Cosmetic dentistry

Porcelain veneers and smile makeovers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to hide chips, stains, gaps and uneven edges. They give you a bright, natural-looking smile with minimal change to your own teeth.

A simple guide to veneers

Veneers are a good solution for discolouration that whitening can't fix, teeth chipped in an accident, or gaps that make you hold back your smile. Each veneer is made to suit your tooth, so it blends in with your natural teeth and your bite feels right.

Benefits of porcelain veneers

Realistic appearance: porcelain is matched to the colour and translucency of natural enamel
Stain resistant: porcelain resists staining from coffee, tea and food
Long lasting: with basic care, veneers typically last 10 to 15 years
Minimal preparation: only a thin layer of enamel is removed
Tailored fit: each veneer is shaped and sized for your tooth and smile

What problems do veneers fix?

Deep stains: covers discolouration that bleaching can't shift, such as from medication or ageing
Chips and cracks: smooths damage that catches your lip or looks uneven
Gaps: closes spaces for a more balanced smile
Crooked edges: improves mild misalignment for a straighter look
Worn teeth: restores length lost to grinding or wear

The veneer process, step by step

Consultation: photos, a bite check and a chat about your goals to confirm veneers are right for you
Preparation: a thin layer of enamel is gently removed so the veneer sits naturally
Impressions: precise scans or moulds are taken for your custom veneers
Temporaries: protective temporary veneers are fitted while yours are made
Bonding: the final veneers are test-fitted, adjusted and permanently bonded
Final polish: small adjustments for comfort and shine

Treatment is usually completed in two visits.

Caring for your veneers

Brush and floss as normal, don't use your teeth to open packets or bottles, and keep up your regular check-ups. Looked after well, your veneers will stay strong and bright for years.

Good to know

Common questions

Are veneers painful to get?+

No. Veneers are bonded quickly and comfortably, and we use local anaesthetic if it is needed.

Can veneers whiten my teeth permanently?+

Veneers cover stained, uneven or broken teeth and resist staining themselves, so they stay bright. They don't whiten the natural teeth around them, so we may suggest whitening first.

How much enamel is removed for veneers?+

Very little. Only a thin layer is removed from the front of the tooth, and we focus on preserving as much natural tooth as possible.

How many veneers will I need?+

It depends on how many teeth show when you smile, commonly six to ten on the upper arch. Sometimes treating just two teeth is enough to fix the problem.

Do veneers stain?+

Porcelain is highly stain resistant. Composite will gradually pick up colour from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, and can be polished or repaired.

Should I whiten before veneers?+

Yes, if you plan to whiten at all. Veneers do not change colour, so we match them to your teeth at their final shade. Whitening afterwards would leave a mismatch.

Book a visit

Talk to us about your teeth

Call the practice, email us, or send an enquiry through the contact page. We will talk you through the options and the cost before anything is booked.

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Book an Appointment

Open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday 8am–5pm.

St Albans, Christchurch: 248B Cranford Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8052

Rangiora: 15 Ivory Street, Rangiora 7400

Call 03 662 5025 Contact us