Dental veneers in San José

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin layers bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their shape, color or size. They can be composite, built directly in your mouth, or porcelain or zirconia, made in a dental lab.

When are they recommended?

• Stains that whitening does not remove.
• Small teeth or gaps between teeth.
• Worn or chipped edges.
• Irregularly shaped teeth.

Any cavities or inflamed gums are treated first.

Composite or porcelain

Composite veneers are done in one visit, cost less and can be repaired, but over the years they may lose their shine or stain. Porcelain and zirconia keep their color and shine better, but take more visits. The doctor helps you choose based on what you want and the condition of your teeth.

What happens at the appointments?

1. You talk about what you would like to change, and the doctor examines your teeth.
2. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it first, because the veneer shade is matched to your teeth.
3. The doctor prepares the tooth surface, sometimes with minimal reshaping.
4. She builds the composite in layers, or takes an impression for the lab.
5. She adjusts the shape and your bite, and polishes.

How long does it take?

Direct composite veneers are done in a single visit. Porcelain or zirconia veneers need at least two, because they are made in a lab.

Does it hurt?

Most people feel little or no discomfort. If the tooth needs reshaping, a local anesthetic is used.

Aftercare

• Do not bite your nails, pens or ice, and do not open packages with your teeth.
• Brush twice a day and floss.
• Come in for a cleaning every 6 months.

Price

The doctor's fees follow the minimum fee schedule of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica, the national dental board (published January 2025). These are the minimum fees for this treatment, in Costa Rican colones:

• Direct composite veneer (built in the mouth): ₡82,000
• Indirect composite veneer (lab-made): ₡108,000
• Zirconia or porcelain veneer: ₡222,000

The final price depends on your case, and the doctor confirms it after examining you. You can pay in cash, by card or with SINPE Móvil.