A veneer is a thin facing bonded to the front of a tooth. It covers the visible surface, so it can change colour, shape, size and the appearance of small gaps or slight misalignment.
What veneers can address
- Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- Chipped or worn front teeth
- Small gaps between front teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen or noticeably smaller than their neighbours
- Minor misalignment, where full orthodontic treatment is not wanted
Be clear about this before you start
Most veneers require a thin layer of enamel to be removed so they sit flush and do not look bulky. That is irreversible. Once a tooth is prepared it will always need a veneer or crown on it. It is a genuine commitment, not a reversible cosmetic tweak, and we would rather you hear that from us before treatment than discover it afterwards.
Consider the alternatives first
Where they can achieve what you want, less invasive options are usually the better starting point:
- Whitening, if colour is the main concern
- Composite bonding, where material is added directly to the tooth — often with little or no preparation, and repairable, though less stain-resistant over time
- Orthodontics, if the real issue is position rather than shape — moving your own teeth keeps them intact
We will go through these with you. A good cosmetic plan sometimes involves straightening and whitening first, and then far fewer veneers than you expected.
What the treatment involves
- Consultation and planning. Discussing what you want to change, examining the teeth and gums, and checking your bite. Photographs and models help plan the result.
- Preparation. A thin layer of enamel is removed under anaesthetic where needed.
- Impression or scan, and shade selection.
- Temporary veneers while the final ones are made — useful, because they let you live with the new shape before it is permanent.
- Fitting. Tried in first so you can see them before they are bonded. Say something at this point if they are not what you wanted.
Caring for veneers
- Brush and clean between the teeth as normal — the tooth underneath can still decay, and the gum can still become inflamed
- Do not bite nails, open packaging with your teeth, or chew ice; porcelain is strong but brittle and can chip
- If you grind your teeth, a night guard is important protection
- Attend regular check-ups so the margins are monitored
Common questions
How many will I need?
It depends on how many teeth show when you smile and what is being corrected. Treating a single tooth is possible but matching one veneer to natural neighbours is demanding; several across the smile line is often easier to make look even.
Will they stain?
Porcelain resists staining well. The natural tooth and any composite bonding around the margins can still discolour over time.
Do they last forever?
No. Veneers can chip, debond or need replacing after some years, and the tooth beneath will always need covering. Plan for maintenance as part of the decision.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.