All About Veneers: A Comprehensive Q&A Guide

Introduction

• Veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve shape, color, position and overall appearance. They are a minimally invasive solution for correcting discoloration, chips, gaps or uneven teeth. They can also be used for medical reasons to restore and restrenghthen severly worn teeth. The result is a natural-looking, long-lasting smile that is tailored precisely to each individual.

4 anterior full-wrap e-max veneers

non-prep ultra thin feldspathic veneers

Types of Veneers

• Feldspathic veneers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers handcrafted by super skilled dental technicians (ceramists). They offer the highest level of aesthetics, as the porcelain can be layered in fine detail to mimic the natural translucency and brightness of teeth. This makes them ideal for patients seeking the most natural-looking smile makeover.

  
  

• E-max veneers are made from lithium disilicate, a high-strength ceramic known for its durability and excellent aesthetics. They are slightly stronger than feldspathic veneers, making them suitable for both front teeth and situations where more resilience is needed, while still providing a very natural appearance.

• Composite veneers are made directly from tooth-colored resin that is carefully sculpted and bonded to the teeth in a single appointment. They are a more affordable option compared to ceramic veneers. While not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain, they can be repaired easily and still provide a natural improvement in shape, color, and overall smile aesthetics.

• Zirconia Veneers. Zirconia is an extremely strong ceramic material, making it highly resistant to fractures and wear. However, compared to other ceramics such as feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate (E-max), it offers less translucency, so the aesthetics are not as natural. In addition, the adhesive bonding protocols for zirconia are not yet as established or predictable as those for glass ceramics. Still, zirconia is a developing material and can be a good option in specific cases, such as for patients with heavy bruxism who require maximum strength.

e-max veneers on a 3d printed model

The Process of Getting Veneers

1. Consultation: What to expect during the initial visit.

- Assessment of dental health and discussion of goals.

- Overview of the veneer options suitable for the patient’s needs.

  - 3D Scan of teeth and pictures for facial analysis.

2. Smile Simulation Visit and in depth-discussion

3. Tooth preparation and digital impression: Minimally invasive modifications (strategic reduction) to accommodate veneers and application of prototype (temporary) veneers ("testdrive")

4. Bonding process: Adhering veneers to the teeth and ensuring a perfect fit.

5. Follow-up care: Importance of post-procedure check-ups and maintenance.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

before and after photographs of super natural looking veneers in a worn dentition (patient with bruxism)

• Veneers look unnatural

- Modern techniques achieve lifelike aesthetics. Veneers can be made to look so natural that even dental professionals may find it difficult to tell the difference. When veneers appear “fake,” it is usually the result of poor workmanship—or, in some cases, a deliberate choice by the patient to create a more dramatic, artificial look.

natural looking e-max veneers

- Veneers are never a one-size-fits-all solution—customization is essential for a truly perfect smile. Achieving natural results requires not only outstanding technical expertise from the dentist but also a keen eye for aesthetics and close collaboration with a highly skilled dental ceramist.

very bright, but still natural looking veneers

super bright Hollywood-smile type of veneers

• Veneers require shaving down teeth

- Do Veneers Require Tooth Reduction?

Contrary to common belief, veneers do not require teeth to be shaved down. In fact, with proper planning, veneers can often be placed with minimal or even no tooth reduction—especially in cases where volume needs to be added.

However, strategic micro-reductions are usually necessary to:

• Avoid bulky-looking teeth

• Ensure seamless transitions between natural teeth and veneers

• Achieve the desired shade and translucency

In certain situations, orthodontic treatment before veneers can further reduce or even eliminate the need for tooth reduction.

To keep the procedure as minimally invasive as possible, we use guided reduction techniques, which ensure that only the smallest, precisely defined areas are adjusted. This is a highly critical process and not every dentist performs it correctly. Images of teeth completely shaved down to stumps are usually the result of poor planning or inexperience.

The goal is to reduce only within the enamel, since this allows for the strongest adhesive bond—potentially lasting a lifetime.

