MENU
GM Dental Logo
Google Rating
4.9
Google Rating
Google Rating
4.9
Google Rating
Google Rating
5.0
Google Rating
Google Rating
Dental Veneers Kent

Dental Veneer Process Step by Step: Consultation To Your New Smile

09 / 11 / 2026

Dental veneers can improve the appearance of chipped, discoloured, uneven or slightly misshapen teeth. However, achieving a natural-looking result involves more than simply placing a thin covering over the tooth. Careful assessment, planning, preparation and aftercare all contribute to the outcome.

If you are considering Dental Veneers In Kent, understanding each stage can help you know what to expect, how many appointments may be needed and whether veneers are appropriate for your teeth.

In GM Dental And Implant Centre veneer treatment should begin with understanding your dental health and expectations, rather than deciding on a particular cosmetic treatment before an examination.

Step 1: Your initial veneer consultation

The first appointment involves discussing what you would like to change about your smile.

You might be concerned about:

  • Teeth that appear chipped or worn.
  • Discolouration that does not respond adequately to whitening.
  • Small gaps between teeth.
  • Uneven tooth shapes or proportions.
  • Minor imperfections affecting your smile.

Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite. Existing fillings, tooth wear, gum health and signs of clenching or grinding may influence whether veneers are suitable.

If you have untreated decay or gum disease, these problems generally need addressing before cosmetic treatment.

This appointment is also an opportunity to discuss expectations. Veneers can change tooth colour, shape and appearance, but they cannot correct every alignment or bite problem.

Step 2: Smile assessment and treatment planning

Once your oral health has been assessed, your dentist can develop a treatment plan.

This may involve photographs, dental impressions or digital scans to record the shape and position of your teeth. Your bite is also evaluated to understand how your teeth meet when you close your mouth.

Shade selection is particularly important. Choosing an excessively bright shade may produce an appearance that does not harmonise with your facial features or surrounding teeth.

Your dentist may discuss different options, including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, orthodontic treatment or teeth whitening.

For example, if your main concern is slightly crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate than covering healthy teeth with veneers.

The aim is to select an approach that addresses your concerns while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Step 3: Preparing your teeth for veneers

The next stage depends on the type of veneer selected.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are individually made in a dental laboratory. To accommodate their thickness and create an appropriate fit, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the tooth.

Local anaesthetic may be used to make the procedure more comfortable.

Tooth preparation is generally irreversible. Once enamel has been removed, the tooth will usually require a veneer or another restoration in the future.

Not every veneer requires the same amount of preparation. Some cases may be suitable for minimal-preparation or ultra-thin veneers, but these are not appropriate for everyone.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are created using tooth-coloured resin applied directly to the tooth.

Depending on the tooth’s shape and condition, little or no enamel removal may be necessary. The dentist carefully builds up the material, shapes it and hardens it using a curing light.

Composite veneers can sometimes be completed in fewer appointments than laboratory-made porcelain veneers.

Step 4: Dental impressions and temporary veneers

For porcelain veneers, your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of your prepared teeth.

This information is sent to a dental laboratory, where a technician creates veneers designed to fit your teeth.

The dentist may provide temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being manufactured. These help protect prepared teeth and maintain appearance during the waiting period.

Temporary veneers are not as strong as the final restorations, so you may be advised to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods.

Composite veneers generally do not require laboratory fabrication when they are completed directly in the dental practice.

Step 5: Fitting your permanent veneers

Once the porcelain veneers are ready, you return for the fitting appointment.

Your dentist will first place them on your teeth temporarily to assess:

  • Colour and shade.
  • Shape and proportions.
  • Fit against the gumline.
  • Appearance alongside neighbouring teeth.
  • How your teeth meet when biting.

This is an important opportunity to identify any adjustments needed before permanent bonding.

After the fit is approved, the teeth are cleaned and prepared for bonding. A dental adhesive is used to attach each veneer securely to the tooth.

The dentist then checks your bite and makes any necessary adjustments.

You may notice a slightly different sensation initially, but your veneers should not feel excessively bulky or interfere with your bite. Contact your dentist if discomfort or an uneven bite persists.

Step 6: Aftercare and maintaining your veneers

Veneers require the same consistent oral hygiene as natural teeth.

Although porcelain itself does not decay, the natural tooth underneath and around the veneer can still develop decay or gum disease.

To maintain your veneers:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth every day.
  • Attend regular dental examinations and hygiene appointments.
  • Avoid biting fingernails, pens or very hard objects.
  • Discuss a protective nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.

Veneers can chip, fracture, loosen or require replacement over time. Their longevity depends on factors such as material, bite, oral hygiene and maintenance.

Good aftercare helps protect both the veneers and the natural teeth supporting them.

How much do dental veneers cost in Kent?

The Dental Veneers Cost depends on the material selected, the number of teeth involved and the complexity of your treatment.

GM Dental And Implant Centre’s fees include the following starting prices:

TreatmentWhen it may be considered
Desensitising toothpasteMild sensitivity without significant tooth damage
Fluoride varnishExposed dentine requiring professional desensitisation
Dental bonding with compositePersistent sensitivity, root damage, decay or aesthetic concerns
Glass ionomer cementSelected root-surface restorations, particularly where moisture control or fluoride release is relevant
Gum graftingCertain cases of gum recession where root coverage may be appropriate

Fees may vary according to location and individual treatment requirements.

When comparing a Dental Veneers Clinic Kent, ask for a written treatment plan explaining the proposed material, number of veneers, preparation required and any additional costs.

Is the veneer process right for you?

Dental veneers can be a suitable option for improving the appearance of healthy teeth, but they are not automatically the best choice for every cosmetic concern.

The process involves careful assessment, planning, appropriate tooth preparation and long-term maintenance. Understanding these stages before committing to treatment helps you make an informed decision.

At GM Dental And Implant Centre, your suitability for veneers should be determined through a clinical examination, with treatment recommendations based on your dental health, bite and individual expectations.

About the Author

  • Shreyas Mhatre

    Dr Shreyas Mhatre is a UK-registered Dentist and Dental Implantologist at GM Dental And Implant Centre (GDC No. 136770). He has a particular interest in dental implants, full-mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign® and cosmetic dentistry. With a patient-focused approach, Dr Mhatre combines careful treatment planning with modern dental techniques to provide personalised care and help patients achieve healthy, functional and natural-looking results.

Back to Blog

Get in touch

Reviews

“I have just had my dental implants fitted the whole procedure went really smooth,...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Sarah

“I had my dead tooth broken so implant was the only option to make...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Elena Gubina-Babinska

“I’ve been struggling with my teeth for many years and I’ve lost hope that...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Kasia Burn

“My daughter attended this practice in 2010 and finished her treatment in 2013. The...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Frances Chapman

“I was treated here years ago as a teenager and so did a few...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Vikash Chady

“My daughter had her orthodontic treatment here over a 3 year period. Dr Coonar...”

star 1 star 2 star 3 star 4 star 5

Alexandra Whiter

More Testimonials
Follow Us On Instagram instagram instagram
GM Dental Logo
instagraminstagramfacebookfacebookwhatsappwhatsappwhatsappwhatsapp

* Smilevalley Limited trading as GM Dental and Implant Centre is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Smilevalley Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.


* G Mehta Ltd trading as GM Dental and Implant Centre Rochester is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Finance is arranged through Chrysalis Finance Limited. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.


* GMValley Limited trading as GM Dental & Implant Ashford is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. GMValley Limited is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.


Check out our 117 reviews
Excellent rating
Helping each other make better choices
Read and write reviews
Trustpilot logoTrustpilot