A veneer is a thin facing on the front surface of a tooth that corrects its shape, colour and position. Composite costs 35,000 AMD, a ceramic facing 80,000. One thing to know up front: a veneer is an irreversible decision — the tooth is ground down.
A veneer is a thin shell covering only the front surface of a tooth, rather like a false nail. It does not treat the tooth — it changes how it looks. That makes a veneer fundamentally different from a filling (which restores what is damaged) and from a crown (which covers the whole tooth and protects it).
And here is the part that often goes unmentioned: the tooth is ground down for a veneer. For a ceramic veneer, 0.3-0.7 mm of enamel is removed. Enamel does not grow back. So fitting a veneer once means doing it permanently: when it wears out a new one must go on, because the tooth can no longer be left without one.
That is not a bad thing — it just needs to be known before the decision, not after.
If the problem is only the colour, look at whitening first (70,000 ֏) — it is reversible and the tooth is not ground down. Move to a veneer if whitening does not help or the shape needs changing too.
Both are called veneers, but they are different procedures with different lifespans and prices.
| Criterion | Composite | Ceramic (facing) | Price (per tooth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is made | The dentist sculpts it directly in the mouth | Made in a laboratory from an impression | — |
| Number of visits | 1 visit | 2 visits (impression, then bonding) | — |
| Tooth preparation | Minimal or none | 0.3-0.7 mm of enamel | — |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years | 10-15 years | — |
| Staining over time | Yes — from coffee and tea | No — ceramic does not absorb | — |
| Price | 35,000 ֏ | 80,000 ֏ | 80,000 ֏ (≈ $220) |
Composite is a good choice when you want to try it or the budget is limited: it is cheaper and needs almost no preparation. Ceramic is the long-term solution — dearer, but over 10-15 years it works out cheaper.
Two visits, 1-2 weeks apart. Composite takes one visit.
We discuss the result you want. Shape, size and shade are chosen. The bite and the state of the enamel are checked — a veneer cannot be fitted without that.
Decay is treated and tartar removed. If whitening is planned, it is done before the veneer — a veneer's colour cannot be changed later.
0.3-0.7 mm of enamel is removed, matching the thickness of the veneer so the tooth does not end up bulky. Done under local anaesthesia.
An impression is taken and the order goes to the laboratory. Meanwhile you wear temporary veneers — your teeth are not left bare.
At the next visit the veneers are tried in and the colour and shape checked. They are then bonded with a special cement and light-cured.
We confirm the veneers do not interfere with chewing. With bruxism a night guard is made (15,000 ֏).
A veneer cannot decay — but the tooth under and beside it can.
Brush twice a day and floss. The edge of the veneer is exactly where decay starts.
Nuts, ice, a whole hard apple, opening anything with your teeth. Ceramic is strong but brittle.
Essential if you grind your teeth. Without one the veneers will chip within a year.
For a ceramic veneer, yes — 0.3-0.7 mm. Without it the veneer would make the tooth look bulky and unnatural. For a composite veneer the preparation is minimal or nothing at all, which is its main advantage.
The preparation is done under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain. Sensitivity to cold is possible for a few days afterwards, especially before the permanent veneers are bonded.
Not with a well-chosen shape and shade. The artificial look comes from an over-white colour and the same shape for everyone. We match the shade to your face and age.
It depends on how many teeth show when you smile — usually 6-10 on the upper jaw. Doing just one or two is difficult because of matching the colour to the neighbours.
A ceramic veneer cannot be repaired — it is replaced. A composite one can be repaired in the chair.
We accept payment by card only, in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia.
The consultation is free. The result you want can often be achieved more cheaply and without grinding the tooth. We will go through every option honestly.
