Veneers

Permanently restore your chipped, worn, or stained teeth

Transform your smile forever with natural-looking veneers that improve the colour and shape of your teeth.

What are veneers?

Veneers are permanent restorations used to correct tooth imperfections, such as stained enamel or fillings, worn teeth, or chipped and broken edges. They can also correct gaps and slight misalignments. Veneers are made from thin layers of porcelain or composite resin, which are bonded to the front surface of your teeth using dental cement. The result is a flawless, natural smile that lasts for years.

What do I need to know about veneers?

There are two types of veneers you can choose between. Composite veneers are cheaper and we can install them in one session. They are placed directly onto the teeth and sculpted to match the look of the natural tooth beneath. Porcelain veneers are approximately double the price of composite veneers, but they are much more durable, longer lasting, and resistant to stains. Porcelain veneers take at least two sessions to install and require some preparation of the tooth surface beforehand, but result in a more authentic look because of their translucent quality, which resembles tooth enamel.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about veneers

  • Yes, if you don’t have sensitive teeth, and you are happy with their shape, then whitening might be all you need. However, if your teeth are very badly stained, or you have other issues like chips, cracks, gaps, or slightly misaligned teeth, veneers will give you a better outcome. We can help you decide which option will suit you best.

  • Depending on how badly damaged your tooth is, veneers may not be the best option. Composite or porcelain veneers will repair minor chips, but if your tooth is severely damaged, you may need a restorative filling or crown. If that’s the case, we’ll let you know what the most suitable alternative treatment will be.

  • With proper care, composite veneers usually last around five to seven years. Porcelain veneers will last 10 to 20 years or longer, depending on the individual. You can help to extend the life of your veneers by following a good oral hygiene routine and not biting on hard foods or objects. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant but if you have composite veneers, you will also want to avoid consuming too much tea, coffee, or red wine.

  • If your goal is to repair a chipped tooth, one veneer will do the job. However, most people like to get six to eight veneers to create an even, symmetrical smile.

  • Every phase of the veneer procedure should be comfortable and pain-free. The removal of a very thin layer of enamel can create sensitivity, so when we prepare your teeth, we will numb the area, just as we do when filling a cavity.

  • The cost of your veneers will depend on whether you prefer porcelain or composite, how many teeth you are restoring, and their current condition. When you come for a consultation about veneers, we’ll give you a quote and discuss which payment options suit you best.