What Patients Should Know Before Getting Veneers

Understand what is permanent

Conventional veneers usually require removal of some enamel. Enamel does not regenerate, so from that point the teeth will always need to be covered by a veneer, crown or other restoration.

That is not an argument against veneers. It is an argument for being certain before beginning, and for asking explicitly how much enamel the specific plan removes.

Ask what else could achieve the goal

Before committing, it is worth knowing what the alternatives would look like: whitening for colour alone, composite bonding for chips and small gaps, orthodontics for alignment, or a combination that reduces the number of veneers needed.

A plan involving fewer, or no, prepared teeth is generally preferable if it achieves the same goal.

Treat health as the prerequisite

Veneers should not be placed over active decay, untreated gum disease or an unstable bite. Grinding needs addressing, usually with a nightguard, since ceramic bonded to teeth that are ground heavily is being asked to absorb forces it was not designed for.

Preview the design

Ask for a diagnostic wax-up, digital design or trial smile before preparation. Seeing the proposed length, width and shape in your own mouth is the only reliable way to judge whether the design suits your face, and the point at which changes are still free.

Discuss shade in daylight, and be aware that very bright shades that look striking in a photograph do not always read as natural in person.

Plan for the long term

Ask what happens if a single veneer chips or debonds in a few years, whether it can be replaced individually, and how well a new one would match. Ask what maintenance is expected, and what the practice's approach is if you are unhappy with the fitted result.

Also ask to see photographs of cases the clinician has treated personally, ideally including cases similar to yours.