Dental veneers have revolutionized the way we think of a white, bright, and confident smile. It has quickly become one of the most sought-after dental cosmetic treatments in the world.

If you are considering veneers for their transformative benefits but are not sure what to expect, this guide is for you. We have gathered professional insights from our cosmetic dentists at the Invisalign Center to answer common questions, including what are veneers, how they work, and who they are suitable for.

What are Veneers

Dental veneers, also called porcelain or dental porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin, custom-made and tooth-colored shells. They are crafted from materials that are specifically designed to cover the front surface of the teeth.

The main purpose of veneers is to change, enhance, and improve the aesthetics or the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are cosmetic in nature and are used to conceal a variety of dental imperfections that can affect self-confidence or functionality.

How Does the Treatment Work

Veneers work by covering the front or exterior surface of your teeth, hiding cosmetic flaws such as stained or misshapen teeth. It redefines your smile, enhancing both appearance and confidence.

Benefits of Veneers

Enhanced Appearance: Veneers correct discoloration, chips, gaps, and uneven teeth.

Custom-Made: Veneers are tailored to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.

Stain Resistance: Maintains a bright smile even with food and drinks that can cause stains. 

Minimally Invasive: Requires minimal enamel removal compared to other dental procedures like crowns. 

Durability: Veneers typically last more than 10-15 years with proper care.

Quick Transformation: A complete smile makeover is achievable with veneers in just a few sessions. 

Natural Feel: Provides a comfortable bite experience.

Improved Confidence: Boosts self-esteem as you gain a naturally beautiful smile.

Versatility: Suitable for addressing various dental imperfections, including minor misalignments.

Protective Feature: Strengthens weakened teeth, protecting them against further damage.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Veneers

Anyone wanting to enhance the aesthetics of their smile can explore the possibility of getting veneers. Here is a simple breakdown of what veneers are suitable for: 

• Discolored teeth

• Chipped, worn, or broken teeth 

• Diastema (gaps or spaces in your smile or teeth)

• Teeth that are too small

• Crooked, uneven, or oddly shaped (i.e. teeth with craters or bulges)

• Misshapen teeth 

• Stains that don’t improve with teeth whitening 

Dental restorations such as veneers can hide these issues, boosting the confidence and quality of life of individuals experiencing them. It is also important to emphasise that veneers are only an option if you are free from extensive cavities or gum diseases. If you believe you have any serious oral health issues, then it is necessary to address them before considering cosmetic treatments like veneers.

Comparing Common Cosmetic Procedures with Veneers

Lumineers vs. Veneers

Lumineers are a kind of porcelain veneer that is much thinner than standard veneers and understandably less durable. On the plus side, they don’t require much prep work like removing enamel. While lumineers may seem more cost-effective than other types of veneers, their weak durability makes them expensive in the long run with frequent replacements.

Veneers vs Crowns

Dental veneers and crowns can be set apart based on the coverage they offer. Dental veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth to hide imperfections. On the other hand, a dental crown covers the entire tooth structure primarily to add strength and protection.

Another key difference between veneers and crowns is their purposes. Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile. It does not necessarily aim to repair or improve major functionalities of the teeth. Dental crowns perform a dual function, enhancing your smile and restoring severely damaged teeth due to decay or trauma.

Types of Dental Veneers

Veneers can be made using different materials. Here are some of the most common types of veneers and their unique characteristics

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most versatile type that can address a number of aesthetic imperfections. They are also custom-made to fit perfectly into your dental anatomy.

Before placing porcelain veneers into your teeth, the dentists will remove some of the enamel from your natural teeth to roughen the surface. Doing so allows the new veneers to fit properly and stay in place.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers use a tooth-colored composite resin made of plastic and ceramic, the same material used for dental bonding, helping to achieve the desired results. They are often used to conceal mild cosmetic flaws in your teeth.

