Veneers & White Fillings

If you are looking for natural, healthy looking teeth for a confident smile, then veneers might be the answer for you

For this reason, we only use tooth-coloured, mercury-free white fillings on all teeth, created from contemporary materials and designed to blend in with your natural tooth colour. For minor cosmetic changes to the shape of front teeth we can also use the same technique which is often called bonding or instant veneers.

What are white fillings?

These are filings that are used instead of silver fillings. These are placed directly into your mouth, more than one filling can be placed at a time. They look like your natural tooth and do not contain any mercury.

What are veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are stuck to the front of your teeth to create a fantastic smile. Veneers are used to improve the shape of teeth.

What are crowns and inlays?

A crown covers the whole tooth to improve its appearance and function. The type of crown used depends on why and where it’s being placed. An inlay is made outside of the mouth either by a dental technician or using our Cerec system. An inlay is advised then the hole in the tooth is too big for a direct filling but a crown is not advised. It is like a piece of a puzzle that is made to fit perfectly for your tooth.

Top 10 FAQs

1. What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells—typically made of porcelain or composite resin—designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by correcting discolouration, chips, gaps, or slight misalignment.

2. What are white fillings?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are tooth-coloured restorations used to repair decayed, chipped, or damaged teeth. They blend seamlessly with your natural tooth shade, making them a popular alternative to traditional metal (amalgam) fillings.

3. How long do veneers and white fillings last?

Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care, while composite veneers tend to last around 5 to 7 years. White fillings generally last 5 to 10 years, depending on the size, location, and how well they’re maintained.

4. Are veneers and white fillings painful to have done?

Both treatments are typically painless. Local anaesthetic may be used during white fillings or tooth preparation for veneers to ensure comfort. Some patients experience mild sensitivity afterwards, but this usually settles quickly.

5. What are the main benefits of choosing veneers or white fillings?

Both veneers and white fillings offer excellent cosmetic and functional benefits. Veneers can dramatically enhance your smile by improving the shape, colour, and alignment of your teeth, while white fillings restore decayed or damaged teeth discreetly, blending naturally with your existing teeth. Both treatments are minimally invasive and help preserve your natural tooth structure.

6. Can anyone get veneers or white fillings?

Most adults are suitable candidates, but a full dental assessment is necessary. Veneers may not be suitable for individuals with excessive tooth grinding (bruxism), poor oral health, or insufficient enamel. White fillings are suitable for most cases of minor to moderate tooth damage or decay.

7. Do veneers damage your natural teeth?

Some enamel removal is usually required for porcelain veneers, which is irreversible. Composite veneers often need minimal or no preparation. A dentist will always aim to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible and discuss all implications before treatment.

8. Will white fillings stain or discolour over time?

Composite fillings can stain over time, especially with frequent exposure to coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. However, they are easily polished or replaced if needed. Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant than natural enamel.

9. What’s the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

Porcelain veneers are more durable, stain-resistant, and have a highly natural appearance, but they are more costly and usually involve more preparation. Composite veneers are more affordable and can be applied in one visit but are slightly less durable and may stain more easily.

10. Where can I get veneers and white fillings in Portishead?

There are several reputable dental clinics in Portishead offering cosmetic treatments, including veneers and white fillings. Choose a GDC-registered dentist with experience in aesthetic dentistry and good patient feedback.

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