Visit Dentist in Beirut Lebanon
What Are Veneers and What Problems Do They Fix?
Veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material that dentists bond to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They essentially mask the underlying tooth with a new front, allowing us to change the tooth’s color, shape, size, or length. Porcelain veneers are the gold standard, known for their natural look and durability, while composite veneers are an alternative made of resin applied directly by the dentist.
Veneers can address a variety of cosmetic concerns:
Teeth that are stained or discolored beyond what bleaching can fix (e.g., tetracycline stains, enamel defects) – veneers can give you a permanently white smile.
Chipped or worn teeth – veneers can build them back to full size and protect them.
Mildly crooked or gapped teeth – without braces, veneers can visually straighten and close small gaps (often termed “instant orthodontics”).
Teeth that are uneven or irregularly shaped – maybe one tooth is twisted or a bit smaller; veneers can create uniformity.
Old dental work – if you have older bonded fillings on front teeth that have stained or edges that have worn, replacing with veneers provides a more lasting, stain-resistant solution.
Porcelain Veneers (E-max and Others) vs. Composite Veneers:
We offer both at our practice, and the best choice depends on the individual case and patient preference.
Porcelain Veneers: These are crafted from a high-quality ceramic. E-max, in particular, is a lithium disilicate ceramic known for strength and translucency. Porcelain veneers are typically fabricated in a dental lab. They are more resistant to stains and can last a decade or longer – studies even showing many lasting beyond 10-15 years with proper care. They provide a very life-like appearance because porcelain can mimic the enamel’s light-reflective properties. The process involves minor tooth preparation (trimming a thin layer of enamel) in most cases, although with ultra-thin types (Lumineers, Durathin) minimal to no prep might be needed. We typically require 2 visits for porcelain veneers: one for prep and impressions, and another to cement the veneers after our lab has made them. The wait is worth it because the result is a custom-crafted, bright and beautiful new smile.
Composite Veneers: These are done in one visit. We use composite resin (the same material for white fillings) and layer it onto your teeth, sculpting it to the desired shape and size, then hardening it with a curing light. Composite veneers can also yield a nice aesthetic improvement, but there are trade-offs: they are not as strong as porcelain and may chip or stain over time. Typically, composite veneers last around 5 years or more before they might need touch-ups or replacement. They are a more affordable option and can be a good interim solution or a quick fix if you have an important event coming up. The good thing is they usually require little to no tooth reduction – in fact, composite is a great way to do a “Direct Veneers” approach: “Direct Composite Veneers will change the shape, color and style of the smile… Directly morphed to the front teeth without drilling and without pain”. We’ve had cases where a patient walked in with chipped, discolored teeth and walked out a few hours later with a straight, white smile – thanks to direct composite veneers. As one of our service descriptions says, it’s “A Hollywood Smile done within 3 hours. Same Day Smile makeover, safe, quick and easy”.
Many patients eventually opt for porcelain for its superior longevity and esthetics, but we will discuss both options with you, and sometimes even do composite as a trial run for porcelain.
Our Veneer Process (Porcelain):
Smile Design Consultation: It starts with a conversation. What do you dislike about your smile? What would you like to change? We evaluate your facial features, lip line, and teeth display. We may take photos and possibly make a digital or wax mock-up of proposed changes. This helps in planning and giving you an idea of the envisioned outcome. We also choose a shade – some want Hollywood white (which is very bright), others prefer a natural white that’s not too opaque. We often advise going for a white but natural look that complements your eyes and skin tone.
Tooth Preparation: At the preparation appointment, we shape the teeth lightly. Typically, about 0.5 mm of enamel is removed – roughly the thickness of a veneer, so that the final teeth aren’t bulky. We numb the area so you won’t feel sensitivity during this. If we’re doing Lumineers or other minimal prep veneers, this step may be very minimal or skipped, depending on the case (no-prep is usually for teeth that are slightly set back or small, giving room to add veneering without trimming). After prep, we take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth.
Temporaries: We won’t send you home with stubby teeth! We fabricate temporary veneers using a mock-up or template. These are made of resin and are basically a preview of the final veneers. They won’t be as glossy, but they look pretty good and protect your teeth in the meantime. You’ll wear them for about 1-2 weeks. An interesting part here: you actually get to “test drive” your new smile and can give feedback on shape or length before the final ones are made. If, for example, you feel one temp tooth is a bit long or you wish another was a bit rounder, we can relay that to the lab.
