Considering veneers? An expert dentist shares what to expect, from types and costs to the full process, care tips, and alternatives.
“Wow, those teeth are WHITE.” The words just slipped out of my mouth while I was watching Love Island. Is it really possible to have perfectly straight, white teeth naturally? Well, it is—but in this case, I was watching someone fall in love on a dating show with perfectly white, fake teeth.
The idea of having perfectly made teeth sent me down a rabbit hole—I didn’t even notice I’d been reading about veneers for over ten minutes. Apparently, man-made pearly whites are now common—more and more people are getting them.
I watched countless videos of people going to Turkey to get a new set of teeth—let’s just say, it didn’t end well for most of them. In one video, a guy bit into an apple and his fake teeth fell out. I laughed at first, but then I started to worry. The internet is full of stories and cautionary anecdotes from people sharing their experiences. All these veneer mishaps made me wonder: Are veneers even worth it?
To help us explore and learn more about veneers and full smile transformations, Lifestyle Asia spoke to Dr. Esther Casipit-Tan, founder and dental director of Elevate Dental. A trusted name in modern dentistry, Dr. Esther is known for combining scientific precision with an artist’s eye—making her one of Manila’s most sought-after experts in full mouth rehabilitation, veneers, and crowns.
READ ALSO: LA Asks An Expert: Is The Perfect Tan Worth It?
Ask The Expert
After graduating from the University of the East in 2007 and earning her Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics, Dr. Esther pursued further international training to refine her craft. Her commitment to digital dentistry and patient-centered care has positioned her as a pioneer in the field—transforming smiles with both innovation and intention.
Dr. Esther leads Elevate Dental with a clear mission: to provide world-class, compassionate care that’s accessible to every patient. With state-of-the-art technology, globally trained specialists, and a reputation for excellence, Elevate Dental is redefining the local dental landscape—one confident smile at a time.
When is a person a good candidate for veneers?
Dr. Esther: Veneers offer a natural-looking, long-lasting solution for addressing cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or minor misalignments, delivering a beautifully natural yet noticeably improved smile. Individuals with healthy teeth, gums, and bone support who wish to enhance the appearance of their smile are often excellent candidates for veneers.
What type of veneers do you recommend and why?
Dr. Esther: Porcelain veneers are the gold standard for cosmetic enhancement. They closely mimic the translucency and luster of natural teeth, making them ideal for creating a lifelike, radiant smile. They are also highly resistant to staining, which helps maintain their beauty over time.
Zirconia veneers are an excellent option for patients seeking a highly durable and strong solution. Although they are a little thicker and slightly less translucent than porcelain veneers, recent advancements in zirconia technology have significantly improved their aesthetic quality, allowing for a more natural appearance
Composite direct veneers are another popular alternative. They are applied directly onto the teeth in a single appointment, making them a quick and cost-effective solution for minor cosmetic corrections. However, they tend to be less durable and more prone to staining over time compared to Porcelain or Zirconia veneers, which is why they may require touch-ups or replacements sooner.
The best choice depends on the individual’s dental needs, cosmetic goals, and condition of the teeth. During the consultation, we assess all these factors to recommend the most suitable option for a long-lasting and naturally beautiful result.
How long will veneers last, and how should I care for them?
Dr. Esther: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last up to 8 to 10 years, or even longer. Their longevity depends on consistent oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits. Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits for professional teeth cleaning, are essential to keeping veneers in excellent condition.
Patients are advised to avoid using their veneers to bite hard objects, limit extremely hard or sticky foods, and consider wearing a night guard if they grind their teeth while sleeping. With mindful maintenance, veneers can remain both beautiful and functional for many years, preserving the investment in a confident, radiant smile.
What will the process be like, from consultation to final fitting?
Dr. Esther: The process of getting veneers is a collaborative and carefully planned journey, typically completed over a few appointments. It begins with a comprehensive consultation, where the dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth, discusses their aesthetic goals, and determines if veneers are the best course of treatment.
Once the patient is deemed a suitable candidate, the next step is the teeth preparation phase. During this stage, a minimal amount of enamel is gently removed from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneers and allow for a seamless fit. Precise digital scan of the teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom veneers are meticulously crafted.
While waiting for the final veneers, the patient wears temporary ones, often based on a mock-up of the final design. This allows the patient to preview the expected look and feel of the permanent veneers.
When the veneers are ready, the dentist proceeds with the final fitting, checking each piece for ideal fit, color match, and natural appearance. Once both the dentist and the patient are satisfied, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth.
After the installation, the patient is scheduled for a follow-up visit to ensure that everything is functioning well and that the bite, comfort, and aesthetics meet expectations.
Will getting veneers affect the natural teeth?
Dr. Esther: Yes, but only minimally. A thin layer of enamel is gently removed to allow the veneer to fit naturally and blend harmoniously with the surrounding teeth. While this is irreversible, it does not compromise the integrity or health of the underlying tooth. The result is a beautiful, long-lasting transformation with minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure.
How does the dentist help patients set realistic expectations for the final results?
Dr. Esther: Dentists use a combination of smile design technology, diagnostic mock-ups, and honest conversations to set realistic expectations. Through detailed explanations of what veneers can and cannot achieve, as well as a review of before-and-after cases, patients gain a clear understanding of the possibilities. In some cases, temporary veneers may be provided, allowing patients to “preview” their new smile before final placement. This thoughtful, collaborative approach ensures patients feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident in their decision.
Are there alternatives to getting veneers?
Dr. Esther: Yes, there are several alternatives to veneers, depending on a patient’s specific goals and dental concerns.
For those dealing primarily with discoloration, professional teeth whitening may be a simpler and less invasive option.
Patients with alignment issues might benefit more from orthodontic treatment, such as braces or invisalign.
Meanwhile, dental crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is more damaged or weakened and requires full coverage for strength and protection.
Each of these options has its own advantages and limitations, so a comprehensive consultation is essential in determining the most suitable treatment for achieving a confident, natural-looking smile.
