Veneers Process: Step-by-Step & Timeline

Understanding exactly what happens — and when — removes uncertainty and helps you plan around work or social commitments. Below is the full process used by Fix My Smile partner dentists across the UK.

The Six Stages of Your Veneer Journey

1. Stage 1 — Free WhatsApp E-Consultation

   Send photos of your smile via WhatsApp. A UK-registered dentist reviews them and replies with a personalised report including treatment options, estimated costs, and next steps. There is no obligation and our lowest-price guarantee is applied automatically.

2. Stage 2 — In-Person Consultation & Planning

   You visit a trusted partner dentist near you for a full smile assessment. This includes oral health checks, shade and shape selection, photographs, and 3D digital scans. You leave with a confirmed treatment plan and transparent pricing.

3. Stage 3 — Minimal Tooth Preparation

   Using the minimal-prep protocol, your dentist conservatively prepares your teeth — the amount varies depending on your bite, tooth position, and desired result. This preserves natural tooth structure while creating space for a seamless fit. Many clinics combine consultation and preparation in a single visit.

4. Stage 4 — Digital Design & Temporary Veneers

   3D scans are sent to the lab, and digital veneer designs are returned within one to three days for your approval. Meanwhile, temporary veneers protect your prepared teeth and give you a preview of the final shape.

5. Stage 5 — Final Fitting

   Your custom porcelain veneers arrive from the lab. The dentist removes the temporaries, trial-fits each veneer, confirms colour match and bite, makes any micro-adjustments, then bonds them permanently. This appointment typically takes one to three hours depending on the number of veneers.

6. Stage 6 — Aftercare & Review

   You receive detailed aftercare instructions for the first 48 hours and beyond. A follow-up review is usually scheduled within two weeks to check the fit and bite. Your warranty begins from this date.

Typical UK Timeline at a Glance

Total treatment time from first appointment to final fit is typically three to four weeks. The e-consultation beforehand is instant and carries no obligation.

What to Expect at Each Visit — Key Details

Preparation: Does It Hurt?

Local anaesthetic is administered before any enamel removal. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain. Post-appointment sensitivity to hot and cold is common but usually resolves within a few days. If you are concerned about potential risks or side effects, discuss them with your dentist beforehand.

Temporary Veneers

Temporaries are made from composite resin and cemented with a weaker adhesive so they can be removed easily at your fitting. Avoid very hard foods (nuts, ice), sticky sweets, and biting directly into tough items like crusty bread. If a temporary loosens, contact your clinic — it can usually be re-cemented the same day.

Final Fitting Day

Bring any reference photos you discussed during planning. The dentist will place veneers with a try-in paste first so you can check the shade in natural light. Once you approve, the veneers are bonded permanently with light-cured resin cement. You leave the same day with your new smile.

Book Your Free E-Consultation →

Frequently Asked Questions