Veneers, onlays and crowns in Birmingham and Solihull

A post-crown is needed when a tooth is so badly decayed that there is not enough tooth structure left to support a crown on its own, i.e. when the tooth has broken off at the gum line leaving only the root(s). A root canal filling has or will be carried out by an endodontist to prepare the tooth. The post is a rod that is cemented into the root canal filling to provide an anchor on which to place a core (made of filling material) that keeps the crown (the part that resembles a tooth) securely in place.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made coverings designed to sit over the front surface of teeth. They are usually made from porcelain or composite material and are carefully shaped to match your existing teeth. Veneers are planned and fitted by a dentist to ensure they blend well with your smile and bite, offering a discreet cosmetic option.

Veneers can last many years with proper care. Porcelain veneers often last 10–15 years or longer, while composite veneers may have a shorter lifespan. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and regular dental visits. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to care for veneers to support their durability.

Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth that may have chips, uneven edges, gaps, or surface marks. They can also help with teeth that appear worn or slightly misaligned. At Acorn Dental, veneers are tailored to suit each patient’s facial features and oral health needs, ensuring a considered and individual approach.

In many cases, veneers require only minimal preparation of the tooth surface. This usually involves removing a very small amount of enamel to allow the veneer to sit properly. Some modern veneer options may need little to no drilling, depending on the case. Your dentist will always aim to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from food and drink, while composite veneers may be more prone to discolouration over time. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups help maintain their appearance. Dentists at Acorn Dental will discuss material choices and aftercare to help you maintain long-term results.

Veneers can help address chipped teeth, minor alignment issues, gaps, uneven tooth shape, and discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening. They are most suitable for cosmetic concerns affecting the front teeth. A thorough assessment is essential to confirm whether veneers are appropriate for your specific dental condition.

There are many variables (from diet to maintenance of oral hygiene) that determine how long a restoration will last, but we expect such restorations to give you a service of around 8-12 years.

Unless it is a full metal crown or onlay, we make every effort to match your new restoration to the adjacent teeth to reduce its visibility. It is very difficult to get a crown that matches perfectly due to the intricate details of a natural tooth. If you are very particular about the colour match of your restoration we can send your case to an expert technician that has an eye for high-end aesthetics.

You will need to have at least two visits. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth, take the impressions, make a note of the shade of your tooth, and fit a temporary restoration. At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and fit the permanent one. There will usually be about 2-4 weeks between appointments.

Not usually as patients are given a local anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic has worn off, it is usual to feel mild discomfort and soreness at the injection site for a day or two.