Ultimately, success depends on careful backward planning: knowing exactly where reduction is needed, and where it is not, to deliver the most natural and long-lasting results.

Cost and Longevity of Veneers

• Understanding the financial investment involved.

- Average cost ranges from 4000 - 6500 AED per tooth

- Factors that influence the price is the material used and if other procedures are necessary in addition.

• Longevity of veneers: How long they typically last and maintenance tips.

Multiple long-term clinical studies have shown that ceramic veneers (feldspathic and lithium disilicate/E-max) can achieve survival rates of 90–95% after 10 years, and still over 80% after 15–20 years, provided they are well planned, bonded, and maintained. Composite veneers generally have shorter survival times (often 5–7 years), but can be repaired more easily.

• Beier et al. (2012): Reported a survival rate of 94.4% at 10 years and 82.9% at 20 years for porcelain veneers. Failures were mainly due to fractures, secondary caries, or debonding.

• Layton & Walton (2007): Found a 96% survival at 10 years and 91% at 20 years.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Veneers

To maximize longevity, veneers require both professional and patient care:

• Oral hygiene: Meticulous brushing and flossing to prevent secondary caries.

• Regular professional check-ups: Professional cleanings and examinations every 6 months.

• Avoid mechanical overload: No biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails); avoid using teeth as tools.

• Night guard: Recommended for patients with bruxism to protect veneers from excessive forces.

• Lifestyle habits: Minimize smoking, staining foods/drinks, and high sugar intake to protect margins and overall oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

• How do I know if I’m a good candidate for veneers?

- Want to improve the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth to create a more beautiful smile that enhances your entire face

• Who might not be ideal candidates for veneers?

-Patients with extensive tooth decay or active gum disease (these need treatment first).

-Individuals with unrealistic expectations about the outcome.

• What can I expect during the recovery period?

- There is no real recovery period. During the temporary stage you are advised to avoid hard and staining food.

• Are there alternatives to veneers for enhancing a smile?

Yes — it always depends on the underlying problem:

• If the issue is only tooth position, and the teeth already have a nice shape, orthodontic treatment alone may be enough.

• If the concern is just tooth color, professional whitening can achieve the desired result.

• If there are only small imperfections in shape, composite bonding can be used to correct them.

Veneers are usually the best choice when multiple issues need to be addressed at the same time — for example, worn teeth, teeth with many old restorations, or when both shape and color need improvement.

Every smile is unique, and each treatment option comes with its own advantages and limitations. That’s why an individual consultation and detailed smile analysis are essential to determine the best solution for your situation.

• Can I see what my smile will look like before treatment?

Yes, there are ways to visualize your treatment outcome. Depending on your case, we can use Digital Smile Design to create photographs or even a video preview of your predicted results (for example with Smilecloud software). Even more realistically, we can provide a mock-up simulation directly in your mouth, allowing you to look in the mirror and see the potential improvements with dental veneers before starting treatment.

• How many teeth usually need veneers — just the front ones or more?

This is something that needs to be discussed individually. For a complete smile transformation, usually all teeth visible when smiling are included. However, every case is different—sometimes even a single veneer can create a dramatic improvement.

• Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth (bruxism)?

Yes, it is possible, but special attention must be given to your bite (occlusion), and adjustments may be required before placing the veneers. To protect them, wearing a custom nightguard every night will be essential. The root cause of your bruxism should also be identified and addressed to ensure long-term success. Most importantly, a dentist with sufficient experience in managing these high-risk cases should be chosen.

Conclusion

If you are interested in finding the best way to enhance your smile, book a consultation today with Dr. Moritz Sebastian Bichler — a specialist in aesthetic dentistry with extensive experience treating patients with the highest aesthetic demands. He has successfully treated numerous public figures in Germany and the UAE, received multiple awards at international aesthetic dentistry conferences, and is accredited as a Specialist in Prosthodontics by the European Prosthodontic Association (EPA).