If you’ve ever dreamed of having a brighter, straighter smile but felt that teeth whitening alone wouldn’t quite do the trick, dental veneers could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Whether you’re dealing with discolouration, crookedness or old fillings that you’d rather not show when you smile, veneers offer a simple and effective solution. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what dental veneers are, how they work, and why they’re a popular choice for our patients in Chichester looking to improve their smile.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that fit neatly over the front surface of your teeth. Think of them like little covers that mask imperfections and help create a natural-looking, attractive smile. They’re designed to blend beautifully with your natural teeth, enhancing your appearance without looking artificial.

Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers are only attached to the front. This makes them a less invasive option for people wanting to improve the way their teeth look, as there’s often less removal of the natural tooth structure involved.

When Are Veneers Recommended?

While teeth whitening can brighten your smile, it doesn’t correct issues like chipped teeth, gaps, crookedness, or stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening treatments. That’s where veneers come in.

Dental veneers are commonly recommended if you want to:

• Cover discoloured or stained teeth
• Improve the shape or size of your teeth
• Close small gaps between your teeth
• Hide chips, cracks, or large fillings
• Straighten the appearance of slightly crooked teeth

Our dentists at the Family Dental Clinic will assess your smile and help you decide whether veneers are right for you, or whether another treatment might better suit your needs.

How Do Veneers Work?

The process of getting dental veneers starts with a consultation, where our dentists will discuss your goals and examine your teeth. If veneers are a good fit for you, they’ll gently remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your tooth to make space for the veneer. This step ensures your new veneers sit flush with your other teeth and look natural, not bulky.

A dental laboratory will then custom-make your veneers from high-quality porcelain, designed to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth. Once ready, the veneers are bonded securely to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.

The result? A natural-looking, more even, and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Are Veneers a Big Commitment?

One of the great things about veneers is that they are less invasive than some other cosmetic dental treatments, such as crowns. In many cases, very little preparation of the tooth is needed. Plus, modern porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and designed to last for many years when properly cared for.

It’s worth noting that because a small layer of enamel is removed, veneers are considered a permanent treatment. However, with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, your veneers can keep your smile looking fantastic for years to come.

Why Choose Dental Veneers?

If you’re based in or around Chichester, dental veneers are a popular choice for people who want to refresh their smile without extensive treatment. Dental practices like the Family Dental Clinic offer expert advice, personalised treatment plans, and a caring, friendly approach to help you feel at ease throughout your smile transformation.

Choosing a trusted provider for dental veneers means you’ll benefit from high-quality materials and techniques, giving you results that look beautiful and natural.

Are Veneers Right for You?

If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your smile, veneers could be the simple, effective solution you’ve been looking for. Whether it’s one tooth or several, our dentists can help create a smile that you feel proud to show off.

We’ll talk you through the options, answer your questions and help you take the next step toward a brighter, more confident smile.

Contact our Chichester dental clinic today on 01243 771171 to book your consultation and find out if dental veneers are right for you. 

Brushing your teeth might feel like second nature – but are you really doing it properly? At the Family Dental Clinic, we often find that even the most diligent brushers miss a few important steps. 

So, whether you need to perfect your routine or you’re teaching little ones how it’s done, here’s a step-by-step guide from our dentists and hygienists in Chichester to keeping your teeth clean and your mouth happy:

Step 1: Find the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste for You

Manual vs Electric Toothbrush?

Start with a medium-bristled toothbrush – these are gentle on your gums and enamel but still effective at removing plaque. Electric toothbrushes are great if you need a little help with technique or have limited dexterity, but a manual brush can do the job just as well when used correctly.

What Toothpaste Should I Use? 

Toothpaste is a personal choice. Some people find that certain brands cause sensitivity or irritation – such as the skin in your mouth peeling or feeling sore (we hear this a lot with some big-name formulas). If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re not imagining it!

We recommend choosing a toothpaste that works with your mouth, not against it. If you’re concerned about ingredients like fluoride, or you have a sensitive mouth, speak to us about gentler alternatives like BioMin or MinaMin C, which are designed to support oral health without triggering irritation.

Read our guide on how to pick the right toothbrush and toothpaste for you. 

Step 2: Brush Twice a Day for Two Full Minutes

It’s easy to rush, but brushing for two minutes twice a day is essential. The most important brush of the day? Right before bed – this is when bacteria are most active.

Split your mouth into four sections (top right, top left, bottom right, bottom left) and spend 30 seconds on each. Set a timer or play a song – whatever helps you stick with it!

Step 3: Nail the Technique 

Whether you’re using a manual toothbrush or an electric one, technique matters just as much as timing.

Manual Toothbrush Tips

• Angle the bristles at 45 degrees to the gum line
• Use small, gentle circular motions – avoid scrubbing back and forth
• Take your time on each tooth surface: outer, inner, and chewing surfaces
• Brush your tongue gently with a tongue brush/scraper to remove bacteria and freshen breath

It’s all about being thorough, not forceful. Brushing too hard can wear away enamel and irritate your gums.

Electric Toothbrush Tips

• Let the brush do the work for you – there’s no need to scrub
• Gently guide the brush along your teeth and gums, pausing briefly on each tooth
• Move slowly around your mouth to ensure you cover every surface
• Most electric brushes have a built-in timer (use it!)

Electric brushes can be especially helpful if you struggle with technique or want a bit of extra support, but the key is still consistency and care.

Step 4: Don’t Forget to Floss

Struggling with bad breath? Flossing gets into the areas your toothbrush can’t reach – between your teeth and just under the gum line. Plaque and food particles love to hang out here, so daily flossing is key to preventing gum disease and cavities.

Traditional floss isn’t for everyone, so feel free to try floss picks or even a water flosser if that’s easier for you.

Step 5: Mouthwash? That’s Optional

Mouthwash can be a refreshing final step, but it’s not essential for everyone. If you do use it, try to avoid rinsing immediately after brushing, as this can wash away the protective ingredients in your toothpaste. 

A Few Extra Tips from Our Dental Team

• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinks before brushing – this gives your enamel time to recover
• Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
• Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 2–3 months, or sooner if it’s looking worn

Why A Good Oral Care Still Isn’t Enough…

Even if you’re doing everything right at home, routine dental check-ups and hygiene appointments are still a must.

Why? Because:

• Some problems – like tiny cavities or gum inflammation – can’t be seen or felt until they’ve progressed
• A hygiene appointment removes hardened plaque (tartar) that toothbrushes can’t
• Your dentist can spot early signs of decay, gum disease, or even more sinister problems like oral cancer before they become serious

We recommend a dental check-up every six months, or as advised based on your individual needs. Prevention really is better than cure!

Every Mouth is Different

Whether you’re looking for a alternative toothpaste, struggling with tooth sensitivity, or just want a bit of guidance on technique, our friendly dentists in Chichester are always happy to help. 
Visit our Chichester dental clinic or call us on 01243 771171 to chat with us – we’ll work with you to find an oral care routine that works for you.