Dental Veneers
Cape Town

A New, Improved Smile Is Within Reach.

Transform Your Smile with Dental Veneers.

Veneers are a way for cosmetic dentists to drastically improve the appearance of your smile, particularly if your teeth have endured extensive damage or are irregularly shaped. Fitting veneers is one of the services we offer at OptiSmile as part of our vast range of advanced dental treatments. We also offer composite veneers.

We aim to preserve as much of your natural smile and provide an improved smile using the highest quality materials and the latest technology. For example, we employ advanced Digital Smile Design technology to ensure our patients receive the best idea of their new smile before we embark on any extensive dental alterations.

Cosmetic dentistry veneers are intended to help patients with teeth that are severely misshapen, damaged, or discoloured. They are custom-made shells meant to cover the tooth’s front surface. They are intended to look as natural as possible when used correctly.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin. Resin veneers require having less of the actual tooth removed as part of the placement, but which choice will depend on the state of your teeth and your desired outcome.

At OptiSmile, we need to work with our patients and use proven systems to build the best smile for them. If you are unsure about your options, come for a first consultation. You will be surprised at the great technologies available to help restore or even improve your smile.

You’re A Good Candidate For Dental Veneers If:

Darkened, stained, and discoloured teeth

Darkened, stained, and discoloured teeth (due to antibiotics, teeth age, etc.) Thanks to the fantastic properties of the veneer materials, veneers can be constructed so they completely mask the discolouration of teeth. And where one has only a few discoloured teeth, veneers can be used to blend the bad teeth to the colour of their healthier neighbours.

Diastemas (gaps) between teeth in your smile line

Some individuals have irregular gaps between teeth, making their smiles unsightly. With veneers, dental specialists can fill those gaps to make the teeth look completely naturally spaced.

Oddly shaped lateral incisors (peg laterals)

Teeth that have irregular shapes, are crooked or are improperly positioned can be masked with the help of veneers. The result is an amazingly even set of teeth that look perfectly shaped and aligned with the rest of the teeth.

Malformed teeth

In other cases, veneers can serve as a better alternative for patients who may be considering dental crowns because they last a long time and are cheaper and painless (compared to other dental procedures) to install.

You’re An Unsuitable Candidate For Dental Veneers If:

Veneers may not always be the best solution for everyone and may not be recommended in instances of:

Insufficient tooth structure (Not enough enamel for bonding. Veneers are only successful in the long term if their tooth preparations are into the enamel as the strength of the bond at the tooth-veneer interface is more robust than it would be to the underlying dentine)
Teeth angled too far topically (towards your lips)
Large Diastemas (significant gaps)
Poor Oral hygiene
Severely misaligned teeth
Parafunctional habits (clenching/grinding)

However, OptiSmile offers several solutions, so if veneers are not an option, there are likely to be better alternatives.

What Is the Process with Dental Veneers?

It is straightforward. Book an initial consultation to assess your teeth’ condition and see whether veneers are the best option.

Consultation

As part of our consultation process, we will do an oral examination, x-rays (if required), take photos of your mouth and then take a digital 3D scan.

Digital Smile Design

This is then sent over the cloud to a highly skilled artist and digital dental laboratory technician, where a digital smile design and virtual wax-up are created.

This process is known as Digital Smile Design, and it allows patients to get an idea of what they are likely to expect before we embark on any work on the teeth themselves.

Restore Your Smile Today

Dental Veneers Cape Town

Favourite Composite Dental Veneers

Injection Moulded Composite Bonding

A technician digitally designs tooth shape and anatomy, which is accurately transferred to the teeth using moulds formed around the design and injecting a flowable ceramic composite material into the mould to fill up the space between the teeth and the new design. This allows for a perfectly accurate plan of the tooth shape and the bite and guided movement of the teeth together, helping the teeth function together and preventing chipping or breaking of the composite material.

