Veneers in Cornwall

A veneer is a thin cover for the front surface of the tooth; they are mainly used to cover up or rectify defects, stains or irregularities. Veneers are normally made from porcelain or composite also known as laminate. Porcelain veneers are handcrafted in a laboratory and are made to fit the patient receiving them.

The expected lifetime of a porcelain veneer is somewhere between seven and 20 years. Veneers sometimes come off or chip. If this happens, they can be repaired or replaced.

Once veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth they are essentially your teeth only stronger. Normal hygiene practices of brushing and flossing and regular visits for cleaning are essential to maintain dental health.

If you want to try to prevent your porcelain veneers from staining, here are some top tips:

• Practice good oral hygiene: brush your veneers, floss and keep your mouth clean
• Limit foods and drinks that are known to stain veneers
• Go to the dentist for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning
• If the bonding has stained, visit your dentist to have the area cleaned
• Having your dentist polish your veneers will help to keep them white
• Some whitening toothpastes, or ones that are abrasive, can dull veneers, so avoid using them if you can.

Both have their benefits. Porcelain veneers are stronger, more stain-resistant and longer-lasting, making them ideal for a complete smile makeover. Composite veneers are more affordable, can be placed in a single visit and are easy to repair, making them a good choice for smaller changes. Your dentist will recommend the best option for your teeth.

Porcelain veneers usually require a very thin layer of enamel to be removed so they sit naturally, which means the treatment is generally considered permanent. We take a minimally invasive approach to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Most patients find veneers treatment very comfortable. Tooth preparation is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, and some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, our team is experienced in supporting nervous patients and can talk you through options such as dental sedation.

With good care, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years, while composite veneers typically last around five to seven years. Regular check-ups and hygiene appointments help your veneers last as long as possible, and if a veneer does chip or come loose, it can usually be repaired or replaced.

• Composite bonding involves applying tooth-coloured resin directly to the teeth and can often be completed in a single visit. It’s less expensive (£200-£400 per tooth) but typically lasts 5-7 years.
• Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth, lasting 10-15 years but costing more (£500-£1,500 per tooth). Veneers require more preparation and multiple appointments.

Pure Dental Health offers porcelain and composite veneers at our relaxing clinic on City Road in Truro. We welcome patients from across Cornwall, and you can start with a free treatment advisor consultation to find out whether veneers are right for you.

Veneers can disguise mildly crooked or uneven teeth, but they aren’t a replacement for orthodontic treatment. If your teeth are more noticeably misaligned, we may recommend straightening them first with braces or Invisalign® to give you the best long-term result.

Veneers can’t be whitened in the same way as natural teeth, as porcelain and composite don’t respond to whitening gel. That’s why many patients choose to whiten their teeth before having veneers, so their new veneers can be matched to a brighter shade.