Dental veneers: what to ask before you commit

Veneers are thin shells, often made of porcelain or a resin material, that are fixed to the front of teeth. People ask about them to change the colour, shape or look of their teeth. They are a cosmetic choice, and a significant one, since some types need part of the natural tooth to be shaped first. A licensed dentist must assess your teeth before anyone can say whether they might suit you.

This page is general. It does not recommend veneers for anyone.

What is the decision rule?

Ask what will be removed from your natural tooth, whether it can be reversed, and what the plan is if the veneer fails. If a clinic cannot answer all three in plain words, do not sign.

What are the main types?

In general terms, you may hear about:

• Porcelain veneers: made in a lab, usually after some shaping of the tooth.
• Resin (composite) veneers: built up on the tooth, sometimes with less shaping.
• Very thin or "no-prep" types: need little or no shaping in some cases.

The names and what they involve vary between clinics, so ask for the one your dentist is describing, with a model or photo of the material.

Questions to ask your clinic

Questions to ask your clinic

1. Are my teeth and gums healthy enough, and how do you know?
2. What type of veneer are you suggesting, and why?
3. How much of my natural tooth will be removed?
4. Are there other ways to change what I do not like, such as whitening or reshaping?
5. How will the colour and shape be chosen, and can I see a trial first?
6. Who designs and who fits them, and who makes them?
7. How long do they typically last, and what can shorten that?
8. What does upkeep involve, and what happens if one chips or comes off?
9. What is the fee for each tooth and for review visits?

Ruling: questions 3 and 4 matter most. Once natural tooth is removed, it does not grow back.

What to expect

• Before: an exam, perhaps X-rays and photos, a talk about goals and limits, and a written plan. Ask for a trial or a mock-up where available.
• At the visits: teeth are prepared if needed, a mould or scan is taken, a temporary may be fitted, then the final veneers are fixed. Ask how many visits.
• After: your dentist will say how to clean them and what to avoid, such as biting hard objects. Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth. Follow-up checks are usual.

Ask your clinic for a timeline in writing.

Red flags

• A "smile makeover" is pushed without an exam
• No mention of what is removed from your teeth
• Pressure to book many teeth in one go
• A same-day decision demanded for a deposit
• Reviews or images offered as proof instead of an exam

Our guide on teeth whitening questions covers a less invasive option to ask about, and whitening at a clinic or at home compares them.

Should I get a second view?

For a plan that changes many teeth, many people do. Ask for copies of your records and plan and take them to another licensed dentist. See a second opinion is not rude. A plan that is good can stand a second look.

How should I compare costs?

Compare the number of teeth, the material, who makes them, how many visits, and what review and repairs cost. A low total may leave things out. See why the cheapest quote is not the whole price.

Common mistakes

• Choosing from photos of other people's teeth
• Not asking about the long-term plan
• Skipping the written consent
• Forgetting upkeep and replacement in the budget