Porcelain veneers
Veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth. With minimal-preparation veneers, only a very small amount of enamel is removed, sometimes none, while still achieving a significant change.
Overview
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of E-max or Empress ceramic bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve colour, shape and symmetry. At Rubi Smile, the minimal-preparation veneer process usually takes four to six days: planning, very light preparation, a try-in and final bonding.
- Typical duration
- 4–6 days
- Materials
- E-max, Empress
- Preparation
- Minimal, sometimes none
- Improves
- Colour, shape, small gaps
Veneers can help with discolouration, small gaps, slight crowding or misalignment, and worn or chipped edges. The ceramics we use are strong, thin and have a natural shine similar to enamel.
We design veneers to match your face, lips and gums, aiming for a healthy, natural smile rather than an artificial look.
Is it right for you?
Often suitable when
- Teeth are discoloured and whitening is not enough
- Small gaps, worn or chipped edges
- Slight crowding or minor misalignment
- Teeth and gums are healthy
How the treatment works
After planning, the teeth are prepared very lightly, the veneers are made, tried in and adjusted, then bonded to the teeth with a strong adhesive. Your bite and comfort are checked at the end.
Assessment and planning
We check your teeth and discuss your expectations, then plan the shape, colour and style of your new smile together. You see the proposed result before any preparation.
Treatment stages
Consultation and planning
Examination and agreement on shape, colour and style.
Light preparation
A very small amount of enamel is removed where needed.
Try-in
Veneers are tried and small adjustments made.
Bonding
Final veneers are bonded and your bite and comfort are checked.
Materials and techniques
We use high-quality ceramics such as E-max and Empress: strong, thin and with a natural, enamel-like shine.
Recovery and aftercare
There is no surgical recovery. Teeth may feel sensitive for a few days and the new shape can take a little getting used to.
Risks and limitations
- Enamel removal, however minimal, is usually irreversible
- Veneers can chip or debond, especially with grinding
- Veneers do not change colour with whitening
- Temporary sensitivity
Longevity and maintenance
With good care and regular check-ups, veneers can stay beautiful for many years. A night guard may be recommended if you grind your teeth.
What affects the cost
- Number of veneers
- Material
- Whether whitening or gum contouring is included
- Any general treatment needed first
We do not publish fixed prices because every plan is different. After reviewing your X-rays or scans, we send a written, itemised quote.
Compared with alternatives
| Option | Tooth preparation | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain veneers | Minimal | Long-lasting | Colour, shape and symmetry |
| Composite bonding | Little or none | Shorter | Small corrections |
| Crowns | More extensive | Long-lasting | Weakened teeth |
If you are travelling to us
The process usually takes four to six days, so one trip is typically enough. Plan a quieter final day for any last adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
How long do veneers take?
Minimal-preparation veneers usually take four to six days at the clinic.
Do I need my teeth shaved down?
Minimal-preparation veneers remove only a very small amount of enamel, and in some cases none. We will explain what your teeth need.
Will veneers look natural?
That is our aim. We design them around your face, lips and gums and agree the look with you.
Written by the Rubi Smile patient team to explain treatment options in plain language. Clinical review by a Rubi Smile dentist is scheduled before publication. Pending clinical review
Related treatments
Composite Bonding
Tooth-coloured resin sculpted by hand to fix chips, small gaps and uneven edges, often in one visit.
Smile Makeover
A personalised combination of treatments to change the colour, shape and balance of your smile.
Dental Crowns
A custom cap that restores the shape, strength and appearance of a damaged tooth.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
Send us your questions and, if you have them, recent X-rays or photos. A dentist reviews your case and our coordinators explain the options, the likely timeline and the cost before you plan any travel.