Unhappy with your smile but have mixed feelings about getting veneers?
You’re not on your own.
Many people have questions and misgivings about taking the plunge with cosmetic dental treatment, which is why, here at The Harley Street Smile Clinic, our first step is always to put you at ease and answer any questions. And that starts right here by taking a look at some of the most commonly asked questions…
1. What are veneers?
If you’re feeling a bit silly wondering what veneers are – don’t! We guarantee you’re not the only one who’s unsure. Yes, they’re talked about widely and, yes, we all know celebs love them and they make your teeth look great – but what actually are they?
Put simply, veneers are a thin layer of material that is placed over the face of a tooth covering up any imperfections. Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular types, made from a wafer-thin veil of porcelain. But there are other options available, such as composite veneers – made by applying layers of resin to the surface of each tooth.
BOOK A FREE E-CONSULTATION2. Do veneers hurt?
Good news – no! Ok, so we can’t put an outright blanket answer on this one – it does depend on the extent of your treatment and your personal pain threshold but in the vast majority of cases veneer patients report feeling nothing more than very mild discomfort.
In some instances, a small amount of local anaesthetic may be required but, administered correctly, you should feel nothing more than a sharp scratch.
Post-treatment it’s normal to experience a little sensitivity around the gums and it may take a few days for your bite, chewing, talking etc, to feel completely normal.
3. How much do veneers cost?
Veneers get bad press about being ridiculously expensive but that’s not strictly true. Yes, they do cost a substantial amount of money but equate that across the many years veneers can last – over 15 with proper care – and they become a much more reasonable investment.
When it comes to getting veneers, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best price but be wary of the lure of cheap treatment abroad (check out the pitfalls with our Veneers in Turkey blog) and remember that reading reviews and doing research is hugely important.
Look for a cosmetic dentist who is experienced with veneer treatments, comes highly recommended, and can offer competitive rates and finance options.
CONTACT US4. How long does it take to get veneers fitted?
The typical time scale for veneers is about 3 weeks – this includes an initial consultation, preparing your teeth and fitting temporary veneers, before returning for your final custom-made veneer fitting.
In a rush? At the Smile Clinic, we also offer an Express Veneer Service. With this option the timescale is shortened to just 3 days – the procedure is exactly the same, but veneers are fast-tracked by our master dental technician.
5. How many veneers do I need?
A common misconception with veneers is that you need to have them fitted to all your teeth – you don’t!
It’s usually recommended to fit in even numbers as this helps to ensure a balanced, even smile but the reality is it’s entirely up to you. If there’s only one problem tooth, you can just cover that.
VIEW OUR FEES6. Are veneers permanent?
Yes and no.
To fit porcelain veneers a small amount of tooth enamel has to be removed – this is to make sure the veneers sit perfectly and don’t make the tooth too thick. Once this has gone, it’s gone forever, so veneers will always need to be fitted but if you change your mind about the colour or type of veneer, you can replace them.
In terms of how long veneers last, with proper care and attention they can last for 15 years – often longer. Make sure you keep up with your oral hygiene and use mouth guards if you play sport or grind your teeth and you’ll help to extend their lifespan.
7. What will veneers look like on me?
Worried you’ll have a blindingly white smile or perfect veneers won’t look right on you? Any reputable cosmetic dentist should offer you a choice of veneer colours, so you can find a shade that lifts your smile whilst still matching in with the rest of your teeth and avoiding that tell-tale ‘fake’ look.
As part of our service, we provide a free simulation before you commit. So you can get a true feel for how you would look post-treatment.
CONTACT US8. Where should I get veneers done?
This one’s easy. The best place to seek veneer treatment is with the best in the business and that’s right here, with the team at The Harley Street Smile Clinic.
We’ve long been pioneers in the field of cosmetic dentistry and the skills of Dr Maurice Johannes are highly sought after. But don’t just take our word for it, it’s important to do your research, check out reviews and ask to see evidence of past treatments (check out our smile gallery).
And remember, if an offer for cheap veneers looks too good to be true, it probably is!
Still have questions?
Then talk to the team. Don’t be shy, we guarantee you’re not the only one with questions and whatever it is you want to know – ask! We’ll always do our utmost to answer queries in as much detail as possible.
You can call us on 020 7971 1909, email [email protected] – whatever works for you. Or if you’ve heard enough, why not book your free e-consultation now?
