Dental Veneers - Porcelain & Composite Gravesend

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth to correct chipping, staining, gaps, or uneven shape. Dr Mikhil Amin, a dentist in Gravesend, fits porcelain veneers that typically last 10-15 years, using a process that involves tooth preparation, an impression, temporary veneers, and a final fitting.

Dental veneers are a popular way to correct chipped teeth, stained teeth, broken teeth, uneven teeth, and gaps between teeth. Novel Dental Group offers porcelain veneers in Gravesend as part of a wider range of cosmetic dental treatment, for patients across Gravesend, Northfleet, Ebbsfleet, Dartford, Meopham, and the surrounding Kent area.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your natural teeth to disguise imperfections. They are typically made from either porcelain or composite resin.

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are stain-resistant and designed to closely mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. Composite resin veneers are built up directly on the tooth using a tooth-coloured resin material, which can also be matched to your natural tooth shade.

Both options are used to correct the appearance of chipped, discoloured, gapped, or misshapen teeth, giving patients a way to address multiple cosmetic concerns at once.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers offer several advantages for patients considering a smile makeover:

• Natural appearance – porcelain reflects light in a similar way to natural enamel, giving veneers a natural-looking finish
• Stain resistance – porcelain is less porous than natural enamel or composite resin, so veneers are less likely to discolour over time
• Durability – With good care, porcelain veneers can last for many years
• Versatility – veneers can address chips, gaps, staining, and uneven tooth shape in a single treatment
• Custom shade matching – veneers are made to complement your surrounding teeth for a consistent smile

Who Is Suitable for Veneers?

Veneers may be suitable if you have chipped teeth, stained teeth that haven’t responded to whitening, small gaps between teeth, or teeth that are slightly uneven or misshapen. They are a cosmetic treatment, so your teeth and gums generally need to be healthy before veneers are fitted.

During a consultation, Dr Amin will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and confirm whether porcelain veneers, composite veneers, or an alternative treatment would be appropriate for your situation.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

Patients considering veneers often ask about the difference between porcelain and composite options.

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory from porcelain shells, which are then bonded to the teeth. They tend to be more stain-resistant and can last longer than composite veneers, but they usually require two appointments and a small amount of enamel to be prepared.

Composite resin veneers are built up directly onto the tooth by hand, often in a single appointment. They can be a good option for patients who want a quicker result, though they are generally more prone to staining and have a shorter average lifespan than porcelain.

Dr Amin can talk you through both options so you can decide which suits your smile goals, budget, and timeframe.

The Veneers Treatment Process

Getting porcelain veneers typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation – Dr Amin examines your teeth and discusses your goals to confirm veneers are a suitable option
2. Tooth preparation – a small amount of enamel is gently removed from the front of the teeth so the veneers don’t add excess bulk, and the surface is roughened slightly to help the veneers bond securely
3. Impressions – an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your veneers are custom-made
4. Temporary veneers – you’ll wear temporary veneers while your permanent ones are being made
5. Fitting – once your porcelain veneers are ready, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment where they are checked, adjusted if needed, and bonded in place

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers typically last around 10-15 years with proper care, while composite resin veneers have an average lifespan of 5-7 years. How long your veneers last will depend on factors such as your oral hygiene routine, diet, and whether you grind your teeth at night.

Looking After Your Veneers

Good oral hygiene can help extend the life of your veneers. We recommend:

• Brushing and flossing as you normally would, to keep the veneers and surrounding gums healthy
• Attending regular dental check-ups so any issues can be picked up early
• Avoiding chewing on pens, fingernails, or other hard objects, as this can chip or damage veneers
• Asking Dr Amin about a night-time mouthguard if you grind your teeth, to help protect your veneers from excess wear

Dental Veneers Cost in Gravesend

The cost of dental veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated and the type of veneer chosen. We offer both porcelain and composite veneers, and your dentist Dr Amin will recommend the most suitable option based on your smile goals, oral health and individual needs. Because every smile is different, we recommend booking a consultation with Dr Amin so we can assess your teeth and provide a personalised quote for your veneers treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental veneers cost in Gravesend?

The cost depends on how many teeth are being treated and whether you choose porcelain or composite veneers. Book a consultation with Dr Amin for a personalised quote based on your smile goals.

Are porcelain veneers permanent?

Veneers are considered a long-term cosmetic treatment rather than a permanent one. Because a small amount of enamel is removed to fit them, veneers will usually need to be replaced or maintained over time, typically every 10-15 years for porcelain.

Do veneers damage natural teeth?

Fitting porcelain veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to prepare it for bonding. This is why veneers are considered a permanent alteration to the tooth, and it’s important to discuss the process fully with your dentist before going ahead.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years with good oral hygiene and care, while composite resin veneers last around 5-7 years on average.

Can veneers fix gaps?

Yes, veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth as part of a wider smile makeover, alongside correcting chips, staining, or uneven tooth shape.

Are veneers painful?

The tooth preparation process is usually carried out comfortably, and Dr Amin will discuss what to expect at your consultation. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.

Can stained veneers be whitened?

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments in the same way natural teeth do. If you’re concerned about staining, it’s best to discuss options with Dr Amin, as replacement may be needed if veneers become discoloured.

What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory, are more stain-resistant, and generally last longer (10-15 years). Composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth, often in one visit, and typically last 5-7 years.

Book Your Consultation.

If you’re considering veneers to improve chipped, stained, gapped, or uneven teeth, book a veneers consultation with Dr Amin at Novel Dental Group. Call us on 01474 352 990 or email info@noveldentalgroup.com to arrange your assessment.