There is no removal of healthy tooth structure, but old fillings would need to be removed to ensure the best bond directly to the tooth. It does not cover the entire tooth surface. Therefore, it blends into the tooth’s colour. This means that sometimes it is better to have whitening done before to ensure a good colour match. The composite material cannot be whitened later. Therefore, it is best to get to a colour you are happy with before starting with the bonding.

Injection moulded composite bonding (composite veneers) is used to replace larger fractured or worn-away tooth structures or change the shape of a tooth more than composite fillings. It is commonly used for younger patients and those who do not wish to remove healthy tooth structures, as is required in the case of porcelain veneers.

The composite material can discolour, chip or leak with time – the material we use is highly polishable and, therefore does not discolour as quickly as other materials. Patients who grind their teeth need constant night protection regarding a bite plate or occlusal guard as they will chip or break unless they use one. Any breakage can be repaired by adding composite material and using the designed models to improve as close to the original. Injection moulded composite bonding can be replaced later with new injection moulded veneers, ceramic veneers, or crowns. It is doubtful that you will ever want a crown after having a conservative composite veneer.

Composite veneers can be done in one appointment (depending on the number of teeth- 6 to 8 teeth takes 3 hours)
Allow one week for planning and designing, printing models, and manufacturing the crystal-clear injection moulds.
The cost of veneers varies depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. Composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain, with prices starting at R6200, while E-Max porcelain veneers are priced at R16,800 per tooth. It’s important to remember that dental insurance rarely covers cosmetic procedures like veneers.

What are older, more traditional Porcelain and Ceramic Veneers?

A veneer is a thin ceramic shell that fits over a damaged, misshapen, or discoloured tooth. The process involves two visits to your cosmetic dentist over approximately two weeks.

The Process For Porcelain & Ceramic Veneers

1. Preparation

On the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth by drilling your natural tooth enamel quite thin to make space for the new Veneer to be glued to the front of the tooth. A mould or digital scan of your teeth will be taken. A dental laboratory will manufacture the new veneers according to the smile design. The best ceramic for veneers is called E-Max. If used correctly, this lithium-disilicate class is the only one guaranteed against breakage for ten years. If you get cheap veneers, they will be an inferior material to an original E-Max.

We will make you temporary veneers from the smile design. This will give you an idea of what the lab will be making. Be aware that they are not a very good indication of the translucency of the final ceramic, and the polish will not be as natural.

You will need to wear temporary veneers for one to two weeks. These are very brittle and can break easily unless you are very careful. Temporary veneers are not required for the injection moulded composite technique.

2. Bonding

On the second visit, we remove your temporary veneers, and your new veneer will be bonded to what is left of the natural tooth. You will require injections.
Before veneers are cemented to your natural teeth, the veneers will be placed over the tooth to ensure it is a good fit in terms of size and colour.

The veneers, at this stage, can still be trimmed, coloured, or reshaped as needed.
The teeth are cleaned and then placed onto the tooth with special cement. Once the tooth is in a perfect position, the adhesive is exposed to a special light beam that causes the glue to harden, locking the veneer securely. The final step involves the removal of any excess adhesive between the teeth.

In cases where the veneer is not bonded to enamel because of excessive drilling on teeth that were a bit skew and did not have alignment first, or recession, or other reasons, the veneer will not bond very well. A veneer bonded to dentine and not enamel has a shorter lifespan, will stain at the edges faster, and break or dislodge frequently.

Cost of veneers in Cape Town for Porcelain & Composite bonded veneers

The price of dental veneers can differ depending on several factors that affect the cost. This includes the material you choose and the location of the tooth receiving the veneer. Composite Bonded veneers are a more affordable option than regular porcelain veneers. Also, a front tooth would cost more than a tooth at the less visible back.

The average cost of dental veneers is R6200 to R16800 per tooth. The final price will depend on the number of veneers you need and the type of veneer material chosen. Dental insurance rarely covers cosmetic procedures like veneers.

Avoid Cheap Veneers!

