Dental Veneers
Natural-looking, custom smile enhancement
Dental Veneers
Natural-looking, custom smile enhancement
Smiles naturally change over time—and not always in ways you love. As the years go by, you might start noticing things that didn’t bother you before: a chipped edge, a bit of unevenness, stubborn discolouration, or gaps that throw your smile off balance. These changes are common—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a smile that no longer feels like you.
At Alma Dental Surgery, we understand that even subtle changes can impact your overall appearance. That’s why we offer custom dental veneers—an option designed to enhance your smile in a way that still feels like you.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-crafted shells designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are securely bonded to the teeth to enhance their colour, shape, size, or alignment—resulting in a more balanced and natural-looking smile.
Veneers may be an option if you’re looking to improve the appearance of:
- Discoloured or stained teeth that don’t respond well to whitening
- Teeth that are chipped, worn down, or uneven
- Irregularly shaped or slightly misaligned teeth
- Small gaps or spaces between teeth
At Alma Dental Surgery, we understand that every smile is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to your goals, carefully assess your oral health, and determine whether veneers are the most suitable option for your needs. Our approach is tailored, conservative, and focused on long-term results that feel right for you.
Which type of dental veneer suits you?
There are two main types of dental veneers, each offering unique advantages depending on your individual needs and goals.
Composite resin veneers
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material that is carefully sculpted and bonded directly onto the teeth. This type of veneer is typically completed in a single appointment, making it a convenient choice for many patients.
Benefits of composite veneers:
- Completed in just one visit
- More cost-effective than porcelain
- Can be repaired if chipped or damaged
- Requires minimal removal of tooth structure
While composite veneers are a great option for minor cosmetic concerns, they may be more prone to staining and may not last as long as porcelain alternatives.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory based on precise digital or physical impressions of your teeth. Known for their strength, translucency, and lifelike appearance, porcelain veneers are a popular choice for those seeking long-lasting, high-quality results.
Benefits of porcelain veneers:
- Highly natural look and feel
- Resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and wine
- Durable and long-lasting with proper care
- Custom-designed for a seamless fit
Because porcelain veneers are lab-made, the process typically involves multiple appointments and may require slightly more tooth preparation than composite veneers.
How we do dental veneers
At Alma Dental Surgery, your veneer journey is carefully planned and carried out with attention to detail and your comfort in mind. Here’s what you can generally expect:
1. Consultation and assessment
We start with a thorough dental examination and a discussion about your goals. Your dentist will assess your oral health, talk through what you’d like to improve, and explain whether veneers are a suitable option for your needs. We’ll also explore any alternative treatments if appropriate.
2. Custom treatment planning
If veneers are the right choice for you, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your smile. We may take digital scans or impressions of your teeth to help design your veneers with accuracy and precision.
3. Tooth preparation
Porcelain veneers: A very thin layer of enamel is usually removed from the front of the tooth to allow space for the veneer and ensure a natural fit.
Composite veneers: These often require little to no enamel removal and are built directly onto the tooth in the clinic.
Tooth preparation is kept as minimal as possible to preserve your natural tooth structure.
4. Try-in and final placement
For porcelain veneers, a temporary or mock-up version may be provided so you can preview the appearance and feel. Once the final veneers are ready, your dentist will check the fit, colour, and shape before bonding them securely to your teeth using a dental adhesive.
Composite veneers are sculpted, shaped, and polished in a single visit.
5. Aftercare and maintenance
Your dentist will give you personalised care instructions to help you maintain your veneers and overall oral health. With regular check-ups, good hygiene habits, and a few simple precautions, you can enjoy long-lasting results.
What’s great about dental veneers?
Dental veneers offer a conservative yet effective way to enhance your smile. Some of the key benefits include:
Improved aesthetics with minimal intervention – Veneers can enhance the colour, shape, and alignment of your teeth without the need for extensive dental work.
Tailored to you – Each veneer is custom-designed to complement your facial features, smile line, and desired outcome.
Complements other treatments – Veneers can be part of a larger smile makeover that includes whitening, orthodontics, or crowns.
Preserves natural tooth structure – Especially with minimal- or no-prep techniques, veneers allow you to retain much of your natural enamel.
Stain resistance – Porcelain veneers are resistant to common staining agents like coffee, tea, and red wine.
Are there any risks or considerations?
Like all dental procedures, veneers come with certain risks and limitations. These will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation to ensure you make an informed decision.
Irreversible procedure – Porcelain veneers often require the removal of a thin layer of enamel. Once enamel is removed, it cannot be restored.
Risk of chipping or damage – Veneers are strong but not indestructible. They can chip, crack, or wear down, particularly in people who clench or grind their teeth.
Not suitable for everyone – Veneers may not be recommended if you have active gum disease, untreated tooth decay, or insufficient enamel.
May need future replacement – While veneers are long-lasting, they may eventually need to be replaced or repaired, especially with wear over time.
At Alma Dental Surgery, we take a conservative and thoughtful approach to cosmetic care—prioritising your oral health, lifestyle, and long-term outcomes. We’ll ensure you understand all aspects of your treatment options before proceeding.
Veneer questions answered
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer with excellent care. Composite veneers generally last 4 to 8 years. Their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, dietary habits, teeth grinding, and routine dental check-ups.
Do veneers look natural?
Yes. Veneers are custom-designed to closely match the colour, shape, and proportions of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers, in particular, reflect light similarly to tooth enamel, giving them a lifelike appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. For porcelain veneers, a local anaesthetic is usually applied during the preparation phase to ensure your comfort. Composite veneers often require little or no enamel removal, making the process even more conservative.
Are veneers suitable for everyone?
Not always. Veneers may not be recommended if you have active gum disease, tooth decay, or significant bite issues. A full dental assessment is necessary to determine whether veneers are appropriate or if other treatments should be completed first.
Will my veneers stain over time?
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains, even from common culprits like coffee, tea, or red wine. Composite veneers, on the other hand, may be more prone to surface discolouration over time, especially without proper maintenance.
Can I whiten my veneers?
Teeth whitening products do not work on veneers. If you’re considering whitening your natural teeth, it’s best to do so before getting veneers, so your restorations can be colour-matched to your desired shade.
What if I have crooked teeth—can I still get veneers?
That depends on the extent of crowding or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic treatment (such as clear aligners or braces) may be recommended first. This helps to avoid excessive reshaping or filing of healthy teeth and may lead to better, longer-lasting results. Your dentist will guide you on the most appropriate and conservative approach.
We’ve got your smile goals covered
Interested in veneers but not sure if they’re right for you? We’d love to sit down with you, explore your options, and discuss a plan that feels right for your needs, comfort, and goals.
Book your veneer consultation today!