Clean white teeth and a bright smile signify good dental health. People can achieve a bright smile by going for regular dental check-ups and by maintaining oral hygiene. Many people go for cosmetic dental treatments and smile makeovers like teeth whitening, dental implants, ceramic or porcelain dental veneers, etc., for maintaining their smile. Issues like uneven or crooked teeth, teeth discolouration, broken teeth and gaps between teeth can be painlessly resolved through ‘Dental Veneers’. Treatment of Dental Veneers can help people in achieving a perfect set of teeth and a bright smile.


What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are also called ‘dental laminates’. They form a thin shell-like covering over the front teeth surface. These thin shells protect the teeth and are made of material that mimics the tooth structure. These dental laminations give an appealing look to the damaged teeth by reshaping them. They are one of the most effective treatments that help in achieving a white and bright looking smile.

Material Used for Making Dental Veneers

Porcelain or resin can be used for making dental veneers. Porcelain can be seen as the best material for dental veneers as it can completely cover the underlying tooth. Porcelain looks exactly like the natural teeth; it reflects shine and is stain resistant. Resin material in comparison can get stained in the long run. Resin veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers.
 
Porcelain Based
Resin Based
More Costly
Less costly
Takes 2-3 dental visits
Takes mostly single visit
Enamel removal is needed
Enamel removal is not needed
Lasts for about 20 years
Lasts for around 5 years
Less likely to chip
May get chipped
Stain resistant
More likely to stain


Treatment Procedure


  • Trimming the Tooth: In the first step of the treatment, the dentist trims the tooth enameling so that the thickness of the veneer mimics the natural tooth. The dentist trims the tooth to the correct level without damaging it. The dentist must ensure that the veneer fits perfectly and is not thicker than other teeth.

  • Matching the Shade: In this step, the dentist selects a veneer shade closest to the natural teeth colour from the shade guide. Sometimes, different veneer shades can be selected for different portions of the teeth.

  • Taking Impression: Here the dentist takes the impression of the tooth structure and sends it for fabrication. A teeth impression or photocopy can be taken using a dental milling machine or by using a paste or putty. A dental milling machine has a camera for taking a photo impression of the tooth. 

  • Placing the Veneers: The fabrication process takes about one to two weeks. Once the veneer is ready it is temporarily fixed on the tooth by the dentist. The veneer is bonded permanently after the patient is satisfied with the fit. Veneer bonding can be done by using resin based cements or light cure bonding agents. The dentist places the cement on the tooth structure and then presses the veneer. Once they are in place the dentist can make the required changes in the tooth shape. The tooth edges can be rounded, shortened or squared as per the requirement.

Pros of Dental Veneer


  • They are gum friendly.
  • They are generally stain resistant
  • They brighten the smile
  • Involves a simple procedure
  • Strengthens the tooth

Cons of Dental Veneer


  • Veneer trimming is irreversible
  • They can dislodge while chewing hard food
  • They are not recommended for patients that grind or clench their teeth.
  • They are not recommended in case of poor gum health.


Cost of Dental Veneers in India


Treatment Procedure
India (INR)
Porcelain Veneer, Per Tooth
8000 – 15000
Zirconium Based Porcelain Veneer, Per Tooth
9000 – 16000
Lumineer Per Tooth
14000 – 19000
Composite Veneer Per Tooth
1500 – 2000