No-prep Veneers

No-prep veneers are a less invasive option. The distinctive feature of this type of veneer is that it requires less enamel removal than others. This option is great for fixing small gaps in your teeth. They are also custom-made to fit your teeth and expected smile.

Removable Veneers

Also called pop-on or snap-on veneers, removable veneers cover the natural teeth to hide imperfections and flaws. They are similar to a retainer, which you can remove anytime.

While removable veneers can enhance your smile, they can also be uncomfortable when eating and have a negative impact on your speech. It can instantly change the look of your smile and is also one of the less expensive veneer options. There is not much research on removable veneers because they have been on the market for only a few years.

Which Is the Best Type of Veneer

While the best type of veneer can be subjective to many factors, porcelain veneers are generally one of the most popular and sought-after options today for many reasons. They include but are not limited to:

• Natural Appearance: Mimics the look and feel of natural teeth.

• Durability: Long lifespan, lasting up to 10-15 years or more with proper maintenance. 

• Stain-resistant: Has strong stain-resistance properties to discoloration from food and drinks.

• Customizable: Tailored to fit the shape and color of your teeth.

• Minimal Enamel Removal: Requires less tooth structure removal.

• Improved Smile: Effective for correcting imperfections like gaps, chips, and discoloration.

One of the major disadvantages of porcelain veneers is their cost. While they are slightly pricier compared to other types of veneers, they are a worthy investment in terms of customisation, natural appearance and feel, and durability. That said, porcelain veneers reduce the need for strict maintenance, frequent adjustments, or replacements, providing value for the cost incurred in the long run.

How the Procedure for Dental Veneers Work

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

The initial consultation is your chance to communicate your dental concerns and your doubts about veneers to our cosmetic dentists. You can also explain the shape and color of your desired veneers. They will assess your teeth and your suitability for the procedure. If not, they will suggest alternative treatments or a pre-requisite procedure before getting veneers.

Our dentists will also take this time to create and discuss your personalised treatment plan, ensuring you know what to expect from the dental procedure and the limitations associated with veneers. Dental X-rays will be requested to have clearer impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation

Our dentist will carefully reshape the surface to prepare your teeth for veneers, removing a thin layer of enamel—about the same thickness as the veneers themselves. The amount of enamel that will be trimmed depends on the condition of your teeth and your pain tolerance. In some cases, numbing may be needed to ensure you're comfortable during the process.

Once your teeth’s surface has been reduced, they will make a model or impression of your teeth and then send it to the lab. On average, it will take around 2 to 4 weeks for the lab to custom-make your veneers. Not to worry, you will be provided temporary dental veneers in the meantime.

Bonding

Our dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to ensure the fit, shape, and color align with your desired results. They may have to remove and trim the veneers a few times until the best fit is achieved before starting the bonding process. Your teeth will also be cleaned, polished, and etched (roughened) to ensure the veneers stick.

The color of your veneers can be customized by selecting the shade of the cement used during the bonding process. Once the veneers are properly positioned, a special light beam will be used to harden the cement, bonding the veneers to your teeth.

The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking your bite, and making any adjustments to ensure the end result is as expected. Post-procedure, our dentists may ask you to come for a follow-up in a couple of weeks to check the gums and the veneer placement.

Results of the Veneers Treatment

Immediate Post Procedure Effects

After getting veneers, you will experience temporary sensitivity in your teeth, especially when you eat or drink hot or cold things. This discomfort is caused by enamel removal and will last only for a few days.

You may experience mild soreness around the treated area, which will subside in a few days. It will also take a while to familiarize yourself with how veneers feel against your teeth.

Short-Term Care Tips

You will have to make some changes in your diet to recover properly after the procedure. Try to avoid hard or sticky foods for at least a week. Also, make sure you maintain gentle oral hygiene practices to protect the veneers and gums from bacterial growth.