When it comes to dental treatment, cutting corners and opting for a cheaper choice can cost you more in the long run.

Choosing Cheap Veneers Can Lead to Issues Such As:

It is always better to choose a high-quality, reliable solution for your dental treatment rather than treatment based solely on the price. Cheap veneers can often lead to costly maintenance, ongoing dentist visits, and the embarrassment of appearing more noticeable and less natural.

Looking after your veneers

Whether you have ceramic or composite resin veneers, taking proper care of them is essential.

Oral hygiene for dental veneers

You should brush and floss your veneers like your regular teeth. Brushing and using fluoride toothpaste every day will help keep them looking good.

Foods to avoid with dental veneers

When you eat hard foods, like raw carrots or ice, it is best to first chop them up into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to eat them without hurting your teeth.

Dental check-ups

It is essential to have regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Check-ups will help remove plaque that your toothbrush cannot get rid of.

Remember that you will need to replace your veneers at some point, no matter how well you take care of them. However, taking diligent care of your teeth and going to the dentist regularly will help them last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are extremely thin pieces of porcelain bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They are an increasingly popular option for people who want to make minor adjustments to the look of their smile. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, including gaps between teeth, chips, and stains. They are also a good option for people who have misshapen or slightly crooked teeth. While dental veneers are typically made from porcelain, they can also be made from composite resin. Before choosing dental veneers, it is essential to consult with a qualified dentist to discuss whether they are the right option for you.

Explore further: What are dental veneers

Are dental veneers permanent?

Veneers are considered to be a permanent dental procedure because they are bonded to your natural teeth. However, it is important to note that veneers can become damaged or stained over time, and they may need to be replaced at some point in the future. Nevertheless, dental veneers offer a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile.

Dental veneers before and after - what to expect?

After getting dental veneers, you can expect a significant improvement in the appearance of your teeth. Your teeth will look whiter, more evenly shaped, and free from imperfections such as chips, gaps, or stains. The veneers are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers, particularly E-Max veneers, made from a lithium-disilicate class ceramic, are highly durable and come with a 10-year guarantee against breakage if used correctly. However, cheaper veneers made from inferior materials may not last as long and are more prone to damage. To maximise the lifespan of your veneers, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid habits that could cause damage, such as biting on hard objects.

Is it possible to go back to normal teeth after getting E-Max veneers?

No, veneers are an irreversible procedure. Although the techniques can be conservative, the tooth cannot be returned to its previous state once veneers are applied.

What Are Porcelain and Ceramic Veneers?

Porcelain veneers involve fitting a thin ceramic shell over a damaged, misshapen, or discoloured tooth. The process typically requires two visits, during which your teeth are prepared, and temporary veneers are applied. Porcelain veneers, especially those made from E-Max, offer exceptional durability and a natural appearance, with a guarantee of up to 10 years against breakage. The cost for E-Max veneers is R16,800 per tooth.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN...

CHANTELLE S.

Thank you from the bottom of our heartsFor giving Xander such a beutifull smile.Today was his matricball and he was smiling like a celebrity.

Brent B.

OptiSmile offers a professional and modern environment with exceptional service from Melany and the team. The results from the in-chair tooth whitening were fantastic, and the friendly service combined with great value for money made for a wonderful experience. Highly recommend!

Trish K.

Ruan and assistant Busi are a caring an competent team.Thank you for everything you did to restore my smile.

Gilles C.

I have a dentist phobia and always avoid it at all cost, fortunately for me Dr Keira T. was extremely helpful and gentle! I went for Teeth cleaning and whitening and the results were instant which was a very nice surprise. Very professional and I would totally recommend the place. My go to dentist from now on.

Luc R.

The best. All that needs to be said. Kindest, most professional, caring, most fun.

Nataliia K.

Great service and very professional doctors. Highly recommend!

Andreya J.

