Cosmetic dentistry
Porcelain veneers & smile makeover
Thin, hand-crafted ceramic layers bonded to the front of your teeth to reshape, brighten and rejuvenate your smile.
A considered, natural-looking transformation
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain or high-strength ceramic, custom-made to correct the shape, colour, alignment and proportion of your front teeth. Done well, the result should look like your own teeth on a great day — not obviously 'done'.
Dr Wood plans every case with facial harmony, gum architecture and long-term function in mind. A digital preview and mock-up let you see and refine your projected smile before any tooth preparation happens.
A smile makeover may combine veneers with whitening, bonding, gum contouring or orthodontics to deliver a balanced result. Each plan is bespoke and driven by what would suit your face — not a one-size template.
At a glance
- Custom shade, shape and translucency
- Digital preview & wax-up before you commit
- Minimally invasive prep where possible
- Typical lifespan: 10–15+ years with good care
- Usually completed over 2–4 appointments
What to expect
Why patients choose this treatment
Lifelike appearance
Ceramic mimics the way natural enamel catches and reflects light — the result is subtle, not stark.
Shade tailored to you
Colour is chosen against your complexion and lip line for a result that flatters, not overpowers.
Facially proportioned
Shape and length are planned against your face — no cookie-cutter smiles.
Minimally invasive
Modern techniques preserve as much natural tooth as possible; some cases need no prep at all.
Stain-resistant
Ceramic doesn't darken like natural enamel or composite resin over time.
Complements other work
Combines cleanly with whitening, gum recontouring, or Invisalign for a full makeover.
Are veneers right for you?
You may be a good candidate if
- Chipped, worn, uneven or slightly rotated front teeth
- Discolouration that does not respond to whitening
- Small gaps you'd rather not close with orthodontics
- You want a longer-lasting alternative to composite bonding
- You are willing to protect the investment (nightguard if you grind)
Not usually recommended if
- Active gum disease or untreated decay
- Heavy, uncontrolled bruxism (grinding) without a protective plan
- Very significant crowding — better addressed with orthodontics first
Your treatment journey
- 1
Smile design consultation
Photographs, an honest bite assessment and a conversation about what you like — and don't — about your smile.
- 2
Preview & wax-up
A trial mock-up shows how the projected smile will look in your face before any preparation is done.
- 3
Preparation & scan
Where required, a small amount of enamel is refined and a digital scan is taken for the ceramist.
- 4
Provisional smile
You wear a temporary set that resembles the final result so you can live with it briefly.
- 5
Fit & finish
The definitive veneers are precisely bonded, checked for bite and polished for a natural finish.
Good questions
Frequently asked
How many veneers will I need?
It depends on your smile line — sometimes just two central teeth, sometimes 6, 8 or 10 across the smile zone. Dr Wood recommends the minimum needed for a balanced result.
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Well-planned veneers are conservative and long-lasting. The key is careful case selection, minimal preparation, and good aftercare — including a nightguard if you grind.
How long do veneers last?
Ceramic veneers typically last 10–15+ years with good hygiene and routine dental care. Composite (chairside) options are less durable but more repairable.
Will veneers look fake?
Not when planned properly. Shade, shape and translucency are all tailored to your face and personality.
Can I whiten my teeth first?
Yes — if you're combining whitening with veneers, whiten your natural teeth first so the ceramic shade can be matched to your target colour.
How much do veneers cost?
Fees are quoted per tooth and depend on materials and complexity. Dr Wood provides a written treatment plan and quotation after your consultation.
InvestmentVeneer fees vary by number of teeth, material choice and case complexity. A detailed written quotation is provided after your smile design consultation.
Ready to start?
Book a personalised consultation
The right plan starts with a proper assessment. Book a private consultation with Dr Wood at Cavendish Dental Claremont.
Cosmetic dental work is irreversible in most cases. Dr Wood follows HPCSA ethical guidelines; no cosmetic outcome is guaranteed. Content on this page is general information, not personalised advice.