TreatmentsPorcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of your teeth to correct color, shape, size, and minor alignment. Complete smile transformation in 5 to 7 days on a single trip. Top Costa Rica clinics use e.max and zirconia materials identical to high-end US cosmetic dentists.
What makes this different
e.max lithium disilicate or zirconia: same as top US cosmetic dentists
Digital smile design preview before any tooth preparation
In-house certified ceramist for real-time adjustments and shade matching
Complete smile transformation in 5 to 7 days on a single trip
Minimal tooth removal: typically 0.3 to 0.5mm of enamel only
Results lasting 15 to 20 years with proper care
No-prep or minimal-prep option available for suitable cases
Detailed pricing
| Procedure variant | Costa Rica | United States | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.max lithium disilicate veneer (per tooth)Most natural look | $450 | $1,800 | 75% less |
| Zirconia veneer (per tooth) | $500 | $2,000 | 75% less |
| 6 veneers package (e.max) | $2,600 | $10,800 | 76% less |
| 8 veneers package (e.max)Most popular | $3,400 | $14,400 | 76% less |
| 10 veneers package (e.max) | $4,300 | $18,000 | 76% less |
| 16 veneers upper + lower (e.max) | $6,800 | $28,800 | 76% less |
| Composite bonding (per tooth)No prep, reversible | $150 | $500 | 70% less |
Starting prices from verified clinics. Final cost depends on case complexity and materials. All clinics provide a written itemized quote before treatment begins.
Eligibility
Good candidates
Patients with healthy teeth wanting to change color, shape, or size
Patients with chips, cracks, or worn edges on front teeth
Patients with tetracycline staining or fluorosis resistant to whitening
Patients with slightly uneven spacing or minor crowding
Patients wanting a complete smile transformation without orthodontics
May not be ideal
Severe grinders who refuse to use a night guard after treatment
Patients with very little remaining enamel as bonding surface
Patients with active gum disease or untreated decay
Patients expecting veneers to correct severe bite misalignment
The process
Digital smile design consultation
Day 1Digital photos analyzed with smile design software. Facial proportions, lip movement, and gum line considered. Preview approved before any preparation begins.
Tooth preparation and temporaries
Day 2Thin layer of enamel (0.3 to 0.5mm) removed under local anesthesia. Temporary veneers placed immediately to protect teeth and preview shape.
Lab fabrication by certified ceramist
Day 2-4Digital impressions sent to in-house ceramist who hand-layers e.max to approved design. Individual color characterization for natural translucency. 2 to 3 days with in-house lab.
Try-in, bonding, and finishing
Day 4-5Each veneer tried without adhesive. You inspect under natural and dental lighting and can request adjustments. After approval, bonded with dental-grade composite resin and UV cured.
What is included
Typically included
Digital smile design consultation and preview
Clinical examination and bite assessment
Tooth preparation under local anesthesia
Digital intraoral impressions
Temporary veneers during fabrication
Lab fabrication by in-house certified ceramist
Try-in appointment for color and shape approval
Final bonding, bite adjustment, and polishing
Ask about separately
Teeth whitening before preparation: recommended, book first
Night guard if you grind: strongly recommended after veneers
Treatment of decay or gum disease before veneers can proceed
After you return home
Avoid staining beverages for first 48 hours after bonding
Use non-abrasive toothpaste: avoid whitening pastes that scratch porcelain
Wear a night guard if you grind: primary cause of veneer fracture
Avoid biting directly into very hard foods like ice or hard candy
Professional cleaning every 6 months to maintain gloss and margin health
Traveling from
From New York
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From Los Angeles
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From Miami
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From Chicago
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Get matched
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FAQ
Most patients choose 8 to 10 veneers covering the upper front teeth that show when smiling. Six works for a narrower smile. Ten to 12 is common for a wide smile. Your dentist recommends based on your smile line.
At verified top clinics, yes. The same e.max and zirconia materials are used. Quality depends on the ceramist, not the country. Verified clinics have certified in-house ceramists producing results identical to high-end US cosmetic dentistry.
Traditional veneers require removing 0.3 to 0.7mm of enamel permanently. No-prep or minimal-prep veneers are available for suitable cases. Your dentist assesses candidacy during consultation.
e.max and zirconia veneers last 15 to 20 years with proper care. Main risks for early replacement are grinding, trauma, and decay at the margin.
Yes, and this is the recommended sequence. Whiten first, allow 2 weeks for color to stabilize, then have veneers fabricated to match. Veneers do not respond to whitening once placed.
Porcelain veneers are lab-fabricated ceramic shells lasting 15 to 20 years. Composite bonding is applied directly in the chair and lasts 5 to 8 years. Bonding is reversible and requires no tooth preparation.
Veneers can improve the appearance of mildly uneven teeth. They cannot correct significant bite misalignment. For moderate crowding, orthodontic treatment first produces the most stable result.
8 e.max veneers cost $3,400 in Costa Rica. The same at a quality US cosmetic dentist costs $14,000 to $20,000. A New York patient adding $600 flights and $700 hotel spends roughly $4,700 all-in, saving $9,000 to $15,000.