Dr. Clifford and his extended team are true masters. They lead an exceptional state of the art practice with passion and utmost dedication to their clients. I have had some extensive work done by Dr. Clifford, where he did a collaboration with my dentist from the United States, he went above and beyond to repair a very tricky situation and I could not be happier. There is no other dental practice that I would recommend with such confidence. Thank you to Dr. Clifford and everyone at Optismile for your impeccable care.

Mark N.

Would definitely recommend. Extremely helpful and professional.

Samantha M.

I have walked a long journey with Dr Cara and she has been a rockstar: kind, patient, understanding and accommodating of someone who has dental anxiety and just so thoughtful in her interactions with me and working through identifying the need for a root canal and finalising it all with an inlay/crown.I appreciate your patience Dr Cara, and the super high tech equipment you used to get me my night guard ASAP and diagnosing my TMD and sending me to a specialist physio (instead of pulling out my tooth like I was insisting on 😂) and getting me to smile at the end of a dental appointment - not my usual vibe believe me. Thanks to everyone at @optismile I’ll see you guys in 6 months for a check up ❤️ love, @sammikoalareads

Fiona M.

My invisalign experience with Optismile was amazing! Fantastic results! Best 50th birthday present to myself! 😁5 star experience from 1st appointment until my last. Professional caring staff made for a great overall experience.Dr Harris Smeyatsky is the best!

Tiphaine G.

Dr Keira is one of the best dentist I have ever had. I came in July with my partner and we had the best treatment. She is passionate, professional and really takes the time to explain you what she does and how to improve your teeth and gum. The whole team is very friendly and professional, you can also hear nice music and have a view on the ocean while you are having your appointment!I had to come back a month later for a small emergency, Dr Keira made space right away, helped me sort it out and did not let me pay. I really recommand you to go there if you are looking for Dentistry. I come from France and I can tell you this is really really a next level experience!

Katie F.

Dr Keira Tularam was excellent, very patient with me as a nervous patient, gentle and kind, I’d highly recommend her.

Sharon M.

Dr Clifford Yudelman makes going to the dentist almost fun😄 Great conversation & music throughout the session. My treatments have been pain free and Optismile offers an impressive level of in house technology. Everyone from reception to dental assistants to dentists is professional and friendly.

Sharron B.

Red carpet VIP treatment and Excellent Consultation from Beginning to End, Thank You👌

Shiraan F.

Dr Clifford is a legend. They do great work and if you are not happy Dr Clifford will assit until you are 100% happy and give them this 5 star rating.

Luke D.

Dr Harris and Dr Cara are both phenomenal. I was told by other dentists I had to have an operation to correct my underbite. With their experience and Invisalign it was quick, painless and overall a very pleasant experience. If you want the very best dental care, Optismile is the place. Thank you Dr Harris and Dr Cara! 🙂

Andre N.

Very friendly and thorough. Makes a dentist appointment very enjoyable

Neve I.

Very good!

Jade H.

The Optismile establishment as a whole is very impressive. So much care is taken to cater for the comfort of patients, from a beverage to a blanket, not forgetting the decent, genuine conversation that comes from the staff. Personally, Dr Yudelman ensured my dental emergency was handled swiftly, and to the utmost degree of efficiency, without even knowing me. I was reassured from the moment I sat in the chair.As I do not stay in The Western Cape full time, it was a concern that I might not find a professional who could understand my previous difficulties/history and thoughtfully make informed decisions for the steps to follow. He was kind and described the procedures, so I could understand what exactly would result from my appointment. No less, he helped me on very short notice, even staying after hours to ensure I received the help I needed.Thank you Dr Yudelman and Optismile for offering a service that is worth every minute and penny.

Kelly F.

