Key Takeaways
- Porcelain veneers cost AED 1,000-3,000 per tooth; dental implants cost AED 5,000-10,000 per implant
- Veneers are for healthy teeth needing aesthetic improvement; implants replace missing or severely damaged teeth
- Porcelain veneers last 10-15 years; composite veneers last 5-7 years with proper care
- Hollywood Smile typically involves 8-20 teeth and takes 2-6 weeks for veneers, 3-6 months if implants are needed
- Many clinics offer payment plans for cosmetic dentistry, and most dental insurance doesn't cover it
- A consultation determines what you actually need: sometimes whitening alone is enough
You've seen the perfect white smiles on Instagram, in magazines, and across Dubai. The "Hollywood Smile" has become one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in the UAE. But what exactly does it involve? Should you get veneers or implants? How much will it cost? And most importantly, will it look natural or obviously fake? This guide answers all your questions.
What Is a Hollywood Smile?
A "Hollywood Smile" refers to a smile makeover that creates perfectly aligned, bright white teeth. The term originated in Hollywood, where actors needed photogenic smiles on camera. Today, it's used broadly to describe any comprehensive cosmetic dental transformation.
A Hollywood Smile can involve:
- Veneers: Thin porcelain shells covering the front of teeth
- Crowns: Full coverage for damaged teeth
- Implants: Replacement of missing teeth
- Teeth whitening: Brightening existing teeth
- Orthodontics: Straightening with braces or Invisalign
- Gum contouring: Reshaping the gum line
Most people use a combination of these treatments. Your specific treatment plan depends on your current dental health, goals, and budget.
Key Fact
Dental veneers have a 93% survival rate after 15 years when properly cared for, making them one of the most reliable cosmetic dental treatments available
Source:Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Veneers: Transforming Healthy Teeth
Dental veneers are thin shells (typically 0.3-0.7mm thick) bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Think of them like artificial fingernails, but for teeth and much more durable.
Who Benefits from Veneers?
- Discolored teeth: Stains that don't respond to whitening (tetracycline stains, dead teeth)
- Chipped or worn teeth: Minor damage affecting appearance
- Minor gaps: Small spaces between teeth
- Slight misalignment: Teeth that are mildly crooked
- Uneven sizes: Teeth that appear too small or disproportionate
- General aesthetic improvement: Wanting a brighter, more uniform smile
Types of Veneers
Porcelain Veneers
The gold standard. Made in a dental lab from high-quality ceramic, porcelain veneers look incredibly natural and last 10-15+ years.
- Pros: Most natural appearance, highly stain-resistant, durable
- Cons: Higher cost, requires 2-3 visits, irreversible (enamel removal)
- Cost in Dubai: AED 1,000-3,000 per tooth
Composite Veneers
Made from tooth-colored resin applied directly to teeth in a single visit.
- Pros: Lower cost, same-day application, reversible (less enamel removal)
- Cons: Less durable (5-7 years), more prone to staining, less natural-looking
- Cost in Dubai: AED 500-1,000 per tooth
Zirconia Veneers
Made from extremely strong zirconia ceramic.
- Pros: Strongest option, excellent for teeth grinders, very durable
- Cons: Can appear slightly less translucent than natural teeth
- Cost in Dubai: AED 1,200-2,500 per tooth
The Veneer Procedure: Step by Step
Here's what to expect if you choose veneers:
Visit 1: Consultation & Planning
- Dental examination and X-rays
- Discussion of your goals and expectations
- Smile design, sometimes using digital imaging to preview results
- Treatment planning and cost discussion
Visit 2: Tooth Preparation
- Local anesthesia (painless)
- Removal of a thin layer of enamel (0.3-0.7mm)
- Impressions taken for lab fabrication
- Temporary veneers placed while permanent ones are made (1-2 weeks)
Visit 3: Final Placement
- Temporary veneers removed
- Final veneers tried in and adjusted for fit and color
- Permanent bonding with dental cement
- Final adjustments to bite and polish
Dental Implants: Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Unlike veneers (which cover existing teeth), implants replace teeth that are missing or damaged beyond repair.
How Implants Work
A dental implant has three parts:
- Implant post: A titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone
- Abutment: A connector piece that attaches to the implant
- Crown: The visible artificial tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth
The implant fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable, permanent foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Who Needs Implants?
