Porcelain Veneers in Shepherd's Bush
At W12 Dental & Implant Centre in Shepherd's Bush, our cosmetic dentists combine artistic skill with the finest ceramic materials to design veneers that look breathtakingly natural — because the goal is never to look like you have had dental work. It is to look like the best version of yourself.
About Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers and How Do They Work?
A porcelain veneer is a wafer-thin shell of high-strength dental ceramic — typically 0.3 to 0.5 millimetres — that is permanently bonded to the front-facing surface of a tooth.
Each veneer is custom-fabricated in a specialist dental laboratory to precise specifications: the exact shade, translucency, shape, and surface texture required to complement your individual smile and facial features.
Is it right for you
Could Veneers Be Right for You?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dental solutions available. Use this guide to see whether veneers could address your specific concerns:
Dental Concern | Veneers Suitable? |
Permanently stained or discoloured teeth that whitening cannot fix | Yes |
Chipped or worn front teeth | Yes |
Gaps or spacing between front teeth | Yes |
Mildly crooked or uneven teeth (cosmetic alignment) | Yes |
Short or disproportionately small teeth | Yes |
Misshapen or irregularly formed teeth | Yes |
Teeth with tetracycline staining or fluorosis | Yes |
Severe crowding or significant bite misalignment | Discuss — orthodontics may be recommended first |
Heavily decayed or structurally compromised teeth | Discuss — a crown may be more appropriate |
Active gum disease or significant tooth grinding | Not until resolved — we assess and plan |
Making Your Veneers Last — Care and Maintenance
Porcelain veneers are an investment — and with the right care, they reward that investment generously. E.max veneers placed at W12 Dental routinely last 10–15 years or longer. Here is how to protect them:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily — healthy gums are essential for the long-term aesthetics and stability of veneers at the gum line
- Attend regular six-monthly hygiene and check-up appointments at W12 Dental
- Wear a custom night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
- Directly into very hard foods with your veneered front teeth
- Limit consumption of highly staining substances
Take The Next Step
Veneer Materials Available at W12 Dental
Not all veneers are the same. The material chosen determines the aesthetics, durability, and suitability of the veneer for your particular teeth and lifestyle. At W12 Dental, we offer the following options:
Veneer Type | Material | Best For | Lifespan |
E.max (Lithium Disilicate) | High-strength pressed ceramic | Front teeth — highest aesthetic demand, natural translucency | 10–15+ years |
Zirconia | High-strength zirconium oxide | Patients with heavier biting forces or grinding history | 15–20+ years |
Composite (direct) | Tooth-coloured resin applied chairside | Mild concerns, lower budget, reversible option | 5–7 years |
No-Prep / Minimal Prep | Ultra-thin ceramic (E.max or similar) | Patients wanting minimal enamel removal | 8–12 years |
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards your dream smile.
Our expert team is ready to create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
When designed and placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist using high-quality ceramic materials, porcelain veneers look completely natural. The key is in the design — the shape, proportion, shade, and translucency must all be tailored to the individual. At W12 Dental, we use Digital Smile Design software and work closely with specialist laboratory technicians to ensure every set of veneers we place is indistinguishable from beautiful natural teeth. The era of the overly white, artificially uniform 'veneer smile' belongs firmly in the past.
Because a thin layer of enamel is typically removed from the tooth surface during preparation, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent commitment — the tooth will always require a veneer or equivalent restoration going forward. This is one reason we take the smile design process so seriously and ensure patients are fully informed before any preparation begins. No-prep veneers, where no enamel is removed, are an exception — these are reversible. Our team will always discuss this with you clearly before treatment starts.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity to temperature in the days following veneer preparation, as the tooth adjusts to having its surface altered. This is temporary and typically resolves within one to two weeks. We provide guidance on managing sensitivity during this period and can recommend suitable toothpastes. Once the permanent veneers are bonded, most patients notice no change in sensitivity compared to their natural teeth.
This depends entirely on your individual smile. Some patients want a single veneer to correct one chipped or discoloured tooth. Others want a full smile makeover covering six, eight, or ten teeth. The most common approach for a comprehensive smile transformation is to treat the teeth that are visible when you smile — typically the upper six to eight front teeth — to create a balanced, harmonious result. We assess this at your consultation and never recommend more treatment than you actually need.