Dental Veneers in Burnaby: Cost, Process, and What to Expect
Veneers are one of the most transformative things cosmetic dentistry can do for a smile and one of the most misunderstood. Patients often come in with questions like "Are veneers permanent?", "Will they look fake?", and "Do I even qualify?" This guide answers all of it, clearly and honestly, so you can decide whether veneers are right for you.
What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a thin shell, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers change the colour, shape, size, or length of teeth, and they're custom-made to match your natural teeth or achieve the look you want.
They are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments worldwide because the results are dramatic, long-lasting, and look completely natural when done well.
What Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are used to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns:
Discolouration that doesn't respond to whitening—tetracycline stains, deep internal staining, or teeth that are naturally dark or grey
Chips and cracks — minor structural damage that affects appearance
Worn teeth — teeth that have shortened over time due to grinding or acid erosion
Gaps between teeth — small spaces that affect the uniformity of a smile
Misshapen teeth — teeth that are uneven, too small, or irregularly formed
Slight crowding or misalignment — where the issue is cosmetic rather than functional (for significant alignment concerns, Invisalign may be more appropriate)
Veneers do not fix deep bite problems, major structural damage, or decay. These need to be addressed before any cosmetic work begins.
Types of Veneers Available in Burnaby
Porcelain veneers The gold standard of cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers are custom-fabricated in a dental lab from high-quality ceramic material. They are strong, stain-resistant, and mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel — which is why well-made porcelain veneers look completely real.
Porcelain veneers typically require two appointments: one to prepare the teeth and take impressions, and a second to place the finished veneers.
Composite resin veneers Composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth in a single appointment, sculpted by hand. They cost less than porcelain but are less durable and more susceptible to staining over time. They're a good option for minor corrections or as a temporary solution.
No-prep / minimal-prep veneers Some veneer systems (such as Lumineers) require little to no removal of existing tooth structure. These are suitable for specific cases — your dentist at Gentle Dental Burnaby will advise whether you're a candidate based on your individual tooth structure and the result you're looking for.
How Much Do Veneers Cost in Burnaby?
Veneer costs in Burnaby typically range as follows:
Type | Cost Per Tooth (Approx.) |
Composite resin veneers | $300 – $700 |
Porcelain veneers | $900 – $2,000 |
Minimal-prep veneers | $1,000 – $2,200 |
The total cost depends on the number of teeth being treated, the complexity of your case, and the material used. Most patients treat between 4 and 8 front teeth for a full smile transformation.
Are veneers covered by dental insurance in Canada? No. Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure and are not covered by standard dental insurance plans or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). However, if a veneer is recommended for a tooth that has been chipped or structurally compromised, partial coverage may apply — your dentist can submit a pre-authorization to your insurer.
Financing options Many patients choose to finance veneers through payment plans. Ask our team at Gentle Dental Burnaby about financing options available to you.
The Veneer Process at Gentle Dental Burnaby
Step 1: Consultation Your first appointment is a consultation with Dr. Azimi. We'll review your goals, assess your teeth, and discuss whether veneers are the right solution — or whether another treatment (whitening, bonding, Invisalign) might better serve your needs. No commitment required at this stage.
Step 2: Planning and shade selection If you proceed, we'll discuss the shape, length, and colour of your veneers. Digital imaging can help you visualize results. We also take impressions or digital scans of your teeth.
Step 3: Tooth preparation For traditional porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth — typically less than 0.5mm — to create space for the veneer. Local anaesthetic is used. Temporary veneers are placed while your permanent ones are fabricated in a dental lab (usually 2 weeks).
Step 4: Placement At your second appointment, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent ones are tried in for fit, colour, and bite. Adjustments are made as needed. Once you're happy with the result, they're permanently bonded to your teeth.
Step 5: Final check A short follow-up appointment ensures the veneers are comfortable and your bite is well-adjusted.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers: 10–20 years with proper care
Composite veneers: 5–7 years before they may need touch-ups or replacement
Veneers last longest when you:
Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Maintain regular dental cleanings and check-ups
Avoid staining habits (veneers resist staining well, but the bonding edges can pick up colour over time)
Are Veneers Permanent?
This is one of the most common questions — and the honest answer is: partially.
Because tooth preparation removes a thin layer of enamel, that tooth will always need some form of coverage going forward. In that sense, veneers are a long-term commitment. However, when veneers eventually wear or chip (after 10–20 years), they can be replaced with new ones.
Patients who choose minimal-prep veneers preserve more natural tooth structure and have more flexibility going forward.
Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?
You may be a strong candidate if:
Your teeth are healthy (no active decay or gum disease)
You're looking to change the colour, shape, or size of front teeth
Teeth whitening hasn't achieved the result you want
You don't grind your teeth severely (or you're willing to wear a night guard)
Veneers may not be recommended if you:
Have significant decay or gum disease that needs treatment first
Clench or grind severely without a night guard
Have very little existing enamel
Need functional correction (bite issues, severe crowding) rather than cosmetic improvement
The best way to know if you're a candidate is a consultation — there's no commitment, no pressure, and no cost to find out.
Veneers vs. Other Cosmetic Options
Veneers | Teeth Whitening | Dental Bonding | Invisalign | |
Changes colour | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Changes shape/size | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (minor) | ❌ |
Fixes alignment | Minor only | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Durability | 10–20 years | 1–2 years | 5–7 years | Permanent |
Cost | $$$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Reversible | Partial | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions About Veneers in Burnaby
Do veneers look fake? Not when they're done well. High-quality porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the translucency and texture of natural enamel. The result looks like very good teeth — not artificial ones. The key is working with a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry and spending time on shade and shape selection.
Do veneers hurt? The preparation appointment involves local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Some sensitivity is normal for a few days after preparation, especially to cold. The placement appointment is typically comfortable and quick.
Can I whiten my teeth after getting veneers? Whitening products don't affect porcelain veneers. If you're considering whitening, do it before getting veneers — your dentist will then match the veneer shade to your whitened teeth.
What happens if a veneer chips or breaks? Porcelain veneers are strong but can chip under significant force. A chipped veneer can sometimes be repaired with composite resin; in other cases it needs to be replaced. Contact Gentle Dental Burnaby as soon as possible if a veneer is damaged.
How do I care for veneers? The same as natural teeth — brush twice daily, floss, and come in for regular cleanings. Avoid biting very hard foods directly with veneered teeth. If you grind at night, wear a night guard.
How long does the full veneer process take? From consultation to final placement, the typical timeline is 3–5 weeks. This includes the consultation, preparation appointment, lab fabrication time (1–2 weeks), and placement appointment.
Can I get veneers on just one tooth? Yes. Single-tooth veneers are common — for example, after a chip or fracture. Colour matching is done carefully to blend with adjacent teeth.
What's the difference between a veneer and a crown? A crown covers the entire tooth; a veneer covers only the front surface. Crowns are used when more structural support is needed (significant decay, cracked tooth, after a root canal). Veneers are used for cosmetic improvement of structurally healthy teeth.
Book a Veneer Consultation at Gentle Dental Burnaby
If you've been thinking about changing your smile, a consultation is the best next step. Dr. Azimi will assess your teeth, walk you through your options, and give you a clear picture of what's possible — with no pressure and no commitment.
📍 111-4980 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4K7 (near Metrotown) 📞 (604) 434-3020 🔗 Book a free consultation: burnabygentledental.com ⭐ 450+ Five-Star Google Reviews
Fall is a great time to start your smile transformation — so it's ready for the holiday season.
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