Laboratory Fabrication: Our skilled ceramists craft each veneer. They’ll layer porcelain to achieve a natural gradient of opacity/translucency. If E-max veneers are being used, they might press or mill them and then add custom touches. We communicate any special requests to the lab (like adding slight white speckles or translucency at tips for a very natural effect, or keeping them very opaque for maximum brightness – per your desire).
Veneer Bonding: On your final visit, we remove the temporaries and try-in the porcelain veneers. At this point, they’re just sitting on your teeth without cement. We check the fit, how they look, and show you. You get to approve them. Minor adjustments in shade can sometimes be done by altering the cement color, and shape adjustments can be done by slight polishing. Once you’re happy, we go ahead and bond them. The teeth are cleaned and conditioned, a bonding agent and cement are applied, and the veneer is placed. A special light cures the cement, permanently attaching the veneer. We clean off excess, floss between to ensure they’re not stuck together, and then polish everything. We check your bite, though usually little adjustment is needed if things were done precisely. And then – it’s time to shine your new smile!
Patients often can’t stop smiling after getting veneers. It’s a transformative experience. One of our patients said she felt like she got “a facelift” because the boost in her smile made her whole face light up and she carried herself more confidently.
Longevity and Aftercare:
Veneers, especially porcelain, can last many years if you take care of them:
Treat them like teeth: brush twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste (abrasive ones can scratch porcelain glaze), floss daily (we’ll show you how to floss gently around veneers).
Don’t use your teeth as tools (no opening bottles or biting on pens).
If you clench or grind, wear a night guard. It’s a simple mouthguard that protects your veneers (and natural teeth) from excessive force while you sleep. We often include a custom night guard as part of a veneer case because we want to ensure your investment is protected long-term.
Mind very hard foods: you can definitely eat apples, carrots, etc., with veneers – they’re quite strong once bonded. But avoid chewing extremely hard things like ice cubes or jawbreaker candies that could crack even a natural tooth.
Avoid extremely staining habits: Porcelain itself resists stains (unlike composite), but the edges where veneer meets natural tooth could pick up slight stains if you constantly expose them to tobacco or dark foods without good hygiene. So, moderation with black coffee/red wine, or rinse/brush after – plus see us for regular cleanings.
Why Choose Veneers in Beirut, Lebanon?
Lebanese cosmetic dentistry is renowned. Our clinic and others have delivered thousands of gorgeous smiles, and we keep up with the latest techniques (like digital smile design, no-prep veneers, laser gum lifts, etc.). Moreover, compared to many countries, the cost of veneers in Lebanon is often more accessible – all while maintaining high quality. The combination of skilled artisanship and cost-effectiveness means you get incredible value. We’ve treated many expats who schedule veneer makeovers on trips back home and head off with a dramatically improved smile.
In addition, Lebanon’s dentists understand the aesthetic preferences in our culture – which often lean towards bright, beautiful smiles – and we have experience catering to that, as well as to more conservative tastes. Whether you want that obvious movie-star radiance or a subtle enhancement, we can customize it.
Lastly, at our clinic, we bring a personalized touch. We’ll hold your hand (literally or figuratively) through the journey. From the initial idea to the final result, we involve you and ensure you’re comfortable and satisfied at each step.
Conclusion:
A perfect smile can significantly enhance your confidence and the way you interact with the world. Veneers in Lebanon have helped countless individuals achieve their dream smiles quickly and safely. If you’ve been hiding your teeth or just wishing they looked better, veneers might be the ideal solution.
We welcome you to visit us for a consultation. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and let you know what’s possible – often, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. With veneers, there’s no lengthy orthodontics, no surgery (in most cases), and you can choose exactly how you want your new smile to be. Imagine in just a couple of weeks, having the radiant, even, Hollywood-worthy smile you’ve always wanted. At our Beirut clinic, we’re ready to make that a reality. Unlock your best smile with veneers – you deserve to look and feel amazing.
Copyright © 2025 ®