NINA TETRA,

42, is a dental nurse. She is single and lives in Belsize Park, North-West London. Her treatment: Nerve removal, veneers (twice), three bridges and gold inlays (fillings). I was always self-conscious about my teeth. so I taught myself how to smile without showing them and, every time I laughed, I held my hand over my mouth.

when I was a teenager, one of my front teeth was snapped in half during a hockey game. I had it repaired but, by my early 20s, it was stained and some of my other teeth were discoloured.

when I was 23, I read about the London Centre For Cosmetic Dentistry in Vogue magazine and, knowing how much my teeth bothered me, my parents offered to pay to have them whitened.

But dentist Dr Mervyn Druian explained my teeth were also out of alignment and advised that veneers would be best for me.

I did some research and ended up taking his advice. First, I had five hour-long hygiene appointments to make sure my gums were in good health and have a damaged nerve removed.

Then, after taking impressions of my teeth, I had 24 veneers fitted — a temporary set first, to ensure the best fit, and the permanent set two weeks later.

I’ve also got three dental bridges and three gold inlays and, after deciding to retrain as a dental nurse, last year I had my veneers redone.

There was nothing wrong with them, but porcelains are always advancing and I wanted something a bit brighter and fuller.

when it was first done, I actually had to look in the mirror to train myself to smile.

I totally understand why Judy Murray says it’s one of the best things she’s ever done. DENTIST DR MERVYN DRUIAN SAYS: Nina was hugely nervous, but a great patient, and the result made such a difference.

she decided to have her veneers replaced last year. Techniques have changed over the years and the porcelains are absolutely brilliant — the lustre is great and they last much longer.

I look at them lasting 15 to 20 years, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t last longer.