A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain, often 0.3–0.7 mm, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It changes colour, shape and length while keeping most of the natural tooth underneath. We mainly use two materials. E.max (lithium disilicate) is strong, consistent and suits most cases, including teeth that need a bigger change in shade. Feldspathic porcelain is layered by hand in very thin sheets and gives the most lifelike translucency, so it works well for small changes on healthy enamel. Your dentist will explain which one suits your teeth and why.
We aim to remove as little enamel as possible. In most cases preparation stays within the enamel, which helps the bond last and keeps the tooth healthy. Some teeth need no preparation at all, while others need a little shaping so the veneer does not look bulky. Before any tooth is touched, you wear a mock-up: a trial smile made from tooth-coloured resin and copied from your digital design. You can see it in the mirror, show your family, take photos and ask for changes. The final veneers are only made once you are happy.
Your veneers are made in the in-house dental lab at our JLT clinic. The ceramist can see you in person to check shade and shape, and fine adjustments do not have to travel across the city. Many patients first ask for a "Hollywood smile". We usually guide them towards something brighter and more even, but still in proportion with their face and skin tone. With good home care and regular check-ups, porcelain veneers usually last 10–15 years. Porcelain does not decay, but the tooth underneath still can, so cleaning around the edges matters.
Benefits
Choice of porcelain
E.max for strength and bigger shade changes, feldspathic for very thin, highly translucent veneers. We recommend one based on your teeth, your bite and the result you want, not a single default.
Minimal preparation
Preparation usually stays within the enamel, and some cases need none. Keeping more of your own tooth protects it and gives the bonding cement the best surface to hold on to.
Try before you commit
A resin mock-up lets you see and feel the new shape on your own teeth before any drilling. You can ask for changes to length, width or shape at this stage.
Made in our own lab
Our JLT clinic has an in-house dental lab, so the ceramist can match the shade with you in the chair and adjustments are handled without sending work elsewhere.
How treatment works
Consultation and photos
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays if needed and records photos and an intraoral scan. You talk through what bothers you about your smile and whether veneers, bonding or whitening fits best.
Design and trial smile
We design the new smile digitally and copy it into a resin mock-up that sits over your teeth. You review it in the mirror and in photos, and we adjust it until it feels right.
Preparation and temporaries
Under local anaesthetic, the teeth are gently shaped where needed and scanned. You leave with temporary veneers based on your approved mock-up while the ceramist makes the final porcelain in our JLT lab.
Bonding and aftercare
About one to two weeks later, we check fit and shade, then bond each veneer and polish the edges. A review visit checks your bite, and we may suggest a night guard if you grind.
Is it right for you?
- Adults with chipped, worn or uneven front teeth who want a lasting change in shape
- People with dark or stained teeth that whitening cannot lighten, such as tetracycline staining
- Patients with small gaps or slightly crooked teeth who prefer not to have orthodontic treatment
- Anyone with healthy gums and no active decay, or who is ready to treat these first
Your dentists for porcelain veneers
Frequently asked questions
How much do veneers cost in Dubai?
E.max veneers at Veloradent start from AED 1,800 per tooth. The final cost depends on the number of teeth, the porcelain you choose and whether you need whitening or gum treatment first. Purely cosmetic veneers are usually not covered by insurance. You can spread the cost with 0% instalment plans over 3, 6 or 12 months on selected bank credit cards, or split payments with Tabby or Tamara.
What is the difference between E.max and feldspathic veneers?
E.max is a pressed or milled glass-ceramic. It is strong, resists chipping and can mask darker teeth, so it suits most smiles. Feldspathic porcelain is built up by hand in thin layers. It can be extremely thin and very lifelike, but it is more delicate and best for small changes on healthy enamel. Your dentist will recommend one after looking at your teeth and bite.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
In most cases veneers need some enamel to be removed, so the change is permanent for prepared teeth. We keep preparation as small as possible and often stay within the enamel. Planning with a mock-up first means we only remove what the design actually needs. Some cases can be treated with no preparation at all, which your dentist will confirm after an examination.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
In most cases porcelain veneers last 10–15 years, and many last longer. Their lifespan depends on your bite, habits such as grinding or nail biting, and how well you clean around the edges. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits help us spot problems early. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard protects the porcelain.
Can I see my new smile before committing?
Yes. Every veneer case starts with a digital design and a trial smile in tooth-coloured resin placed over your own teeth. You can wear it during the visit, take photos and ask for changes. If you already have a veneer plan from another clinic, bring it with recent X-rays for a free second-opinion consultation.
