Thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth, changing shape, colour and alignment in a few visits.
Veneers cover the visible surface of a tooth. Done well, they look entirely natural and can transform a front smile in a way no other single treatment matches.
They are also permanent. A small amount of enamel is usually removed to make room, and enamel does not grow back — once you have veneers, you have them for life, including replacing them every so often. That is worth understanding fully before you start.
What Veneers Fix Well
- Discolouration that whitening will not shift — grey tones, tetracycline staining, a single dark tooth
- Chips, cracks and worn edges on front teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen, undersized or uneven
- Small gaps between front teeth
- Mild crowding, where the teeth are otherwise healthy
When Something Else Is Better
This matters more than the sales pitch.
If it is only colour, try whitening first. It is a fraction of the cost and it removes nothing from your teeth.
If the teeth are noticeably crooked, Invisalign is usually the better answer. Veneers can mask mild misalignment, but using them to fix genuine crowding means grinding down healthy teeth to hide a problem orthodontics would actually correct.
If a tooth is structurally damaged, it needs a crown. A veneer covers the front only and will not hold a weakened tooth together.
If it is one small chip, composite bonding fixes it in a single visit for far less.
If you have active decay or gum disease, those get treated first. Veneers on receding gums look wrong quickly.
Porcelain or Composite?
| Porcelain | Composite | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Best — mimics natural enamel | Good |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years or more | 5–7 years |
| Stain resistance | Excellent | Stains over time |
| Visits needed | Two or three | Often one |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Repairable | Usually replaced | Can be patched |
The Process
- Consultation — assessing whether veneers suit your teeth, and agreeing shape and shade. Bring photos of results you like.
- Preparation — a thin layer of enamel is removed, and an impression or scan is taken. Temporary veneers are fitted.
- Fitting — we try the veneers in before bonding, so you can see them and ask for adjustments while changes are still possible.
- Bonding — permanently cemented, then the bite is checked and refined.
Whiten First
Veneers cannot be whitened once made. If you want a lighter overall smile, whiten your natural teeth first, let the shade settle for a couple of weeks, then match the veneers to it. Doing it the other way round means either mismatched teeth or paying for veneers twice.
Living With Veneers
- Brush and floss normally — the tooth underneath can still decay at the margin
- Do not bite nails, open packaging or chew ice with them
- Wear a night guard if you grind, or you will chip them
- Keep your cleanings up — gum recession is what exposes the veneer edge
Cost and Coverage
Veneers are priced per tooth, so cost scales with how many you have. Most people do the six or eight teeth visible when they smile rather than a single one, since matching one veneer to natural neighbours is harder than doing a set.
See fees and payment. Veneers are cosmetic, so they are not covered by insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it reversible?
No. Enamel removed cannot be replaced, so the teeth will always need covering from that point on.
Will they look fake?
Not if the shade and proportions are chosen properly. The obviously fake look comes from veneers that are too white and too uniform for the person’s face. We will steer you away from that.
How long do they last?
Porcelain commonly 10 to 15 years, longer with care. Composite around 5 to 7.
Will my teeth be sensitive?
Some temporary sensitivity to cold after preparation is normal and settles.
Can I get just one?
Yes, though matching a single veneer to natural teeth either side is technically demanding. It is achievable.
Book a Consultation
Book online, or see other cosmetic dentistry options.