You live in the UK and fly to Poland to see your dentist, yet... you think about veneers. Getting porcelain overlays on your teeth involves several, staggered visits to the dentist's office. There's no need to look that far. But what exactly are dental veneers, what effect do they have and how much do they cost? If you want to know the answers to these questions, be sure to read on.

And if you are struggling with the problem of crooked teeth you should be interested in our article Crooked teeth - causes and how to get rid of an embarrassing smile.

What are dental veneers?

A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite bonded to our own teeth. Such a procedure has a number of advantages, as we can change the colour, shape, angle and size of our teeth.

The aesthetic effect of veneers can be spectacular. Teeth can undergo a metamorphosis so that they do not have gaps, discolouration, uneven enamel or chipping. Well-made veneers for teeth are able to provide us with a harmonious, perfect smile, which is why it is an increasingly popular method, not only among red-carpet stars.

Tooth veneers are also a preventive treatment - placed on healthy teeth (a prerequisite for the procedure) prevents the recurrence of damage.

What the veneer placement process looks like (in the UK and beyond)

Regardless of which country you decide to have veneers fitted, the procedure should meet a few basic guidelines. Tooth veneers are created on the basis of a cast. Based on this, the dental laboratory will prepare overlays that meet our aesthetic goals.

As aesthetic correction of our teeth in terms of shape and size is required to make a cast, you will initially receive temporary veneers. Only after a few days will your dentist replace them with porcelain or composite veneers, which will stay with you for a long time.

Porcelain veneers versus composite veneers

Generally, veneers for teeth are made from two types of material - composite or porcelain. Porcelain veneers are more durable and produce better aesthetic results. Composite veneers are used to a lesser extent, mostly to fill discolourations and fine cracks.

A decision for life

One thing you need to know when deciding on your first veneers for your teeth - this is a lifelong decision. Because your teeth will be stripped of their natural enamel layer when you first get veneers, you will be wearing veneers for the rest of your life. Your dentist will remove about 0.5 mm of non-renewable tissue from your tooth.

Porcelain veneers are durable, non-reflective and do not absorb pigments from food, but they do not last forever. It is difficult to determine their durability with precision, but they are usually replaced every 8-15 years. Important, Before making a decision, it is important to decide whether the proposed aesthetic effect is a timeless effect that we will always like, as there is little room for adjustment. There is little room for adjustment.

Veneers in the UK versus braces

Let's not hide the fact that there is another important aspect of placing a veneer - the price. In Poland, it ranges from 60 zł for a temporary veneer (1 piece) to over 1000 zł for a porcelain veneer. To this expense, you must also add the cost of travelling to Poland. If you decide to have your veneers made in the UK, you will have to spend from around £180 for one made of composite and up to £450 for a porcelain veneer.

However, it is difficult to determine the final price without seeing the patient, as every smile has different needs. Therefore, if you are thinking about veneers for your teeth be sure to contact your dentist.

Remember that it is not worth improving nature where there is no need. That's why sometimes it's better to put veneers only on some teeth or opt for another option - such as braces followed by teeth whitening. The whole process will take a little longer, but the result can be just as satisfactory and the cost lower.

If you want to learn more about braces, their types and prices, be sure to read our article Types of braces in the UK - which to choose? We would like to remind you that in our office orthodontic treatment, and more, can be paid in instalments. How does it work? You can find out in the article Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase. Importantly, our instalment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

If you have further questions or would like to make an appointment -. come forward.