Dear Dr Rob,

I had root canal treatment on my two front teeth around 2 years ago. I had them internally bleached but they appear greyish now. I am having the two front teeth veneered on the nhs but I am still having my doubts.

My main concern was when I asked my dentist if they would look natural or similar to my natural teeth and she said no they wouldn’t look like my natural teeth because it is just the front two teeth I’m having done and it can be difficult to match them exactly but she said she would try to match the colour as close as possible. I understand the nhs have limitations on what they can offer in regards to veneers and I’m glad she was honest with me. But I’m so worried. Are my teeth really going to look very fake and obvious?!

Do you think I could ask her if I could be referred to another nhs dentist who has more experience with veneers?

Also how much of the tooth should be shaven down? My dentist said about 1mm. But I’ve read for porcelain veneers they shave down 0.5mm. Or does that depend on the patient’s teeth? I do have quite large front teeth that stick out a little which leaves me with permantly parted lips. Do you think the veneers will make this worse and make my teeth look bulky?

I’d love to get them done privately but as a student I really can’t afford £450 per tooth.

Many thanks