
What Are Porcelain Veneers, and Who Are They for?
Porcelain veneers, also called ceramic veneers, are wafer-thin shells that cover the visible front surface of a tooth. Porcelain reflects light much like natural enamel and resists staining, so veneers keep their colour for years. At Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, a thin layer of enamel is usually removed first, so each veneer sits flush and looks natural beside your other teeth.
Porcelain veneers can help with:
- Discoloured teeth that whitening cannot lift
- Teeth that are misshapen or uneven
- Teeth that look too small or short
- Minor alignment issues
- Small gaps between teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Worn teeth
- Teeth of mismatched sizes
Not sure if veneers are right for you? At your consultation, we’ll explain how they compare with composite bonding and professional teeth whitening in Barnet, so you can choose with confidence.
See Your Veneers Smile Before Any Tooth Is Prepared
At your veneers consultation in Barnet, we use digital smile design planning to preview your new smile before any tooth preparation begins. You can compare your own before and after, then ask for changes to shape or shade, so you only commit once you’re happy with the plan.
Why Barnet Patients Choose Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers at Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet can treat several cosmetic concerns at once, including colour, shape, chips and small gaps, with a finish designed to look natural and last for years.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix? Four Common Concerns
At Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, porcelain veneers are most often used to treat discoloured, chipped, gapped or worn teeth when you want a lasting change in how they look.
How Your Porcelain Veneers Are Made, Step by Step
Getting porcelain veneers at Mona Lisa Smiles in New Barnet usually takes two to three appointments over a few weeks, from your first consultation to the final fitting.
1
Consultation
Your veneers consultation in Barnet includes a full check of your teeth and gums, a talk about your goals, and screening for decay, gum disease or grinding.
2
Smile Planning
We plan the shape, length and shade of each veneer around your face and lip line, with a digital preview for you to approve.
3
Tooth Preparation
Under local anaesthetic, a thin layer of enamel, usually less than a millimetre, is removed so your veneers sit flush and look natural.
4
Impressions
Precise impressions go straight to our on-site dental laboratory, where your custom-made porcelain veneers are crafted. Temporary veneers protect your teeth meanwhile.
5
Fitting
We check the fit and shade with you, bond each veneer securely, fine-tune your bite, and explain how to care for your new veneers.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
Porcelain veneers are usually a good fit if you:
- Have healthy teeth and gums, or have had gum problems treated first
- Want to change the colour, shape or size of your front teeth
- Have enough healthy enamel to support a veneer
- Want a long-term result rather than a quick fix
- Accept that veneers are permanent once enamel is removed
If you grind your teeth or have bleeding gums, your veneers dentist in Barnet may suggest gum disease and periodontitis treatment first. For noticeably crooked teeth, Invisalign clear aligners in Barnet may be a better starting point. Book a veneers consultation online or call 020 8449 3411 to find out whether veneers suit you.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers: Which Suits Your Smile?
Porcelain veneers and composite bonding at Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet can both improve the colour and shape of your teeth. The main differences are how long they last, how they’re made, and how much tooth is prepared.
Porcelain Veneers
- Typically last 10 to 15 years with good care
- Highly resistant to staining
- Translucent finish that closely mimics enamel
- Custom-made in our on-site dental laboratory
- Usually two to three appointments
VS
Composite Bonding
- Often completed in a single visit
- Little or no enamel removal
- Lower upfront cost
- Typically lasts around 5 to 7 years
- Easy to repair or refresh in the chair
The right choice depends on your goals, budget and the condition of your teeth. At your consultation, we’ll compare both options with you, or you can read more about composite bonding treatment in Barnet.
Porcelain Veneers Finance: Spread the Cost of Your New Smile
Porcelain veneers finance is available at Mona Lisa Smiles in New Barnet, so you can spread the cost of treatment instead of paying in one go. At your veneers consultation, we’ll explain your treatment costs and finance options clearly before anything begins. For a guide to fees, see our dental treatment price list.

Caring for Porcelain Veneers So They Last
How long do porcelain veneers last? With good daily care and regular check-ups at Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, and often longer.
To protect your veneers:
- Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Attend your routine dental check-ups, typically every six months
- See one of our hygienists regularly
- Avoid biting nails, pens, ice or opening packets with your teeth
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth
Veneers can’t decay, but the teeth underneath can. Our two hygienists are available every day, and regular hygiene therapy and aftercare appointments help protect both your veneers and your natural teeth.