Long-Term Expectations

Veneers will naturally blend with your teeth and will last long with proper care and maintenance. The durability of porcelain veneers is one of the main reasons why people prefer them over others. It makes them less prone to chips and breakage. It also has strong stain resistance, which reduces the risk of veneers developing discoloration over time or sooner requiring replacements.

Veneers Price in Dubai 

People exploring what are veneers often have questions about the price and if it is worth the cost. The price of veneers depends on many factors. On average they can cost anywhere from AED 750-1500.

6 Factors About Veneers Treatment Cost

1. Veneer Material

The type of material used has a direct impact on the veneer price in Dubai. Composite veneers are more affordable, with prices starting around AED 500 per tooth. However, they are not as durable.

Porcelain veneers range from AED 750-1500 per tooth. They are slightly expensive but offset the cost in terms of natural results and durability.

2. Dentist's Expertise and Reputation

At Invisalign Center, we try to keep the cost affordable and accessible to all. Our approach to veneer prices in Dubai is backed up by a team of experienced dental specialists, helping us give you near-perfect, long-lasting results that are worth your investment. 

3. Clinic Location and Facilities

Clinics in prime urban areas and those with advanced state-of-the-art technology and equipment will have higher operational costs, raising the veneer price in Dubai. 

4. Number of Veneers Needed

The total cost increases with the number of veneers being applied.

5. Additional Procedures

Pre-requisite treatments, such as teeth cleaning or gum contouring, can add to the overall cost.

6. Laboratory Quality

The quality of the dental lab crafting the veneers can impact the price, with higher-quality labs potentially increasing costs.

To receive a personalized quote for the veneer price and understand the specific factors affecting its cost in Dubai, contact us for a free consultation.

How Long Do Veneers Last? 

When deciding if veneers are the right treatment to enhance your smile, it's important to consider their longevity as a key factor. With proper care, dental veneers can last up to 15 years. Below, we have outlined some factors that influence the lifespan of veneers.

• Material Type

Porcelain veneers generally last up to 20 years or more, while the lifespan of composite veneers usually ranges from 7 to 10 years. 

• Oral Hygiene Practices

Practicing proper brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning can prevent decay around the bonded area of your veneers, thereby extending their longevity. 

• Bite and Occlusion

Bruxism (teeth grinding) or misaligned teeth can cause veneers to chip, crack, or loosen over time. Wearing a night guard can help protect the veneers from such bites and occlusion, increasing its longevity. 

• Diet and Lifestyle Habits

Biting into hard foods or objects, such as hard candies, can damage the veneers. You can improve the longevity of veneers by limiting food and drinks that may stain them or by brushing your teeth right after eating. It is important to note that composite veneers are not stain-resistant like porcelain. They will get discolored over time, especially with coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use. 

• Bonding and Placement Quality

The skills and expertise of the dentist performing veneers can play a significant role in guaranteeing its longevity. Proper bonding minimises risks of detachment or damage.

• Natural Teeth and Gum Health

Conditions such as underlying decay, gum recession, or other oral health issues can compromise the longevity of veneers. 

• Maintenance and Repairs

Regular dental visits allow for early detection of minor issues with veneers so they can be repaired before worsening. 

• Physical Trauma

Accidents or injuries during sports or any other facial impact can chip or damage veneers. Mouthguards during sports can provide protection.

• Patient Habits

Clenching, grinding, nail-biting, or using teeth as tools can reduce the lifespan of veneers.

• Changes in Facial Structure Over Time

Your gums naturally recede and cause shifts in the facial bones with age. This may cause them to be less fitted and require replacement.

Maintenance Tips after Veneers Treatment

After the Veneers treatment, we recommend following the instructions given by your cosmetic dentist, which usually include:

• Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste

• Floss regularly

• Avoid biting into hard objects like ice or pens

• Use a night-guard if you grind your teeth in your sleep

• Limit stain-causing foods and drinks to protect the color

• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup

Lastly, be mindful of excessive wear and tear by treating your veneers with care to ensure they stay beautiful and functional for years.