What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their colour, shape and size. They're the foundation of the "Hollywood smile", used to correct severe discolouration, gaps, small or uneven teeth and minor chips. This guide explains the types of veneers, who they suit and what determines their cost.
Types of veneers
1. Porcelain / E-max veneers
Lab-made from high-quality ceramic, with a natural translucent look, stain-proof colour and long lifespan. They usually need very minimal enamel preparation.
2. Composite veneers
Built directly on the tooth in the clinic using composite bonding material (see cosmetic dentistry) โ often in one visit and at lower cost, but more prone to staining and needing periodic polishing.
3. Lumineers and no-prep veneers
Ultra-thin shells that may need no or minimal preparation. They suit selected cases only โ like small teeth or gaps โ and can look bulky on teeth that already stick out.
| Porcelain / E-max | Composite | No-prep (Lumineers) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Excellent | Good | Good in suitable cases |
| Colour stability | Stable | May stain | Stable |
| Tooth preparation | Minimal | Very little | None or very little |
| Visits | 2โ3 | Usually 1 | 2โ3 |
| Lifespan | Long | Shorter | Long |
Are veneers right for you?
Good candidates have healthy teeth and gums and want to improve colour that doesn't respond to whitening, gaps, shape and size, or mild wear.
Veneers may not suit:
- Extensive decay or weak teeth โ a crown is more suitable.
- Severe grinding without a night guard.
- Untreated gum disease โ gum treatment comes first; healthy gums are essential for a beautiful, stable result.
- Severe misalignment, where orthodontics may be the better fix.
The veneer process
- Consultation and smile design: we discuss your goals and take photos and impressions.
- Mock-up: in many cases you can preview your new smile before we start.
- Preparation: minimal, careful preparation under local anaesthesia, then impressions.
- Temporary veneers protect your teeth while the final ones are made.
- Try-in and bonding: we confirm colour and shape with you before final bonding.
What determines the cost of veneers?
- Material: porcelain/E-max or composite.
- Number of teeth: one tooth, the 6 front teeth, or a full smile (8โ10+ per arch).
- Lab quality and design precision.
- Preparatory treatment such as gum treatment, gum contouring or whitening other teeth.
For a detailed material comparison, read types of dental crowns.
Frequently asked questions
Do veneers damage your teeth?
When planned properly, preparation is minimal and limited to enamel. Veneers are usually considered permanent, though, so decide after a clear consultation.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last many years with good care; composite veneers last less and need periodic maintenance.
Can I get veneers without filing my teeth?
In selected cases, yes โ like small teeth or gaps โ but not in every case, as it can make teeth look bulky.
What's the difference between veneers and zirconia crowns?
A veneer covers only the front of the tooth for cosmetic changes; a zirconia crown covers the whole tooth and suits weak or root-treated teeth.
Design your smile in Amman
At Dr. Banan Alhawamdeh's clinic in Sweifieh, we start by checking your gums and teeth, then design a smile that suits your face. See zirconia & veneers or book your appointment.