Porcelain Veneers Melbourne

Initial Consultation and Planning

The journey to getting porcelain veneers begins at a dental clinic where an initial consultation is conducted. Here at Preston dental clinic, dentists assess the suitability of veneers for your dental needs. This involves examining your teeth and discussing the desired outcome. Dentists may take X-rays or make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Tooth Preparation

The next step involves preparing the teeth. This process includes the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface. This enamel removal is crucial as it makes room for the veneer, ensuring it fits seamlessly and looks natural. The amount removed is minimal, roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added.

Impressions and Temporary Veneers

Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist takes a mould or impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are made. This process can take a few weeks. In the interim, temporary veneers might be placed to protect the prepared teeth.

Choosing the Right Shade

Selecting the right shade for the dental veneers is a crucial aspect of ensuring they blend in with your natural teeth. During this process, the dentist will help you choose a shade that not only suits your individual preference but also complements your overall appearance for a brighter smile.

Trial with Temporary Veneers

Temporary dental veneers also serve as a trial for the final look. They provide an idea of how the permanent veneers will feel and look. Any adjustments in size, shape, or colour are noted and communicated to the lab for the final porcelain veneers.

Creation of Porcelain Veneers

In the dental lab, skilled technicians craft the porcelain veneers. They use the impressions taken by the dentist to create veneers that match the contours of your prepared teeth and meet your aesthetic expectations. Porcelain is favoured for its stain-resistant properties and its ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Fitting of Permanent Veneers

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you'll return to the dental clinic for fitting. The dentist positions the veneers on your teeth to assess their fit and colour, making any necessary final modifications. The teeth are then cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bonding process.

Bonding Process

A special adhesive is applied to the veneers, and then they are positioned on your teeth. Once properly aligned, a special light beam is applied to the veneers. This light activates chemicals in the adhesive, causing it to harden rapidly. This process is known as curing.

Final Adjustments and Review

After the veneers are bonded, the dentist removes any excess material and evaluates your bite to make necessary adjustments. You may be requested to come back for a follow-up appointment a few weeks later to assess how your gums are reacting to the veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a transformative solution in cosmetic dentistry, offering a path to a brighter, more confident smile. This procedure, though intricate, is a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance multiple teeth with a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution. Keep in mind that the key to long-lasting results lies in good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

Caring for porcelain veneers is quite similar to caring for your natural teeth. We recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste
• Flossing daily to maintain gum health
• Avoiding biting into extremely hard foods (like ice or hard candy)
• Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth during sleep

Scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings With these simple care routines, your veneers will maintain their beauty and function for many years.

You may need a porcelain veneer if you have stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth that you want to cosmetically enhance for a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers are also ideal for closing gaps between teeth or correcting minor shape issues.

The lifespan of porcelain veneers depends on how well you care for them. They typically last between 10 to 15 years. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding hard foods can help extend their lifespan.

In Australia, porcelain veneers generally cost between $700 and $2,000 per tooth. Although they are the more expensive option, porcelain veneers look more natural and are more durable than composites, typically lasting much longer.

The procedure for placing porcelain veneers is virtually painless. We use local anesthesia during the preparation phase to ensure your comfort. Some patients may experience minor sensitivity, but this typically subsides within a few days. 

The number of veneers you'll need depends on your specific smile goals and which teeth are visible when you smile. Some patients opt for just 4-6 veneers for their front teeth, while others choose 8-10 for a broader smile transformation.

While both improve the appearance of teeth, veneers and crowns serve different purposes. Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth and require minimal tooth reduction. Crowns, on the other hand, encase the entire tooth and require more significant preparation.

While porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, we do recommend some minor precautions to extend their lifespan. Try to avoid:

• Extremely hard foods like ice, hard candies, or nuts (or at least avoid biting directly with your veneered teeth)
• Using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
• Excessive consumption of staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine (though porcelain is more stain-resistant than natural teeth)

Normal, everyday eating shouldn't pose any problems for your veneers.

The porcelain veneer procedure is generally considered irreversible because we must remove a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneers. This means your treated teeth will always need some form of restoration.

One of the major benefits of porcelain veneers is their high resistance to staining. Unlike natural teeth or composite veneers, porcelain is non-porous, which means coffee, wine, tea, and tobacco have minimal effect on their color. However, the bonding material at the edges can potentially discolour over time.

Yes, but with some additional considerations. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can potentially damage veneers over time by chipping or fracturing them. If you grind your teeth, we'll likely recommend wearing a custom nightguard while sleeping to protect your veneers.