“I enjoy providing porcelain veneers as a common treatment option as they provide an instantaneous change when I have a patient that has gaps, overlapping teeth, cracks, discolouration and worn teeth.” — Dr. Sam Sherif
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made ceramic shells that bond to the front surface of your teeth.
They are crafted to mimic natural enamel, offering unmatched translucency, durability, and resistance to staining.
Patients choose veneers for a variety of reasons, including:
- Discoloured or stained teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or worn enamel
- Mild misalignment or uneven edges
- Desire for a brighter, more symmetrical smile
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Minimal preparation — Dr. Sherif preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible, ensuring a conservative and comfortable procedure.
Natural-looking results — veneers are individually designed to match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and translucency.
Durable and long-lasting — when properly cared for, veneers can last 10–15 years or more.
Immediate smile transformation — veneers deliver a dramatic improvement in just a few appointments.
The Veneer Treatment Process
Consultation and smile analysis — an in-depth examination, digital scans, photos, and a discussion of your goals. For those seeking a wider plan for the smile, this can be combined with a broader smile makeover plan.
Digital smile design — advanced digital technology is used to preview your new smile before any work begins, ensuring predictable and personalised results.
Tooth preparation and temporary veneers — a very small amount of enamel is shaped to ensure the perfect fit. Temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth and help you “test” your new smile.
Veneer placement — once the final veneers are crafted, they are bonded using high-strength adhesives for secure and beautiful results.
From Dr. Sam Sherif
“Porcelain veneers do not change colour and when properly looked after last for years or even decades. It is also minimally invasive as I strive to be as conservative as is clinically possible to meet my patient’s goals. Veneers only cover the front or visible surface of your teeth so leave the back and sides untouched. On average even with the minimal preparation veneers only ½ mm of tooth surface is altered and with Lumineers the teeth are un prepped. It is not a painful procedure but sedation is available for nervous patients.”
Porcelain Veneers vs. Alternative Treatments
While porcelain veneers are ideal for transforming the shape and colour of teeth, some patients may benefit from other treatments depending on their goals.
For tooth alignment, Invisalign® may be recommended before veneers to achieve the best results.
Minor reshaping or contour improvements may be addressed with gentle contouring as a minimally invasive alternative.
During your consultation, Dr. Sherif will help you determine the best approach for your smile.
Are You a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Want a quick and long-lasting solution
- Are unhappy with your smile due to chips, stains, gaps, or misaligned teeth
- Prefer a durable alternative to bonding
If you grind your teeth or have underlying dental issues, Dr. Sherif will address these first to ensure long-term veneer success.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
With proper oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and avoiding habits such as nail biting or opening packages with your teeth, porcelain veneers can last well over a decade.