- Missing teeth (from extraction, decay, or trauma)
- Teeth damaged beyond repair
- Loose or failing dental bridges
- People who want a permanent alternative to dentures
Key Fact
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95% and can last a lifetime with proper care. They also prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs when teeth are missing
Source:American Academy of Implant Dentistry
The Implant Procedure Timeline
Implants take longer than veneers because the bone needs time to heal:
Phase 1: Consultation & Planning (1-2 visits)
- Comprehensive examination
- CT scan to assess bone quality and quantity
- Treatment planning
Phase 2: Implant Placement (1 visit)
- Local anesthesia (or sedation if preferred)
- Surgical placement of implant into jawbone
- Healing cap or temporary crown placed
Phase 3: Healing Period (3-6 months)
- Implant fuses with bone (osseointegration)
- Temporary tooth worn during this time
- Regular checkups to monitor healing
Phase 4: Final Crown (1-2 visits)
- Impressions for final crown
- Crown attached to implant
- Adjustments and final result
Veneers vs Implants: Which Do You Need?
The choice isn't really between veneers OR implants because they solve different problems:
Quick Comparison Guide
| Feature | Veneers | Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Improve appearance of existing teeth | Replace missing teeth |
| Procedure Time | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Cost per Tooth | AED 1,000-3,000 | AED 5,000-10,000 |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 20+ years (often lifetime) |
| Surgery Required | No | Yes |
Combined Treatments
Many Hollywood Smile makeovers use both veneers and implants:
- Implants to replace missing teeth
- Crowns on damaged teeth
- Veneers on healthy teeth for uniform appearance
- Whitening on teeth not receiving restorations
Hollywood Smile Costs in Dubai
Let's be transparent about pricing. A Hollywood Smile is a significant investment, and costs vary based on:
Typical Costs (2025)
| Treatment | Price Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Porcelain Veneer (per tooth) | 1,000 - 3,000 |
| Composite Veneer (per tooth) | 500 - 1,000 |
| Dental Crown (per tooth) | 1,200 - 3,000 |
| Dental Implant (complete) | 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Teeth Whitening | 800 - 2,000 |
| Full Upper Arch Veneers (8-10 teeth) | 10,000 - 30,000 |
| Complete Hollywood Smile (16-20 teeth) | 20,000 - 60,000+ |
Payment Options in Dubai
- Payment plans: Many clinics offer 0% interest plans over 6-12 months
- Credit card installments: Split payments across months
- Package discounts: Full smile makeovers often come with bundled pricing
- Financing companies: Some clinics partner with medical financing services
Note: Most dental insurance plans in Dubai don't cover purely cosmetic procedures, but may partially cover crowns or implants if there's a medical necessity.
Caring for Your New Smile
Protecting your investment requires proper maintenance:
Daily Care
- Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste
- Floss daily, because veneers can still get decay at the edges
- Consider a water flosser for thorough cleaning
- Use a night guard if you grind your teeth
What to Avoid
- Biting hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails)
- Using teeth as tools
- Excessive consumption of staining substances (coffee, red wine)
- Smoking (significantly reduces veneer lifespan)
Professional Maintenance
- Professional cleaning every 6 months
- Regular checkups to catch problems early
- Polishing of veneers to maintain luster
Common Concerns About Hollywood Smile
"Will It Look Fake?"
Modern veneers can look completely natural or obviously artificial. The choice is yours. Work with your dentist to select a shade, shape, and size that suits your face. Many people opt for a "natural white" rather than stark Hollywood white. Good cosmetic dentists show you previews and mock-ups before committing.
"Is It Painful?"
The procedures themselves are painless, done under local anesthesia. You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after veneer preparation. Implant surgery is also surprisingly comfortable, with most patients reporting less pain than expected.
"What If I Don't Like the Result?"
This is why the consultation and planning phase is so important. Reputable dentists use digital smile design and temporary mockups to show you the expected result before any permanent work. With porcelain veneers, adjustments are limited after bonding, so approval of temporaries is crucial.
Ready for Your Hollywood Smile Consultation?
At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our dental team specializes in smile makeovers. We offer a comprehensive consultation including digital smile design, so you can see your potential results before committing. Payment plans available.
Book Smile ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
This article was reviewed by our medical team and references the following sources:
- Dubai Health Authority - Dental Practice Standards
- UAE Ministry of Health - Dental Care Guidelines
- Emirates Dental Society - Clinical Standards
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - Veneer Guidelines
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry - Success Rate Standards
Medical content on this site is reviewed by DHA-licensed physicians. See our editorial policy for more information.
Written by
Dr. Chadi El Masry
Specialist Dentist
DDS, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Chadi El Masry is a Specialist Dentist with expertise in cosmetic dentistry, veneers, and smile makeovers. He practices at DCDC Dubai Healthcare City, helping patients achieve confident, beautiful smiles.