Dental Veneers in Gangtok

A veneer is a thin covering fixed to the front of a tooth. It can change the shape, colour or size of the tooth, or cover a chip or a stain.

At a glance

Porcelain veneers: Made in a laboratory, usually over more than one visit
Composite veneers: Tooth-coloured material built up on the tooth, often in one visit
Preparation: A small amount of the tooth surface is usually removed. This cannot be undone.
Cost: Depends on the type and number of teeth. Your dentist tells you before starting.

A patient's smile held next to a dental shade guide, used to match the colour of veneers to the natural teeth — A shade guide is held next to the teeth to choose a colour that matches your natural teeth.

What veneers are used for

A chipped or worn tooth
A tooth that is stained and has not responded to whitening
A gap between teeth
A tooth that is uneven or slightly out of line

Veneers are not suitable for everyone. Teeth need to be healthy first, and heavy grinding or clenching of the teeth can break them.

Porcelain and composite

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made to fit your tooth. They are strong and look natural, but they usually cost more and need more than one visit.
Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured filling material bonded to the tooth. They can often be done in one visit and may need less of the tooth removed, but they can stain or chip more easily.

Your dentist will explain which suits you and your teeth.

What happens

Consultation and examination. The dentist checks your teeth and gums and talks about what you would like.
Preparing the tooth. Under local anaesthetic if needed, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth.
Impression or scan. For porcelain veneers, a mould or scan is sent to a laboratory. A temporary veneer may be placed.
Fitting. The veneer is checked for fit and colour, then bonded to the tooth with a special light and adhesive, and polished.

Looking after veneers

Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and keep going to check-ups.
Avoid biting your nails and chewing hard objects such as ice or pen tops.
Wear a mouthguard for contact sport, and tell your dentist if you grind your teeth at night (see teeth grinding and night guards).
Tea, coffee and red wine can stain some veneers, especially composite ones.

Things to know first

Preparing the tooth removes enamel, and this cannot be put back.
Teeth can become sensitive after treatment.
A veneer can chip, crack or come off, and may need repair or replacing.
Veneers should only be fitted by a qualified dentist. Fitted over unhealthy teeth, or by someone who is not qualified, they can cause infection and damage.

When to get urgent help

Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.

Common questions

Do veneers hurt?

The tooth is numbed if needed, so you should not feel pain during treatment. The teeth can be sensitive for a while afterwards.

How long do veneers last?

It depends on the material, your bite, your habits and your cleaning. Your dentist can tell you what to expect.

Can I whiten veneers?

No. Veneers do not change colour with whitening, so any whitening should be done before the veneers are made, so the shade can be matched.

Are veneers reversible?

No. Because some enamel is removed, the tooth will need a covering from then on.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, for example whitening, tooth-coloured bonding, braces or crowns. Your dentist will talk through the options with you.

Veneers at Gangtok Dental Clinic

Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will check your teeth and gums and tell you whether veneers, or another treatment, would suit you. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.

We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a consultation. Our address is on the contact page.

This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.