Summary

Dental veneers can be a great option if you want to change the shape, colour or overall appearance of your teeth in a predictable, long‑lasting way. They work especially well when planned alongside other cosmetic treatments like ICON white spot treatment, whitening or bonding, so choosing the right cosmetic dentist in Shepherds Bush means looking at their experience, planning process, materials and how well they listen to your goals.​

The purpose of dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve how they look, helping with issues such as discolouration, chips, gaps, worn edges and uneven tooth shape. They are usually placed on the teeth that show when you smile, with the aim of creating a more balanced, brighter and more confident smile while still looking natural.

Veneers and ICON – How do they work together?

ICON is a minimally invasive treatment that can reduce or blend white spots in the enamel, while veneers cover the entire front of a tooth to mask deeper or more complex cosmetic issues. In some cases, ICON can be used first to treat localised white patches, allowing you to preserve more natural tooth structure and only use veneers where necessary for shape, alignment or more dramatic cosmetic changes.​

‍Different types of veneers

The two main categories are:

1. Porcelain veneers 
   
   • Porcelain veneers are custom‑made ceramic shells created in a lab and tend to be more durable and stain‑resistant.
2. Composite veneers (or composite bonding)
   
   • Composite veneers are built up directly on the tooth with resin and can be more affordable and easier to adjust or repair.​

‍How they work

Veneer treatment usually involves a consultation, planning and then preparing the teeth by removing a very thin layer of enamel so the veneers sit naturally and do not look bulky. Impressions or digital scans are taken so your veneers can be custom‑made, and at a later visit they are tried in, adjusted for shape and shade, then bonded permanently to your teeth with strong dental adhesive.​

‍What to consider for Veneers in Shepherds Bush

When choosing a veneers specialist in London, key things to look at include:

• Experience and portfolio: Check specific experience in veneers and ask to see before‑and‑after photos of similar cases.​
• Treatment planning: Make sure the clinic offers a thorough consultation, discusses alternatives (like ICON, whitening or orthodontics) and shows you what is realistically achievable.​
• Materials and lab: Ask what type of veneers they use, how long they typically last, and whether they work with a quality dental laboratory for bespoke results.​
• Tooth preservation: A good cosmetic dentist will remove as little enamel as possible and explain the long‑term implications, including that veneers are usually a lifelong commitment.​
• Costs and aftercare: Clarify fees, finance options, warranty policies and how often they recommend reviews to check the veneers and underlying teeth.​

‍FAQs

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers are considered a long‑term or semi‑permanent treatment because a small amount of enamel is usually removed, so the process is not reversible and veneers will likely need replacing in the future.​

Do veneers damage my natural teeth?

When done carefully, veneers involve minimal removal of enamel, but it is still an irreversible change, which is why planning and an experienced cosmetic dentist are essential.​

How long do veneers last?

Porcelain veneers can often last 10–15 years or more with good care, while composite veneers may need maintenance or replacement sooner.​

Can veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are quite stain‑resistant, whereas composite can stain more like natural teeth, so regular hygiene visits and good home care remain important.​

Am I better suited to ICON or veneers?

ICON is usually better for localised white spots on otherwise healthy teeth, while veneers are more suitable if you also want to change tooth shape, alignment or overall colour; a consultation with a specialist is always the best way to decide.

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A special note from Director and Restorative Dentist, Hannan:

"At Siha, every smile is planned meticulously to achieve the most natural and long-lasting result. Our multidisciplinary approach to patient care allows us to plan each case with both our restorative and orthodontic teams, ensuring we achieve the best outcome in line with the patient's goals."

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