Dental Veneers Liverpool
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to change their visible shape, colour or size. We offer ceramic, porcelain and composite veneers right here at Pall Mall Dental.
Every veneer treatment with us here in Liverpool starts with understanding what you’d like to change and the kind of final look you want to achieve. As a family-run practice, we take the time to get to know our patients, not just their teeth. We’ll take a careful look at your teeth, gums and bite, explain what we find and go over your options together.
If you’re interested in veneers but aren’t quite sure if they’re right for you or where to start, get in touch with our team at Pall Mall Dental to see what’s possible.
What can dental veneers help with?
You might be considering veneers for:
- chipped or worn teeth
- discoloured teeth
- slightly uneven teeth
- small gaps between teeth
Veneers are mainly used to change how your teeth look, rather than to replace missing teeth or treat dental problems such as decay or active gum disease. If this applies to you, we’ll treat it first.
If another treatment is more appropriate for you, we’ll explain why and talk you through the alternatives.
Am I suitable for veneers?
Veneers may be an option for you if your teeth and gums are healthy and there’s enough healthy tooth structure to achieve the changes you want. We’ll also consider how your teeth meet when you bite before recommending veneers.
If a smaller change is all you need, you can also read about composite bonding in Liverpool, which may suit minor repairs or additions without a full veneer.
What is the difference between ceramic, porcelain and composite veneers?
Porcelain is itself a type of dental ceramic, so the main difference is how the veneers are made. Our ceramic veneers are made in-house at Pall Mall Dental, while porcelain veneers are made by an external dental laboratory. We also offer composite veneers in Liverpool, which we apply directly to your teeth using a tooth-coloured resin. We’ll explain which material we’d recommend for your treatment.
Ceramic veneers | Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers | |
Material | Tooth-coloured dental ceramic | A type of dental ceramic called porcelain | Tooth-coloured composite resin |
How they’re made | Digitally designed and milled at Pall Mall Dental | Custom-made for the prepared tooth or teeth | Shaped directly on the tooth |
Tooth preparation | Some enamel may need to be removed, depending on your treatment | A small amount of enamel may be removed, depending on your individual treatment | Little or no enamel may need to be removed in suitable cases |
Staining and wear | Generally more resistant to staining than composite | Generally less likely to stain than composite veneers | More likely to stain or wear over time than ceramic veneers |
What is different about Pall Mall's ceramic veneers?
We use digital scans of your teeth to help plan our ceramic dental veneers, including how your teeth meet when you bite. We then produce the veneers here at Pall Mall Dental, so we have greater control over details such as their shape and shade. If aesthetic adjustments are needed, we can make them here and refine these details rather than sending the veneers back to an external dental laboratory and waiting for them to return.
Ceramic veneers are generally more resistant to chipping than composite veneers, but they can be damaged by things like teeth grinding, biting down hard or an injury. If you grind your teeth, we can suggest ways to help protect your veneers, such as a night guard.
What happens during the veneer process?
Consultation and planning
We start by discussing the result you’re hoping for. We’ll examine your teeth and explain which material we’d recommend for your veneers, along with the limitations of treatment and any alternatives, so you can consider your options.
Tooth preparation
Some enamel may need to be removed from the front surface of your tooth so the veneer can sit against it without adding noticeable bulk. This change is permanent, since enamel does not grow back once removed. The amount needed will depend on your individual treatment, and we’ll explain this before you decide to proceed.
Fitting your veneers
Once your veneers are ready, we’ll check their fit and how they look with your smile before bonding them to your teeth, then check how your teeth meet when you bite and make any adjustments needed. The number of appointments and overall timeframe will depend on your individual treatment.
How much do dental veneers cost?
The cost of veneers depends on the material, the number of teeth and the treatment being planned. The NHS explains that veneers are generally only available privately unless there is a clinical need for them. We’ll give you a personalised estimate once we’ve assessed your teeth and understand the treatment you need.
Frequently asked questions
What are veneers?
Tooth veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment for changing the appearance of one or more teeth, including their shape, colour or size. They are made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain or composite and are bonded to the front of the teeth being treated.
Do teeth have to be shaved for veneers?
Not always. This depends on the veneer material and your individual teeth. Ceramic and porcelain veneers may need a small amount of enamel removed, while composite veneers may need little or none in suitable cases. We will confirm what your own treatment involves.
Can I have a veneer on one front tooth?
A single tooth can sometimes be treated with just one veneer. When planning front teeth veneers, we’ll always consider how each veneer will work with the surrounding teeth.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
Unlike a crown, which covers the whole tooth, a veneer mainly covers the front surface.
Are dental veneers permanent?
Veneers may need repair or replacement over time. If enamel is removed to fit a veneer, that change to the natural tooth is permanent and cannot be reversed. Our guide to the pros and cons of dental veneers explains more about the factors to consider before treatment.
How long do veneers last?
There’s no fixed lifespan for veneers. How long yours last will depend on the material, your bite and how well they’re cared for.
Can veneers stain or be whitened?
Ceramic and porcelain are generally more resistant to staining than composite. Whitening gel won’t change the colour of veneer material the way it lightens natural teeth, so if you’re considering whitening, this may need to be done before your veneer shade is chosen.
How do I look after my veneers?
Brush your teeth twice daily, clean between them as we advise and continue with regular dental reviews. Avoid biting fingernails or hard objects with veneered teeth, and don’t use them to open packaging. If you grind or clench your teeth, let us know and we may recommend a protective appliance.
How do I arrange a veneers consultation in Liverpool?
You can get in touch with our team and we’ll arrange a veneers consultation at Pall Mall Dental in Liverpool, where you can talk through what you’d like to change and the veneer options that may be suitable.