The ultimate guide to Veneers

Last fact-checked: 12 May 2022

Treat yourself to a smile makeover with dental veneers and save up to 70% when booking at one of our background-checked, fully verified global partner clinics.

Whether you are looking to replace one or two discolored, uneven or chipped teeth – or needing to restore a whole row of them – this simple yet highly-effective cosmetic dentistry treatment will transform your smile, as well as your self-esteem.

Can't afford the eye-watering high prices at home? Then check out Dental Departures' list of quality-checked clinics in dozens of countries across the world that will shave thousands off the price. Now, there's another thing to smile about!

What Are Dental Veneers?

A dental veneer is a thin sliver of tooth-colored material that covers the front surface of a tooth (or teeth). Essentially, they are used to disguise the tooth, normally to hide its size, shape, color or unsightly damage. There are different brands available, such as Lumineers or eMax veneers.

What Problems Can I Fix with Dental Veneers?

1. Stained or discolored teeth – including teeth discolored by tetracycline or other drugs
2. Broken or chipped teeth
3. Teeth with gaps in between
4. Uneven teeth
5. Misshapen teeth

Are Dental Veneers a Suitable Procedure to Undergo as a Dental Tourist?

Dental veneers are among the most popular treatments to have as a dental tourist. This is because:

1. The treatment is relatively quick and easy to perform
2. There is little to no downtime in terms of recovery
3. It is considerably less expensive at popular dental tourist destinations
4. Your smile will be noticeably improved with immediate results

What Does the Procedure for Dental Veneers Entail?

Dental veneers typically necessitate two trips to the dentist. These comprise:

1: Assessment and treatment planning: this is so your dentist can fully understand what kind of result you are trying to achieve. The dentist will examine your mouth and x-rays may be taken. If the dentist decides you are a suitable candidate (note: this is something your dentist at home can indicate during a check-up) and you want to go ahead with the treatment, then impressions of your teeth and preparation may be done during this appointment. 

2: Teeth preparation: a thin sliver of tooth enamel is removed from the surface of each tooth that is to receive a veneer. This is done under local anesthetic. Impressions of your mouth will be taken and sent to the laboratory where your veneers are to be made.

3: Fixing veneers: once your dentist has received the veneers from the laboratory, you will return to the dental clinic to have them fitted. Your dentist will place the veneers on the tooth to check for fit, removing and adjusting the veneer to ensure it is snug. When satisfied, the veneer will be cemented in place and bonded with a special light beam that activates the chemicals in the cement to harden it. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to fit and color before the process is finished.

If your dentist offers CAD/CAM technology, then it may be possible to have your treatment completed on the same day, while you wait. Otherwise, most clinics can complete the treatment within two or three days.

Is There any Downtime After Dental Veneers?

Generally, there is very little downtime after dental veneers, although your teeth may feel a little sensitive for a day or two after treatment.

Do Dental Veneers Need Any Special Care?

Dental veneers don’t require any special care, but you may want to avoid stain-causing food and drinks. Of course, you should keep up with good oral hygiene practices: regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.

Veneers are exceptionally strong and hard-wearing and should last you for many years – providing that you don’t do anything like trying to open bottle tops with your teeth (yes, people do actually do this), in which case you are likely to dislodge or break them.

In the rare instance that one of your veneers does fall off, you can get it fixed back on at any of our dentists.

Why Head Abroad for Dental Veneers?

These days, we’re all looking at ways to improve our appearance, with recent reports estimating that restorative dentistry will be worth more than $25 billion (£19 billion; AUD $34 billion) globally by 2025. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular as people are realizing that a nice smile goes a long way toward enhancing their facial features and all-important first impressions.

And because specialty dental treatments can be so expensive, patients are increasingly exploring options for lower-cost care in popular dental travel destinations.

What's more, getting your new veneers made and fitted doesn't require any downtime (aside from a little sensitivity), allowing you to get on with a combined dental holiday before, after or even in-between visits to the dentists while you're waiting for them to be made!

Some of the top countries found on our site for veneers include Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali and Vietnam in Asia; Hungary, Croatia, Turkey and Georgia in Europe; Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia in Central/South America, with hundreds of attractive city, coastal resort and island destinations to choose from.

How Much Can I Save on Veneers Abroad as a Dental Tourist?

The US vs Mexico:

• For a benchmark comparison, dental veneers cost, on average, $1,245 in the United States. 

• At a Mexico dentist, like the Sani Dental Group, they cost around $350.

Learn more with our Ultimate Guide to Veneers in Mexico

The UK vs Hungary:

• Likewise, if you're in the United Kingdom, a dental veneer will set you back £932 on average.

At a clinic in Hungary, like HD Dental, they start from just £270.

• Learn more with our Ultimate Guide to Veneers in Hungary

Australia vs Bali / Thailand:

• For those visiting the dentist in Australia, dental veneers cost AUD $1,623.

• At a Thailand dentist, such as the Bangkok International Dental Center, they cost £450.

• At a Bali dentist for veneers, like at the BIMC Hospital Dental Centre, they cost just AUD $500.

Learn more with our Ultimate Guide to Veneers in Thailand and Ultimate Guide to Veneers in Bali.

What About the Quality of Dental Care? Is it Reliable?

One question that comes up time and time again about dental tourism is the reliability of cross-border clinical care.

Generally speaking, dentists who look after international tourists do offer high-quality services. If they didn’t, they would soon be out of business as they simply would not get the clientele. The best clinics are contemporary, equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and adhere to recognized health and safety protocols, such as the ISO.

Why Choose Dental Departures?

Obviously, like any industry anywhere in the world, there are good and not-so-good dental providers – the key for any dental tourist is choosing a reliable one.

This is why when you book with Dental Departures, you are assured of the trustworthiness of the dentists listed on our site. We conduct our own background checks, including legal/criminal records, onsite visits, dentist qualifications and professional memberships, so you can book with complete confidence.

We aim to provide patients with a complete ‘one-stop-shop,’ providing everything you need to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you are looking for finance to get the smile you’ve always wanted, want extra dental insurance cover or advice on suitable hotels near your dentist – we’re here to help.

How to Get Started?

You can save a considerable amount by getting dental veneers abroad as a dental tourist–and if you are having several made (to completely transform that smile), that could amount to net savings of four figures.

You can book directly online or speak to our Customer Care Team to find out more about prices and locations. If you’re ready to book now, check out our range of booking methods below. 

Sources:

Evans, Seb. Restorative dentistry market worth more than £19 billion by 2025. Dentistry. 11 January 2018. https://www.dentistry.co.uk/2018/01/11/restorative-dentistry-market-worth-19-billion-2025/

Venila, V et al. Tetracycline Induced Discolouration of Deciduous Teeth. International Journal of Oral Health. 1 June 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109251/

“How do Veneers Work”? Colgate Oral Health Center. 17 November 2018. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/veneers

International Organization for Standardization. Website accessed: 12 May 20222. http://www.iso.org/iso/home.html

Don't Ask Your Dentist To Ignore Your Bottom Teeth. New Beauty. Website accessed: 12 May 20222. https://www.newbeauty.com/hottopic/blogpost/4340-dont-ask-your-dentist-to-ignore-your-bottom-teeth/

How long do composite dental veneers last? Share Care. Website accessed: 30 April 2019. https://www.sharecare.com/health/dental-veneers/how-composite-dental-veneers-last

Gotter, Ana. What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers. Healthline. 29 September 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers