Cosmetic treatments
Porcelain veneers
Thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to change their colour, shape, size or length.
Composite bonding
Tooth-coloured material shaped directly on the tooth to repair chips or close small gaps, often in one visit.
Teeth whitening
Professional whitening with custom-fitted trays to lighten your natural tooth colour.
What can veneers help with?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to change their colour, shape, size or length. They are designed to suit your face and blend in with your natural teeth, whether you want a small refresh or a bigger change to your smile.
Veneers may be a good option if you have:
- Gaps between your front teeth
- Teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken
- Deep staining or discolouration that whitening has not improved
- Teeth that are slightly crooked, uneven or an unusual shape
- Old fillings on front teeth that are noticeable or discoloured
Veneers are not right for everyone. If you have decay, gum disease or a lot of crowding, we may recommend treating that first, or suggest another option such as orthodontics, whitening or bonding.
See your new smile before we change a thing
We plan your veneers digitally, around your face, lips and natural expressions. You preview the design on your own teeth first, and nothing permanent happens until you are happy with it.
Stage 1: Design your smile
Planning only, nothing permanentConsultation
We talk about what you’d like to change and why, and check the health of your teeth and gums. This is your chance to ask questions and find out whether veneers are the right fit.
Photos, video & scans
We take photos and short videos of your smile as you talk and smile naturally, plus a digital scan of your teeth. These help us see how your teeth relate to your lips, face and expressions, not just to each other.
Digital smile design
Using these records, we plan your new smile on screen, looking at tooth shape, length, proportions and how it fits your face. We go through the design together and adjust it until you’re happy with the direction.
Trial smile
We turn the design into a temporary mock-up that sits over your own teeth, with no drilling. You can see how it looks in the mirror, smile, talk, and take photos before anything permanent is done.
If the trial smile is not what you pictured, we adjust the design and try again. We only move on once you approve it.
Stage 2: Bring it to life
TreatmentPreparation and temporaries
Once you’re happy, we gently prepare the teeth, usually removing a thin layer of enamel, and take precise scans for the lab. You’ll wear temporary veneers based on your approved design while the final ones are made.
Fitting your veneers
Your dentist checks the fit, shade and bite of each veneer, then bonds them in place and polishes them. We’ll review your bite and make any final adjustments.
Review
We see you again to check your gums, bite and how you’re finding your new veneers, and we may recommend a night guard if you grind.
This image shows the result for one patient and does not mean other patients will get the same outcome. Results, risks, complications and recovery times vary from person to person and between treatments. Whether a treatment is right for you can only be decided at an in-person consultation, where your dentist assesses your individual needs and circumstances. For more on caring for veneers and their risks, see care and things to know below.
Porcelain or composite veneers?
| Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic, made in a dental lab | Tooth-coloured resin, shaped directly on the tooth |
| Tooth preparation | A thin layer of enamel is usually removed | Little or no preparation needed |
| Visits | Usually two or more | Often one |
| Lifespan | Often 10 years or more with good care | Usually shorter, and may need polishing or repair over time |
| Stain resistance | High | Can stain over time |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
We will explain the pros and cons of each for your teeth, so you can choose what suits your goals and budget.
Care and things to know
Look after veneers as you would your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up regular check-ups and cleans. Avoid biting very hard things like ice, pens or fingernails, and wear a night guard if you clench or grind. Veneers can chip or wear over time and may eventually need replacing.
Preparing teeth for porcelain veneers removes some enamel, which cannot be replaced, so the treatment is generally considered irreversible. Some people notice short-term sensitivity after treatment. We will go through the risks, alternatives and costs at your consultation.
Costs & health funds
You will always receive a written quote with item numbers before treatment, so you can check your rebate with your health fund. We claim on the spot with HICAPS, and Afterpay and Humm are available.
Fees & health fundsCommon questions
Are veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers usually require a thin layer of enamel to be removed, which cannot be reversed. We will explain this and less invasive options first.
Can I see what my veneers will look like first?
Yes. Your trial smile is a temporary mock-up of the design placed over your own teeth, with no drilling, so you can see and approve the look before any permanent work.
Will whitening work on my fillings or crowns?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. If you are planning veneers or crowns, whiten first so we can match the new work to your brighter shade.
Thinking about veneers?
Book a consultation online in about a minute, or call us and we will find a time that suits you.