At Dental Healthcare Practice we are proud to offer the best veneers service in Sussex. How do we know that? Dr Mark Setters is a veneers specialist and has been carrying out veneer preparation and fitting for over 20 years. Our customers are always delighted with our work and we use the best ceramic laboratory in the county to make exceptional quality porcelain veneers.
Veneers are just one of a number of cosmetic solutions we offer to improve the appearance of teeth. A veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain, or composite material, used to cover the front of a tooth.
Veneers are generally used to improve the colour, position and shape of teeth. Veneers disguise irregularities seen on the surface of the tooth, such as wear and tear, chips or discolouration, and in some cases, can also be useful for correcting crooked, uneven or protruding teeth, as well as covering gaps. We’ll always advise you on the best type of treatment for you and your teeth.
Types of veneers
There are two main types of veneers – porcelain and composite.
Porcelain
Porcelain is renowned for its strength, and because of its quality can be used to make exceptionally thin high-quality veneers. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your tooth colour and shape. At Dental Healthcare Practice we prefer this form of veneer because of its durability and resistance to staining. Porcelain veneers are perfect for achieving a natural look and last longer than other types of veneers.
Composite
Composite veneers are sometimes used either as a temporary fix, while your porcelain veneers are being made, but generally composite is used to fix small cosmetic issues, such as chipped or cracked teeth. Composite can also be used to fill small gaps between teeth. Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain, but the end result isn’t generally so good. Composite veneers don’t look as good as porcelain veneers and they aren’t as resistant to staining.
Preparing for and fitting veneers
A veneer is very thin and is held in place by a strong type of dental glue. This means the preparation is relatively straightforward. The tooth itself needs very little preparation work prior to fitting. Usually, veneers are prepared for and fitted over two dental visits. At the first visit a tiny amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth, and an impression is taken. We will also carefully colour match from our colour palette to advise the laboratory of the exact shade required for your veneer.
Shade mapping
We are meticulous about ensuring the shade of your veneer matches your adjoining teeth exactly. It is why we only use the high-quality laboratory, Ceramic Designs to make your veneers. We have an extensive colour-matching palette at the practice, but if we can’t find an exact match we may send you to visit the Ceramic Designs laboratory in Hove, to ensure the shade mapping is absolutely perfect.
At the fitting appointment the veneer is bonded in place with a strong adhesive to hold it firmly onto the surface of the tooth. We may also ask you to come back after a week or so to check and polish the veneer and ensure you are completely happy with the result.
Why choose Dental Healthcare Practice?
We have an exceptional reputation for cosmetic dentistry, including veneers. Our lead dentist, Dr Mark Setters has over 20 years’ experience in cosmetic dentistry and uses the latest technology, the best ceramics laboratory in Sussex, and the most recent dentistry techniques to perform exceptional dentistry our clients are always delighted with. We do everything we can to keep your teeth and smile at its best.
Our team are a really friendly bunch and we have a reputation for making even the most nervous patients feel relaxed when they visit us. We are confident you will love our service and our results.
FAQs
Do I really need a veneer?
Not always. We have many clients asking for veneers when actually our teeth whitening treatment is more than adequate to sort out many cases of staining and discolouration. We won’t carry out treatment we think is unnecessary.
How many appointments do I need for a veneer?
Usually, you’ll only need two appointments – one for the preparation and taking an impression of your tooth or teeth, and a second appointment for the fitting. More extensive work with several veneers may be carried out over a few appointments. We will advise you of the schedule when we discuss the treatment with you.
How much does a veneer cost?
Porcelain veneers at Dental Healthcare Practice start at £475.00 per veneer. We will always discuss the total cost of treatment before we start any dental work.
Which type of veneer is best?
We prefer to work with porcelain veneers because they look more natural than composite veneers, last longer and are resistant to staining.
Are veneers bad for your teeth?
No veneers aren’t bad for your teeth. However, many people ask for veneers when they aren’t actually necessary. We will always advise you on the least invasive treatment options to achieve the perfect smile you are looking for.
How is a veneer fixed to your tooth?
A veneer is fixed to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive. The tooth is also prepared by removing a tiny layer of enamel to make the surface less smooth. This helps the adhesive process.
How long does a veneer last?
Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break just like a normal tooth. Proper dental hygiene will ensure longevity.