What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells — typically 0.3–0.7mm thick — that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They can change the colour, shape, size, or length of teeth, and are one of the most transformative cosmetic dentistry procedures available.
At House of Aesthetics, veneers are among our most requested dental treatments — particularly for patients looking to correct discolouration that does not respond to whitening, chips and fractures, minor misalignment, or teeth that are naturally short or irregularly shaped.
Composite vs Porcelain Veneers: What Is the Difference?
This is the first decision in every veneer consultation, and it has significant implications for cost, longevity, and aesthetics:
Composite Veneers
Made from the same tooth-coloured resin used in dental fillings, composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth surface and sculpted by the dentist in a single appointment. They are:
- Less expensive (PKR 8,000–18,000 per tooth at most clinics)
- Completed in one visit — no lab required
- Reversible — minimal to no tooth reduction required
- Repairable if chipped
- Lifespan: 5–7 years with good care
- More prone to staining over time, particularly with tea, coffee, and paan
Porcelain Veneers
Custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory from a ceramic material that closely mimics the translucency of natural enamel, porcelain veneers are the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry. They are:
- More expensive (PKR 25,000–60,000+ per tooth depending on clinic and material)
- Require 2–3 visits (consultation, preparation + temporaries, bonding)
- Require some irreversible enamel reduction (typically 0.3–0.5mm)
- Exceptionally natural-looking — the ceramic reflects light like real enamel
- Highly stain-resistant
- Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care
- Cannot be repaired if chipped — replacement is required
The Full Veneer Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Consultation and Smile Design
Your first appointment with Dr. Sumbal Sahar is a detailed consultation where we take digital photographs and X-rays, assess your bite, discuss your aesthetic goals, and show you computer-aided smile design mockups. This appointment answers the fundamental question: are veneers actually the right solution for your specific concerns? In some cases, teeth whitening or clear aligners may achieve your goals at lower cost.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation (Porcelain only)
For porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to create space for the veneer. This is performed under local anaesthesia — you will not feel any discomfort. Precise impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken and sent to the dental laboratory. Temporary veneers are placed to protect your prepared teeth while the permanent ones are fabricated (typically 7–14 working days).
Step 3: Fitting and Bonding
When your porcelain veneers return from the lab, Dr. Sumbal checks the fit, shape, and colour with you before permanently bonding them. You will have an opportunity to review and request minor adjustments at this stage. The final bonding uses a dual-cure dental cement that creates a very strong bond to the tooth surface.
How Many Visits Does the Veneer Process Take?
- Composite veneers: 1 visit (2–4 hours depending on number of teeth)
- Porcelain veneers: 2–3 visits over 2–3 weeks (consultation, preparation and temporaries, final bonding)
Cost of Dental Veneers in Pakistan (2026)
Veneer pricing in Pakistan varies significantly based on material, clinic credentials, and location. Here is an honest overview:
- Composite veneers: PKR 8,000–18,000 per tooth
- Porcelain veneers (Emax / Zirconia): PKR 25,000–60,000+ per tooth
- Full smile makeover (8–10 teeth): PKR 200,000–500,000+ for porcelain
At House of Aesthetics, our veneer pricing is competitive for a medically-supervised, cosmetically-certified practice in DHA Phase 6. All our dental work is performed by BDS-qualified dentists with cosmetic dentistry certification — not dental technicians or untrained operators. Book a consultation to receive an accurate quote for your specific smile goals.
Longevity: How Long Do Veneers Last in Pakistan's Climate?
Pakistan's climate does not significantly affect veneer longevity — the greater factors are diet, oral hygiene, and the quality of the dental bonding. Composite veneers last 5–7 years; porcelain veneers last 10–15 years. Factors that shorten lifespan include:
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism) — a nightguard is essential
- Biting nails or hard objects
- Paan, betel nut, or tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene leading to gum recession
Veneer Care Instructions
Caring for veneers is straightforward and closely mirrors normal dental hygiene:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss daily — gum disease is the primary threat to veneer longevity
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Avoid biting hard foods (ice, bones) directly with veneered teeth
- Attend 6-monthly dental check-ups — veneers should be assessed at each visit
- For composite veneers: avoid coffee, tea, and red wine immediately after application as the resin is most permeable in the first 48 hours
To see real veneer transformations, visit our before and after gallery. To book a consultation with Dr. Sumbal Sahar, contact us via WhatsApp at +92 321 038 1112 or visit our DHA Phase 6 clinic. You can also explore our full dental services and pricing page.