I went to OptiSmile initially to get a broken tooth fixed, and find out more about Invisalign. I was experiencing jaw pain and had been told I could expect more chipping and breaking of my molars unless I addressed the root cause of crooked bottom teeth in particular. I ended up spending seven months with Louis, Harris, Clifford and their assistants, who worked out a complete dental plan for me and then repaired and straightened my teeth but also so much more. And Verona, who checked in with me at every appointment. It's the most relaxed yet professional and adept dental practice I've been to, with the latest technology and dental advancements. I no longer worry about teeth breaking and my jaw pain is gone. Louis and Clifford were also happy to work without anaesthetic when I said I'd prefer not to have it. Everyone in the practice is down to earth and friendly, and it creates a welcoming environment where you feel you're in safe hands. I'm confident now that my teeth are strong and fit for purpose for years to come. Thanks to all of you for such a comfortable and seamless experience.

Lyndon B.

OptiSmile, Dr Louis, Clifford & the amazing dental assistants saved my smile.This is the best dentist in the world in my opinion after visiting veneer specialist dental clinics around the world and having a rough 2 year journey of trying to re-correct my original veneer work which I had done in the UK, Dr Louis, Clifford and OptiSmile saved me and have changed my life especially my mental health.I came to Optismile originally just for them to stick back on my veneer which had been falling off for the last two years, I really was hopeless and Clifford offered me a treatment plan which would re-correct the full veneer work with even more veneers included and also fix my bite which I had struggled with intense pain and regular headaches with.I ended up going for it, I trusted my instincts as not only you can see how professional they are but also friendly and the clinic is very modern with the latest technology.I had a full makeover and life changing smile all within 3 months, not to mention a very reasonable price for the highest quality.Dr Louis was in charge of my treatment and he allowed me to WhatsApp him with any concerns throughout, he’s become a good friend and I am so grateful.Thank you to everyone at Optismile, everyone on reception who are friendly, the dentists who are clear professionals, the assistants who are kind and gentle and everyone who made this journey so easy for me.Best,Lyndon.

Seán H.

Excellent experience as usual! I had an overlay replaced, it was placed and fitted with machine-like precision. And the whole procedure was very comfortable. Thank you Clifford definitely the best dentist in Cape Town.

Peter M.

I had the pleasure of being treated by the world class dentists at Optismile, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Dr. Cara did a fantastic job adding bridges, and Dr. Steyn was amazing with the implants. Their expertise and professionalism truly stand out. The entire experience was seamless, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. Thanks to their excellent work, I now have a smile I'm proud of. Highly recommend these talented dentists to anyone in need of dental care!

kate L.

Dr Cara is so professional, she took me through the process step-by-step. The end result is so rewarding.

Maxine B.

Truly the best in the business. The Optismile team was always so professional and so kind. We felt welcome at every visit and their support on this journey has been incredible. Thank you SO much! 🙂

Victor C

Had an incredible experience with this clinic, from start to finish I was taken care of extremely well. The dentists are very knowledgeable and will only recommend and give you what you need. If you’re looking for a top-tier clinic, I wouldn’t look any further!

Bella B.

Best dentistry place ever. Harris Smeyatsky is an amazing orthodontist and Cara Loubscher performed a piece of art on my front teeth using composite bonding. Looks completely natural!And on top of it the entire staff is always going the extra mile. I can highly recommend Optismile!

Nastassja M.

Went to Optismile a few months ago to have my tooth fixed by Dr Shaa (which I will highly recommend) not only did he just fix my tooth but he explained in depth what exactly it is that needs to be done, he also explained every step of the way which brought me alot of comfort as my last experience by a dentist was not so pleasant.Not only did he fix a tooth but he also gave back my confidence in my smile as I had a tiny chip on my front tooth that he al fixed (which looks super natural)I flet no pain or any difficulty after my appointment, I am definitely going back to optismile to Dr Shaa.

Christopher B.

Very professional, warm and accommodating. I would recommend to anyone

Sharene Van V.

