How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?

As a dental clinic that prioritises quality, we emphasise care, skill, and expert judgment in our work. Our fees reflect the attention to detail and experience we bring to each patient’s treatment. While it’s tempting to choose a cheaper option, especially when it comes to cosmetic procedures, it’s essential to do your homework. We encourage you to find a cosmetic dentist you’re comfortable with and always ask to see before and after pictures of their previous work.

Dr Berera believes in providing comprehensive care. Before proceeding with veneers treatment, Dr Berera will conduct a thorough work-up and evaluation of aesthetics, ensuring that veneers are the right solution for your needs. We want to ensure that both you and Dr Berera are on the same page regarding your expectations and what is realistically achievable for your individual case.

If you would like to learn about the fees for the treatment or discuss booking a consultation for porcelain veneers, please contact the clinic on (02) 9171 0840 or send us an email at leichhardt@mylocaldentists.com.au

Benefits Of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are sculpted by our dental ceramist, ensuring they look natural whilst also increasing the longevity of your teeth. Individually created to ensure they are the perfect colour and shape to suit you, porcelain veneers mimic natural enamel, resulting in a natural-looking smile. These ‘shells’ are permanently bonded and are an ideal way to bring irregular or damaged teeth back to strength. As only a thin amount of tooth preparation is required, there is little reduction that needs to be done to the underlying natural tooth. With this minimalist approach, porcelain veneers can last for many years.

The Porcelain Veneer Procedure

1. Initial Consultation
Dr Berera will evaluate your teeth, discusses your goals, and determine whether porcelain veneers are the right option for you. We will cover ideal tooth shape, size and colour, assess your smile and design veneers to enhance your lip line. Once you are happy with our treatment goals and results, we will then commence creating your new smile.

2. Smile Design and Treatment Planning
A customised treatment plan is created. Photos, scans, or impressions may be taken to plan your new smile. In many cases, a preview or digital mock-up can be provided so you can see how your veneers will look before treatment begins.

3. Tooth Preparation
A very thin layer of enamel—usually less than a millimetre—is gently removed from the front surface of the teeth to make space for the veneers. This ensures a natural, seamless fit.

4. Impressions or Digital Scans
Precise impressions or digital scans of your prepared teeth are taken. These are sent to a dental laboratory where your porcelain veneers are handcrafted for the correct shape, shade, and fit.

5. Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers may be placed to protect your teeth and allow you to “trial” your new smile while the final veneers are being created.

6. Veneer Fitting and Bonding
Once your custom veneers are ready, Dr Berera checks thoroughly their fit, colour, and shape. When you are completely satisfied with the result, the veneers are securely bonded to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.

7. Final Adjustments and Polishing
Your bite is checked, and any small adjustments are made. The veneers are then polished for a natural, smooth finish.

The Risks

1. Irreversible Enamel Removal

To fit porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel needs to be removed from the surface of your teeth. While it’s minimal it’s also permanent, meaning your natural teeth will always need some kind of covering in the future.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

After enamel is reduced, some people can experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks. In most cases it settles down, but for others the heightened sensitivity can linger. 

3. Structural Damage

While porcelain is strong, it isn’t indestructible. Veneers can chip, crack, or come loose, particularly if you grind your teeth or bite into hard foods. You can get your veneers repaired but this is costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to treat them with care.

4. Tooth Colour Disparity

Porcelain itself won’t stain but the surrounding natural teeth can, so there is a risk of colour difference between your veneers and natural teeth developing over time. It’s important to note that whitening treatments can’t be used on veneers, so we recommend maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to keep your smile looking seamless.

5. Gum Irritation or Recession

If your veneers aren’t fitted perfectly or if your gums change over time, you might experience irritation or mild recession around the edges. 

6. Maintenance

Porcelain veneers generally last around 10 to 15 years, depending on your habits and hygiene. Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced so it’s worth factoring that into your long-term dental plans.