Dental Veneers in Larkfield, Kent
Veneers are one of the most powerful tools in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. A thin facing placed over the front surface of a tooth can completely transform its colour, shape, and size — giving you a natural, beautifully balanced smile that looks like the best version of your own teeth.
What are dental veneers?
A thin shell, a transformed smile
A veneer is a thin shell — made from porcelain or composite resin — that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They're designed to look and feel completely natural, and when done well, are virtually undetectable.
Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory to exact specifications. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and reflect light in the same way natural tooth enamel does — making them the most lifelike option available. Composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth in the chair and can often be completed in a single appointment. They are a more affordable option, though they typically don't last as long as porcelain.
At Larkfield Dental Aesthetics, we offer both options and will help you decide which is more appropriate for your teeth, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Is it right for you? →
Is it right for you?
When would you need veneers?
Veneers are a versatile solution. You may be a good candidate if any of the following apply.
Permanent staining
Your teeth are permanently stained or discoloured and whitening hasn't achieved the result you're looking for.
Chips or wear
Your teeth are chipped, worn down, or slightly uneven.
Small gaps
You have small gaps between teeth that you'd like to close.
Irregular shape
Your teeth are mildly misshapen — slightly too small, too pointed, or irregular in size.
Minor alignment issues
You have minor alignment issues that you'd prefer to address cosmetically rather than with orthodontics.
A refreshed smile
You want to improve the overall look of your smile without extensive treatment.
Veneers work best when the underlying tooth structure and gums are healthy. We'll always carry out a full assessment before recommending them.
How it works
What does treatment involve?
Porcelain veneers are placed over two appointments. Composite veneers can often be completed in a single appointment of one to two hours, with your dentist applying, shaping and polishing the resin directly on the tooth.
Consultation & planning
We discuss your goals in detail and may take photographs or a digital scan to plan your result.
Preparation & impressions
A thin layer of enamel — usually less than 0.5mm — is removed, impressions are taken, and a temporary veneer is fitted.
2–3 week wait
Your permanent porcelain veneers are hand-crafted in the laboratory to your exact shape and shade.
Fitting & bonding
We check the fit, shape and colour meticulously before bonding your veneers permanently.
Aftercare
Looking after your veneers
With the right care, porcelain veneers can last 10–15 years or more:
- ✓ Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste — avoid whitening toothpastes with harsh abrasives, which can dull the veneer surface over time.
- ✓ Floss daily — gum health around the veneer margins is important for longevity.
- ✓ Avoid using your teeth as tools, and try not to bite your nails or chew hard objects like pens.
- ✓ Avoid very hard foods — biting into hard bread crusts or sweets can chip veneers, just as they can chip natural teeth.
- ✓ If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard is essential — grinding is one of the main causes of veneer failure.
- ✓ Attend your regular check-ups — your dentist will monitor your veneers at every visit.
- ✓ Porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining, but composite veneers can discolour over time with tea, coffee, and red wine.
Fees & finance
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated and whether you choose porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are a laboratory-made restoration and are priced accordingly; composite veneers are a more accessible option. We will always provide a full written treatment plan with costs before you commit to anything.
Please see our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for current pricing.
Restorative dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
Are veneers permanent? +
Porcelain veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed to make room for them, which means the process is considered irreversible — you would always need to have veneers on those teeth going forward. Composite veneers are minimally invasive and in many cases can be removed or replaced. We'll discuss this fully with you at your consultation.
Will veneers look natural? +
Yes, when designed and fitted well, veneers look completely natural. We take care to match the shade, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth, and we use high-quality laboratory work. The results should look like the best version of your own smile — not an obviously 'done' look.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth? +
Veneers can improve the appearance of mildly uneven or slightly misaligned teeth. However, for significant crowding or bite issues, orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign will give a better and healthier long-term result. We'll be honest with you about which approach is right for your case.
What's the difference between veneers and composite bonding? +
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin applied directly to the tooth to change its shape or cover imperfections — it's a single-appointment, minimally invasive treatment. Veneers are a more substantial facing that covers the entire front surface of the tooth. Bonding is ideal for minor corrections; veneers are better for more comprehensive smile changes. See our Composite Bonding page for more.
Ready to find out more?
Your dream smile, designed
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.