This might be a longer read than the usual review but this is the one that should matter most. Where to start... years and years of hiding my smile behind my hands or my hair (23 years)...and then we got a job on a remote island in Fiji half way around the world. Being in the hospitality industry and engaging with so many guests just made that a bit more of an issue. So when we got the job i said i will only take it if after the first year I can fix my teeth. So i googled and thanks to my miss spelling Optismile popped up. Due to the time difference between SA and Fiji we struggled to find a time that would work...and this is where it started. Dr Clifford moved things and made a time to do a video call interview and from the moment speaking to him I knew this was where I wanted to have my teeth done...but then the time we had available in SA was extremely short for the preparation leading up to my new vaneers but even that would not stop Dr Clifford from giving me a new outlook and a new smile. We flew half way around the world...drove from Yzerfontein to Seapoint for each of my appointments and the day before returning to Fiji I had my beautiful new pearlies...and some extra goodies to ensure that I am able to keep them pearly till our next return. In the chair his assistant was amazing knowing with each movement of my tongue where I needed suction and Dr Clifford was just the most caring soft handed Dentist ever. I am truly grateful to him and his team and there is only 1 choice to make if you need dentistry and that is Optismile. Nothing was impossible for Dr Clifford. Thank you for giving me a new smile I am finally whole.

Brandon K.

Fantastic rooms, amazing dentist and dental assitant, world class service. 11 out of 10 💫

Caroline G.

I started treatment here with the best mouth survey I’ve ever had with Cara using the latest high tech equipment and was given a clear dental plan.I was personally very encouraged with the health summary for my gums and teeth as I’m 61 and as an adolescent in the 70’s had 4 double teeth pulled and the whole UK train tracks of amalgam in most double teeth by the end of my teens, several ‘on trend’ root canals in the 1980’s which wasn’t the best start for strong teeth in older age. I spent the 1990’s slowly having amalgam out and gold or porcelain or composite fillings put in.I’ve seen a lot of dentists over the years and am only writing all this to encourage you if you are nervous or know you need some work.At Optismile I had the most gentle drilling I have ever had on an old large filling that needed replacing.It was superb work. Even the anesthetic was just what was needed and wore off gently and quickly.Highly recommended. Great value.

Tom D.

Brought my three daughters here (8,6,4) and we had a great experience all around. Highly recommend!

Bram L.

My experience with OptiSmile was great. I managed to get an appointment very quickly for my tooth ache and the support over phone in preparation of the appointment was much welcome and appreciated. Dr Clifford is very friendly and helped me out efficiently without having to go through unnecessary screens and test.

Isla G.

Hands down, best dentist I’ve ever been to. Professional, incredibly experienced, very nice surroundings, and exceptionally good with my children. Highly recommend.

Ethan B.

Recently had my teeth done by DR Keira and I’m very pleased with the results. I don’t feel insecure about my smile anymore and find myself smiling a lot more !

Aaron J.

Absolutely top-class and excellent in all aspects. Wonderful and friendly people throughout and world-class expertise, equipment, and care that is unmatched from anywhere else that I have seen. Highly recommend!

Katherine B.

What a pleasant and seamless experience at Optismile. Friendly service and excellent dental advice! Thank you taking care of my teeth!

Aubrey F.

Very professionalChanged circumstances caused cancellation of appointment on Thursday

Oliver F.

The best experience. I was suffering from a cracked tooth whilst travelling and contacted OptiSmile on NYE. I received fast and friendly responses with an appointment on the 2nd. They quickly identified and resolved the issue for me. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The actual space is beautifully designed and belongs in Switzerland. If only all dentists and healthcare providers were so great. Thank you!

John O.

Dr Clifford was beyond amazing. Best experience I’ve ever had with a dentist. Facilities and technology they use are the best I’ve ever seen. I went in with an issue my dentist had recommended a root canal for and wanted a second opinion. Dr Clifford said it wasn’t necessary and fixed my issue in a much less invasive fashion. Thankyou so much!

Ronan I.

Absolutely amazing experience. I had a year and a half of Invisalign and then had Injection Molding done to finish it off. I had a completely new smile and a comfortable bite. I felt looked after through the entire experience, Optismile always went the extra mile for me.