Porcelain Veneers in Thames Ditton

Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Some patients retain them in excellent condition for longer. Longevity is influenced by your bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how well the veneers are maintained at home.

Wearing a custom night guard if you clench or grind is strongly recommended to protect your investment. When veneers do eventually need replacing, the process is similar to the original fitting.

Porcelain veneers are well suited to patients who are unhappy with the colour, shape, or uniformity of their teeth, and whose teeth are structurally sound. They are particularly effective for improving shade where teeth do not respond sufficiently to whitening, for correcting uneven lengths or edges, and for closing minor gaps or misalignments without orthodontic treatment.

Suitability depends on the health of your teeth and gums, the thickness of your enamel, and your bite. Dr Bravis assesses all of these factors at your consultation — which includes a complimentary 3D smile scan worth £150 — before making any recommendation. Patients with significant misalignment may be better served by Invisalign first, or in combination.

Composite bonding is applied chairside in a single appointment with minimal or no tooth preparation, making it a more conservative, lower-commitment option. It typically lasts 5 to 7 years and can be repaired or touched up relatively easily. Porcelain veneers are laboratory-made and require two to three appointments; they involve a small amount of enamel preparation (typically 0.3 to 0.5 mm), making the treatment largely irreversible.

The trade-off for that commitment is superior aesthetics — porcelain is more stain-resistant, more durable, and more closely replicates the appearance of natural enamel than composite resin. Veneers are generally preferred where a long-lasting result and high colour stability are the priority; composite bonding suits patients who want a more conservative, reversible approach or are treating a smaller number of teeth. We will discuss which is more appropriate for your case at consultation.

A veneer covers only the front-facing surface of the tooth, leaving the back and sides intact. This means the tooth preparation is minimal and the natural tooth structure is largely preserved. Dental crowns encircle the entire tooth — all surfaces — and require significantly more preparation of the natural tooth.

Crowns are appropriate when a tooth is structurally compromised, has been root-canal treated, or requires 360-degree protection and reinforcement. Veneers are the right choice when the tooth is healthy and the primary goal is cosmetic. Choosing a veneer when a crown is clinically indicated — or vice versa — can lead to problems, which is why an accurate assessment before treatment is essential.

The process typically involves two to three appointments. The first is a consultation and planning session, during which your 3D smile scan is taken and your treatment is planned in detail. At the preparation appointment, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth (around 0.3 to 0.5 mm), impressions or digital scans are taken, and temporary veneers are placed. Two to three weeks later, your permanent porcelain veneers arrive from the laboratory, are assessed for fit and shade, and are bonded in place.

Temporaries allow you to live with an approximation of the final result before committing, and any feedback you have is incorporated into the final design.

Local anaesthetic is used during the preparation appointment, so the procedure itself is not painful. Some patients notice sensitivity in the days following tooth preparation while the temporaries are in place — this is because a thin layer of enamel has been removed, and exposed dentine can be temporarily sensitive to temperature. This settles once the permanent veneers are bonded in place.

If you have concerns about pain or dental anxiety, we will take whatever time is needed to ensure you are comfortable and fully informed at each stage.

Yes — when designed with care, porcelain veneers are very difficult to distinguish from natural teeth. Modern dental porcelain is available in dozens of shades and levels of translucency, and the material's light-reflecting properties closely replicate natural enamel.

Dr Bravis designs every smile collaboratively with the patient, using a 3D scan to visualise the proposed outcome beforehand. The goal is always a result that looks like a well-cared-for version of your own teeth, not an artificially uniform appearance. Shade selection and proportions are discussed in detail before any preparation begins.

Porcelain veneers are cared for in the same way as natural teeth — twice-daily brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning, and regular hygienist appointments. Porcelain is more stain-resistant than composite resin, but the bonding margin at the gum line can be susceptible to staining and plaque accumulation if hygiene is not maintained.

Avoid using teeth as tools (opening packaging, biting nails) and let your clinician know if you grind at night — a custom night guard significantly extends the life of your veneers. Properly maintained veneers should continue to look excellent for many years.

Yes — Thames Dental & Skin is located in Thames Ditton, Surrey, and provides porcelain veneer consultations and treatment for patients from Kingston upon Thames, Esher, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton, and the wider Surrey area. New patients are welcome.

Every consultation includes a 1-to-1 appointment with Dr Bravis, a personalised treatment plan, and a complimentary 3D smile scan worth £150 — so you understand exactly what is possible before making any decision.