Why Choose Mona Lisa Smiles for Porcelain Veneers?
Mona Lisa Smiles is a private dental practice at 83 Station Rd, New Barnet, offering porcelain veneers as part of our cosmetic dentistry treatments in Barnet. Every case is planned, made and fitted under one roof, and each smile is designed to look natural and individual to you.
What sets us apart:
- Veneers crafted in our own on-site dental laboratory, not sent away
- A digital smile preview before any tooth is prepared
- Shade and shape matched to your face, lip line and natural teeth
- Minimal preparation, removing only the enamel needed
- Flexible finance available on many treatments
- Free parking nearby, a short walk from New Barnet station
We welcome patients for porcelain veneers from across North London and Hertfordshire, including High Barnet, Potters Bar, Whetstone, Finchley, North Finchley, Arkley, Mill Hill, Cockfosters, East Barnet Village and New Southgate. Book online or call 020 8449 3411.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. At Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, each porcelain veneer is custom-made in our on-site dental laboratory and matched to your natural tooth shade, shape and lip line. Porcelain reflects light much like enamel, so well-planned veneers blend in with your own teeth rather than looking flat or artificial.
No. Veneers don’t damage healthy teeth, but a thin layer of enamel, usually less than a millimetre, is removed so they sit flush. This step can’t be reversed. At Mona Lisa Smiles, we remove only the enamel needed and check your teeth and gums are healthy before treatment begins.
It depends on your smile and goals. Some patients at Mona Lisa Smiles in New Barnet need a single veneer to fix one chipped or discoloured tooth. Others choose six to eight veneers across the teeth that show when they smile. We’ll recommend the right number at your veneers consultation.
Most patients feel very little. Tooth preparation at Mona Lisa Smiles is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb throughout. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a few days after their veneers are fitted, which usually settles on its own.
Yes. Porcelain veneers can make your teeth look brighter, and they work well for discoloured teeth that don’t respond to whitening. Porcelain can’t be whitened once it’s fitted, though. If you’d like whiter teeth overall, we may suggest Philips Zoom or Enlighten whitening first so your veneers match your new shade.
Yes. Because enamel is removed, veneers are a permanent treatment: the tooth will always need a veneer or similar covering. Individual veneers typically last 10 to 15 years and can be replaced when needed. We’ll explain this fully at Mona Lisa Smiles before you decide.
Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, and often longer, with good care. Brushing twice daily, cleaning between your teeth, attending check-ups and wearing a night guard if you grind all help your veneers last. Our hygienists at Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet can help you protect them.
Yes, for minor crowding or slightly uneven teeth. Veneers change how teeth look but don’t move them. For more noticeable crooked teeth, Invisalign clear aligners at Mona Lisa Smiles, led by Dr Khilna Vaghela, may be a better first step, sometimes followed by veneers.
Neither is better for everyone. Porcelain veneers typically last longer, resist stains and need two to three visits. Composite bonding is often done in one visit with little or no enamel removal, but usually needs refreshing sooner. At Mona Lisa Smiles in Barnet, we’ll compare both on your teeth.
Yes. Mona Lisa Smiles uses digital smile design to preview your new smile before any tooth is prepared. You can compare your own before and after, ask for changes to shape or shade, and approve the plan before your porcelain veneers are made.
Yes. Flexible finance is available on many treatments at Mona Lisa Smiles, including porcelain veneers, so you can spread the cost. We’ll explain your treatment costs and finance options at your consultation before anything begins.
You can book a veneers consultation at Mona Lisa Smiles online or by calling 020 8449 3411. We’re at 83 Station Rd, New Barnet, EN5 1PX, open Monday to Friday 8:00am–6:00pm, with Saturday appointments available by arrangement.
Book Your Veneers Consultation in Barnet
Ready to find out whether porcelain veneers are right for you? Book a veneers consultation at Mona Lisa Smiles, 83 Station Rd, New Barnet. We’ll check your teeth and gums, preview your new smile digitally and explain your options, costs and finance before anything begins. Book online, call 020 8449 3411 or contact our New Barnet dental practice.





