow-up to check the bite, then regular hygiene visits.
Looking after them
Brush and floss as normal; ceramic does not need special products. Avoid biting hard objects, use a nightguard if you grind, and keep your hygiene appointments so the gum margins stay healthy. The veneer will not decay, but the tooth underneath still can.
Next steps
The right answer depends on your teeth, your bite, your habits and your budget. An examination will tell you more than any article can.
Book a cosmetic consultation at M Dental Canada Water (SE16) or Greenwich (SE10). Call 020 4518 8554 or 020 4541 8517.
