This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias, GDC 114267 (Principal Dentist, MJDF RCS England), on 2026-04-29. Verify on the GDC register →
Porcelain Veneers
Guide
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of dental ceramic bonded over the front surface of teeth. They mask discolouration, reshape teeth, close small ga…
What we see at Tower Dental Blackpool
In our Blackpool practice, around 70% of veneer enquiries are converted to a more conservative plan after consultation — composite bonding, alignment with Invisalign, or whitening — once we walk through the irreversible enamel removal involved in veneer preparation. Patients consistently tell us that no other practice has explained that trade-off so clearly. We consider this conversion rate a feature, not a flaw; we want patients on the most conservative plan that delivers the result they want.
For patients who do proceed with veneers, the most common case is the upper front 6 teeth, costing around £2,826, delivered across 2 appointments approximately 3 weeks apart with provisional veneers in between. We use lithium disilicate (e.max) ceramic for the majority of cases as it offers an optimal balance of strength and translucency. Feldspathic ceramic veneers (more translucent, less strong) are used selectively for cases where shade-blending is the primary objective.
Long-term follow-up data on our veneer cases shows debonding events in the first 12 months at roughly 2% (rebonded under our care commitment). The lifespan figures broadly mirror published 10–15 year data; patients who maintain twice-yearly hygiene visits and wear a night guard if grinding is identified consistently sit at the upper end of that range.
First-hand observations from clinical practice at Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. Figures reflect typical patient experience and are not guarantees of outcome — every case is individually assessed.
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a wafer-thin ceramic shell, typically 0.3–0.7mm thick, custom-made in a dental laboratory and bonded onto the front (facial) surface of a tooth. The veneer covers the visible portion of the tooth, transforming colour, shape and alignment in a way that closely mimics natural enamel.
Porcelain is preferred for veneers because of its translucency (it scatters light like enamel), stain resistance and durability. Modern materials such as lithium disilicate (e.max) and feldspathic ceramic produce results that are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth in skilled hands.
Who are porcelain veneers suitable for?
Veneers suit patients with: significant intrinsic discolouration (tetracycline staining, fluorosis, internal staining after trauma), worn or chipped front teeth where bonding has reached its limit, small-to-moderate gaps and crowding where alignment is not the main concern, multiple front teeth needing matched shade and shape, and patients seeking longer-term stability than composite bonding offers.
Veneers are less suitable for: severely misaligned teeth (orthodontics first), patients with active gum disease, severe grinders without a night guard, very large structural defects (crowns may be better), and patients seeking a completely reversible cosmetic option (since enamel removal is permanent).
Treatment process
Step 1 — consultation and case planning. £40 cosmetic consultation includes photographs, written treatment plan, digital preview of the proposed result where useful, and a discussion of realistic outcomes. We never proceed without you understanding the trade-offs.
Step 2 — preparation appointment. Local anaesthetic is given. A small amount of enamel (0.3–0.7mm) is removed from the front of each tooth being veneered. This removal is permanent — once veneered, the tooth will always need a covering. Impressions or digital scans capture the prep, and temporary veneers are fitted while the lab makes the permanents (2–3 weeks).
Step 3 — fit appointment. Temporaries are removed, the new veneers are tried in for shade and fit, then permanently bonded with a clear cement and cured. Bite is checked and refined.
Step 4 — review and aftercare. Follow-up in 2–4 weeks confirms the bite is settled. A night guard is recommended if grinding is identified at any point.
Costs and finance
Porcelain veneers at Tower Dental Blackpool start from £471 per tooth. A typical front-six veneer case is therefore around £2,826 + consultation, with full pricing confirmed in writing at consultation depending on material choice and complexity.
0% interest finance is available subject to status, typically over 6 or 10 months. Plan members receive 15% off treatment.
Risks and limitations
The single most important point: veneer preparation removes a small but permanent amount of enamel. Once veneered, the tooth will always need a covering — bonding the prep without a veneer is not a clinical option.
Other risks: temporary post-op sensitivity (usually settles in 2–4 weeks), occasional debonding (rebonded under the care commitment in the first year), porcelain fracture (rare with normal use, more likely with grinding), and finite lifespan of 10–15 years before replacement is generally needed.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
10–15 years is the typical range for well-made and well-maintained veneers. Some patients enjoy 20+ years with excellent hygiene, no grinding, and avoidance of biting hard objects. Replacement at the end of life is straightforward; the new veneers fit onto the same prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are veneers reversible?
No. The enamel removed during preparation does not regenerate. Once you have veneers, the teeth will always need a covering. This is the most important factor in deciding between veneers and the more conservative composite bonding option.
How many veneers do I need?
Most cosmetic cases involve the upper front 4, 6, 8 or 10 teeth depending on what shows when you smile. Dr Metias will photograph your smile, identify the "smile line" and recommend the smallest number of veneers needed for a natural result.
Will veneers stain?
No — porcelain itself does not stain. Cement margins at the gum line can pick up minor staining over years; routine hygiene polishing keeps these clean.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
A veneer covers only the front surface (typically 0.3–0.7mm of enamel removed). A crown covers the entire tooth (1.5–2mm of tooth removed all round). Veneers are far more conservative and used primarily for cosmetic cases. Crowns are needed when the tooth is extensively damaged, root-treated or fractured.
Can I have veneers and implants?
Yes — combined treatment plans are common where natural teeth need cosmetic refinement and missing teeth need replacement. Implants always come first for healing time.
Is the preparation painful?
No. Local anaesthetic makes the preparation appointment comfortable. Some patients experience mild post-op sensitivity for a few weeks while the tooth settles, particularly to cold.
Where can I have veneers in Blackpool?
At Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. See our veneers page for local case examples and pricing.
Composite bonding or veneers — which is right for me?
It depends on your starting point and priorities. See our honest comparison for the trade-offs in cost, lifespan, reversibility and stain resistance.
Related at Tower Dental Blackpool
Considering porcelain veneers? Talk it through.
This guide is national and educational. The right plan for you depends on your starting position. Book a £40 cosmetic consultation with Dr Sarah Metias for a personalised written plan.
Tower Dental · 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW · GDC Registered · CQC Regulated · Last reviewed 2026-04-29