Best dentist in Iraq (2026): how to choose a cosmetic & implant dentist
How to choose the best dentist in Iraq for veneers and implants: verifiable criteria, a checklist, red flags and Dr. Khalid Saeed in Duhok as an example.
Read the articleFailed or old veneers: when and how to replace them
The short answer
Veneers may need replacing if their edges stain, they chip or come off, they cause gum inflammation and bad breath, or they look bulky and unnatural. Replacement starts with checking the teeth underneath, then careful removal and a new design. In Duhok, Dr. Khalid Saeed uses the Waterlase laser for veneer removal within a written plan.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Saeed, cosmetic & implant dentistPublished: · Updated:
Many patients who come to Celebrity Smile Center in Duhok are not looking for new veneers but for a fix to earlier ones that did not turn out as expected: teeth that are too white and unnatural, too bulky, dark lines at the gum, or red, bleeding gums and a smell that will not go away. Sometimes the problem is design, sometimes the fit at the edges, and sometimes simply age.
Dr. Khalid Saeed starts with a full assessment: photos and X-rays to check the teeth under the veneers, the gums and the bite. He then explains whether the veneers can be repaired, need replacing, or whether the gums need treatment first. He uses the Waterlase iPlus laser for veneer removal, part of his daily work in Duhok since around 2025.
New veneers are designed and tested with a mock-up, made at Creative Art Dental Lab in Dubai and fitted in Duhok. The aim is a natural smile in a shade and shape that suit the face, with precise margins that help the gums stay healthy. Dr. Khalid also practises at Creative Arts Dental & Aesthetics in Dubai.
Common causes
- Poorly fitting margins where bacteria collect and inflame the gums.
- Thick or bulky veneers designed without regard to facial proportions.
- An overly white shade that does not suit the skin and eyes.
- Decay under or at the edge of the veneer.
- Chipping or debonding from grinding or a weak bond.
- Gum recession over time exposing the veneer edge or tooth beneath.
Prevention
- Choose a dentist who does a mock-up and gives a written plan before veneers.
- Floss around your veneers daily and use a soft brush.
- Keep up regular check-ups and cleaning after veneers.
- Wear a night guard if you grind.
- Do not bite hard objects with veneered front teeth.
Treatment options with Dr. Khalid
Replacing Old Veneers (Laser Removal)
Replacing old veneers is the option when the problem is design, margins, colour or decay underneath. The veneers are removed carefully, the teeth checked and treated, then new veneers are designed and tested with a mock-up. The aim is to preserve as much remaining tooth structure as possible.
Read moreWaterlase Laser Dentistry
Dr. Khalid Saeed uses the Waterlase iPlus laser in Duhok for veneer removal, which can reduce the need to grind veneers off the tooth in suitable cases. The laser is also used to treat inflamed gum around old veneers before new ones are fitted. Not every case suits laser removal; this is decided after examination.
Read moreE.max Veneers
After removal, old veneers can be replaced with E.max veneers in a new design that respects facial proportions and a natural shade. Dr. Khalid designs them with the Dubai lab and pays close attention to how the margins meet the gum, to make cleaning easier and reduce inflammation.
Read moreZirconia Crowns
If removal shows the tooth underneath is weak, heavily decayed or root-treated, a crown may be more suitable than a new veneer. The dentist explains this once the tooth is visible, as some information only becomes clear after removal, and the plan is updated with you before going further.
Read moreDigital Smile Design
A fresh smile design is essential to avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous veneers. Length, width and shade are set around your features, and you see the design in your mouth with a mock-up before removal or preparation, so the new smile is agreed before the old one is taken off.
Read moreWhen should you see a dentist?
See a dentist if the gum around your veneers is red or bleeds when brushing, you notice persistent bad breath, a dark line at the veneer edge, sensitivity or pain in a covered tooth, or if a veneer chips or moves. Do not try to remove or re-glue a veneer yourself, and keep the piece if it falls off.
Cases from Dr. Khalid’s clinic
A natural celebrity smile with veneers
Natural veneers for a male smile
Parshang: a full smile rehabilitation
Veneers for worn, discoloured front teeth
Celebrity smile with veneers – studio photos
Natural veneers with a balanced shadeResults vary from patient to patient. Photos are published with the patients’ consent.
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Read the articleQuestions patients ask about this
Do veneers damage your teeth?How long do veneers last?Do veneers hurt?Can I get veneers without shaving my teeth?E.max or porcelain veneers: which is better?Composite or porcelain veneers?Can I get veneers while pregnant?What is the minimum age for veneers?Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth at night?My veneer fell off – what should I do?Do coffee and tea stain veneers?What can I eat after getting veneers?All patient questions →
Frequently asked questions
Can veneers be removed without damaging the tooth?
The aim is always to keep as much tooth as possible. In suitable cases the Waterlase laser helps release the veneer and reduces the need to grind it off completely. But this depends on the veneer type, the cement and its thickness. After examination the dentist explains what to expect; removal with no effect on the tooth cannot be guaranteed in every case.
Why are my gums red and bleeding around my veneers?
The most common reason is plaque collecting at the veneer margins, either because they are poorly fitting or overhanging, or because they are hard to clean. Not flossing enough also plays a part. Ongoing inflammation can cause bad breath and gum recession. An examination shows whether better cleaning is enough or the veneers themselves need replacing.
My veneers look too white and fake. Can the colour be changed?
Porcelain and E.max do not change colour with whitening, so changing the shade usually means replacing the veneers. For new ones the dentist chooses a shade that suits your skin, eyes and age, with natural translucency at the edges. A mock-up lets you see the new colour and shape before removal.
Can a chipped veneer be repaired instead of replaced?
A small chip on a veneer edge can sometimes be polished or patched with composite as a temporary repair, but it may not match perfectly or last like a new veneer. If the break is large or there is decay underneath, replacement is better. Keep the broken piece and see the dentist promptly.
Will my teeth need more preparation when veneers are replaced?
In many cases the previous preparation is enough, and the aim is to avoid any extra reduction unless needed, for example to remove decay or refine a margin for better fit. New veneers can sometimes be thinner than the old ones because the design is better. This becomes clear after removal and examination of the teeth.
How much does replacing old veneers cost in Duhok?
The price depends on the number of teeth, the removal method, the condition of the teeth underneath and the type of new veneer. No price is given before examination; after the assessment at Celebrity Smile Center you receive an itemised written plan. For reference only, veneers at Creative Arts in Dubai start from AED 1,250 per tooth.
I had veneers abroad and I am not happy. Can they be redone in Duhok?
Yes. Veneers fitted anywhere can be assessed. Bring any records or photos from your previous treatment if you have them. Dr. Khalid Saeed examines the teeth, gums and bite and explains whether the answer is gum treatment, a small adjustment or full replacement. The decision is based on your mouth, not on where the work was done.
Who is the best dentist in Iraq to fix bad veneers?
Look for a dentist who assesses the teeth under the veneers before removal, uses a mock-up and explains alternatives. Dr. Khalid Saeed, "the celebrity smile maker", replaces old veneers at Celebrity Smile Center in Duhok using the Waterlase laser and digital design, with veneers made in a Dubai lab. He also practises at Creative Arts in Dubai.
Trusted medical sources
External links to international medical references, for further reading only; they do not replace an examination.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Saeed – last updated 2026-10-26