Many dental patients suffer with concerns about their teeth – but this isn’t always about their oral health as you’d expect. Majority of the time, people are worried about the way their teeth look rather than how they perform. These aesthetic concerns can range from gaps and misalignment in teeth, to cracks and discolouration, and affect many people’s ability to feel confident in their smile. At North Down Dental in Bangor, we know the value of a confident smile, and we can offer the solution to a wide range of both aesthetic and functional concerns, including teeth whitening and straightening, composite bonding, dental implants and full arch implants.
For some patients, whitening and straightening alone can improve their confidence and ability to smile for pictures, but for others a more extensive cosmetic dental approach is necessary. One fast and effective treatment to solve aesthetic issues is the application of veneers. But are they worth it? This blog explores how veneers work and whether the potential benefits are worthwhile for dental patients in Northern Ireland.
Veneers are a highly popular cosmetic dental treatment, often used to fix imperfections in teeth including cracks, chips, discolouration or gaps, offering a straighter and brighter smile.
Veneers are usually made of either ultra-thin porcelain or a composite resin, and are specifically designed for each patient regardless of the material used. Porcelain veneers are bespoke made in a laboratory and then fitted to your teeth like a cap, whereas composite veneers involve a layer of composite resin being moulded to your desired shape on top of your existing teeth.
These custom-made veneers can be shade matched to blend in with your natural teeth, or if you would prefer a brighter smile, the veneers can be a shade or two lighter than your own teeth. Whether your veneers are porcelain or composite resin, these materials have the additional benefit of giving a very natural-looking appearance, so your new smile will be enhanced in a subtle way.
Your treatment at North Down Dental will usually take place over two or more appointments, and will begin with a consultation. At this initial consultation appointment, our highly skilled team will discuss your treatment and the ambitions you have for your smile makeover. This appointment is also an opportunity to determine whether composite or porcelain veneers are the best choice for you, and to discuss any concerns you may have with the team.
A great benefit of veneers is their durability, and for porcelain veneers they can last 15-20 years with good care – twice as long as composite veneers, which lasts on average 7-10 years. Porcelain veneers also benefit from being stain-resistant, meaning patients don’t have to fret about their coffee intake ruining their smile, and as they do not fade or dull over time, your smile remains as dazzling as it was on day one.
Veneers offer high quality and instantly effective results, which give a flattering natural smile. For patients wishing to upgrade their smile, and who require a durable, long-lasting option then veneers are definitely worth the investment.
One of the biggest considerations when evaluating whether veneers are worthwhile in Northern Ireland is the cost.
Here at North Down Dental, veneers are priced from £895 per unit (depending on the materials used) due to their bespoke and durable nature. In terms of price, composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain veneers, and 0% finance options are available for both treatments.
For patients who want to upgrade their smile at a more affordable cost, composite bonding is also a good option. Either way, our expert dentists are on hand to help patients make the right choice for them.
Choosing to have veneers abroad might seem appealing, but there are important reasons to consider staying closer to home.
Having your treatment in Northern Ireland means you’re never far from the clinic if you need follow-up care or if any issues arise, giving you peace of mind throughout your smile journey. In contrast, some clinics abroad may take a more aggressive approach, over-preparing the teeth by removing excessive enamel, which can impact long-term tooth function and sensitivity.
At North Down Dental, we focus on minimally invasive techniques, typically removing just 0.5-1mm of enamel to prepare for veneers, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. We also pride ourselves on delivering natural-looking smile makeovers, enhancing your smile in a way that feels seamless and never obviously artificial.
If you have been considering getting veneers in Northern Ireland, or you are wondering whether porcelain or composite veneers are the right option for you, get in touch with North Down Dental today by calling 028 9127 1026 or emailing info@northdowndental.co.uk. We’ll be happy to find the right treatment plan for your perfect smile.
